Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has proposed to the Cabinet to establish clear criteria for "detention in a place of detention." The aim is to increase the efficiency of detention operations in detention centers by establishing clear criteria and conditions, reducing the risk of officials using their discretion to benefit individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has published recommendations to enhance the efficiency of detention operations in places of detention. This aligns with the Department of Corrections Regulations on the Procedures for Detention in Places of Detention, B.E. 2566 (2023) and related regulations. The regulations announced by the Department of Corrections on December 6, 2023, along with related sub-regulations, define detention centers other than prisons or prisons outside of prisons. The lack of clarity in their implementation poses a risk to officials who might exercise discretion to benefit individuals, leading to potential discrimination against inmates. For instance, the definition of "detention center" has led to interpretations that include the home or private residence of an inmate.
The NACC, during its 78th meeting on August 19, 2025, resolved to approve recommendations to boost the efficiency of detention operations in accordance with the Department of Corrections Regulations on the Procedures for Detention in Detention Centers B.E. 2023 and related regulations. The committee decided to submit these recommendations to the Cabinet for assignment to the Department of Corrections and relevant agencies, as per Section 32 of the 2018 Organic Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption.
Key recommendations include the Department of Corrections reviewing the implementation of its regulations to establish clear criteria, methods, conditions, or guidelines for prison administration and punishment administration. This aims to reduce discretionary practices that could benefit certain inmates and to expedite public understanding of detention operations. The Department is encouraged to promote transparency and reduce resistance from various sectors, with recommendations to improve long-term operational efficiency.
The NACC suggests that the Department of Corrections should classify inmate characteristics to provide detailed data for prison administration, ensuring segregation of detention in detention centers and appropriate punishment administration. The NACC will submit these recommendations to the Cabinet to enhance efficiency in detention operations in accordance with the regulations.