Politics
PM Anutin Comments on Bangkok’s 'Open Government' Initiative
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has addressed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's new transparency directive, emphasizing that government agencies should operate with openness as the default standard.
On September 12, 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul responded to reports regarding a new directive signed by the Governor of Bangkok. The policy mandates that all Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) agencies must disclose public information, operating under the principle of 'Open by Default,' where transparency is the standard and secrecy is only an exception.
Speaking at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Anutin noted that while this specific order pertains to the BMA, the spirit of transparency is already supported by existing national laws regarding government information. He urged all state agencies to avoid seeking loopholes to withhold information, stating that those acting with honest intentions have no reason to conceal data. He personally affirmed his own commitment to full disclosure, noting that he provides requested information without hesitation.
For residents and visitors, this development highlights a potential shift toward greater administrative accountability in the capital. While the Prime Minister indicated that the legal framework for transparency already exists, the practical application of these disclosure rules remains a matter for individual agency heads to manage. It remains to be confirmed how strictly these 'Open by Default' principles will be enforced across various government departments beyond the BMA, or if further national-level mandates will follow to standardize these practices across all ministries.
