On August 23, 2024, Khon Kaen University reinforced its commitment to integrity and good governance by hosting a pivotal training session focused on combating corruption and fostering transparency in procurement and contract management. The event, aimed at enhancing knowledge of anti-corruption laws, specifically addressed the “Risk of Tort Liability for Officials in Procurement and Contract Management under the Public Procurement Law.”
The training session was inaugurated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, who led the university’s staff in a public declaration of their commitment to upholding integrity. Ajarn Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Communications, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal standards in university operations. The event also featured esteemed speakers, including Mr. Likhit Sakunasingh, Chief of Judicial Commission at the Khon Kaen Administrative Court, and Ms. Bunyaporn Unapak, Director of the Litigation Division at the Comptroller General’s Department, who provided valuable insights to the 180 university executives in attendance.
In his keynote address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai emphasized the critical role of procurement and contract management in supporting the university’s educational mission. He underscored that these processes are fundamental to ensuring the efficient use of resources in public service, such as acquiring teaching materials, conducting research, and managing construction projects. Adhering to legal procedures is essential to prevent corruption, as any misstep could result in significant liability for the involved officials.
“This training is a significant step toward deepening our understanding of the risks associated with procurement and contract management,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai. “I am confident that the knowledge gained today will enhance the efficiency and transparency of our operations, ultimately benefiting the university, society, and the nation.”
Ajarn Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit further elaborated on the university’s strategic focus on good governance, which is embedded in KKU’s 10th strategic plan. This strategy aims to establish a robust governance framework across the university, ensuring that all departments operate with integrity and transparency. The training, she noted, is part of KKU’s broader initiative to instill a culture of legal compliance and ethical conduct among its staff.
“As an institution responsible for setting standards in legal adjudication and tort liability, this training is a crucial opportunity for our staff to develop their expertise in public procurement law,” said Ajarn Natsamol. “Understanding the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act of 2017 is key to mitigating risks and ensuring that all levels of university operations align with good governance principles.”
The event concluded with the university’s formal declaration of its commitment to ethical governance and anti-corruption efforts. The declaration outlines five key principles that all KKU staff are expected to uphold, including performing duties with honesty and transparency, adhering to legal and ethical standards, prioritizing public interest, and fostering a culture of integrity.
Khon Kaen University’s renewed commitment to these principles reaffirms its role as a leader in promoting ethical governance and transparency in the public sector, setting a high standard for other institutions to follow.
The declaration of integrity for governance and anti-corruption at Khon Kaen University reads as follows:
“Given that corruption and misconduct are major national issues that impact good governance, Khon Kaen University, as a state agency, recognizes the importance of these issues. Therefore, the university hereby declares its commitment to ethical, transparent governance and the fight against corruption and misconduct, to which all university executives and staff must strictly adhere:
- Perform duties with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
- Execute tasks with precision, upholding ethical standards, laws, regulations, and professional codes of conduct when serving others.
- Fulfill responsibilities to the best of your abilities, prioritizing efficiency and the greater good of the university and the nation, while placing public interest above personal gain.
- Uphold a shared commitment to preventing corruption and misconduct, and avoid any actions that could lead to conflicts of interest or significant involvement in unethical activities.
- Cultivate integrity in the workplace by adhering to principles of accuracy, fairness, non-discrimination, and impartiality, maintaining a strong sense of duty in performing tasks or delivering services, and strictly following the university’s policies, regulations, and standards.