The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has reaffirmed its readiness to accept scrutiny over corruption allegations while questioning the methodology of a private-sector survey that identified it as the agency with the highest average bribery payments.
Speaking on Monday, director-general Surin Worakijthamrong said the department welcomed investigations into any alleged wrongdoing but raised concerns over a perception survey by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).
He said the findings, based on a limited sample and methodological constraints, should not be used to rank agencies or reflect the country's overall corruption situation.
The survey reported that the PCD had the highest average bribe payment at 102,160 baht per case.
Mr Surin said the department convened a nationwide meeting of executives and sent an open letter to the JSCCIB on May 15 seeking clarification on data sources, verification methods and supporting evidence within seven days.
The JSCCIB responded on Friday with documents outlining its methodology, sample questionnaires and public briefing materials.
Mr Surin said the PCD does not reject scrutiny, noting corruption undermines the economy, investment and public confidence. He said strict disciplinary action would be taken against any officials found guilty, and a task force has been set up to review procedures, particularly inspections and law enforcement involving pollution sources.
He emphasised that the survey reflects "perception" data, respondents' feelings, beliefs or experiences, rather than facts verified through formal or judicial processes, and should be seen as reflecting sentiment rather than proof of corruption at the agency level.
The department also questioned the methodology, noting that only 26 agencies were surveyed out of 162, with 401 respondents over 16 days, of whom about 45% had direct experience -- roughly seven per agency. Some questions were seen as potentially leading, and differences were noted between online and face-to-face formats.
Mr Surin added that the JSCCIB acknowledged its confidence levels applied to the survey overall, not individual agencies, making conclusions about the PCD potentially inconsistent with academic standards.
The PCD said it has implemented a corruption risk management system with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and is upgrading procedures to standard operating practices to improve transparency.
Mr Surin also warned of individuals impersonating PCD officials, urging the public to report suspicious cases.
