Asset declaration deadline to cover more positions

>> The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will consider giving 60 extra days to position holders under new rules requiring them to declare assets and debts, said Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, chairman of the commission.

The commission had earlier made Dec 2 the deadline for committee chairs and university council members to make their declarations, Mr Watcharapol said. Now it has been extended to Jan 31.

The extension is to ensure fairness to all post holders who have never before been required to declare their assets and debts, he said. The issue will be discussed at an NACC meeting on Tuesday, he said.

Senior officials who are expected to receive additional time include the governor of the Bank of Thailand, and the chairman, board members and secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a source at the NACC told the Bangkok Post.

The extension is also granted to the chairman, deputy chairman and board members of the King Prajadhipok’s Institute.

The deadline extension until Jan 31 was intended to pacify university council members, the source said.

Some members called for a review of the regulation for fear the forced declaration could trigger a mass exodus of members loath to see the details of their assets and liabilities go public.

The NACC stood its ground, refusing to amend its rule and gave more time to prepare documents instead.

High-ranking officials are already required by law to declare their assets and debts, as well as those belonging to their spouses and children.

The same holds true for those who rank as holders of political office.

Many of them hold senior positions of the rank of a ministerial deputy or permanent secretary, deputy directors-general of departments, deputy university rectors or other officials holding equivalent positions.