Thai anti-graft agency bars staff from bragging about work online

Bangkok — The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Thailand has issued new guidelines for its staff regarding social media usage during working hours. According to the directives, signed by NACC Chairman Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, personnel must refrain from engaging in personal activities on social media that could impact their job performance or give the impression they are not fully committed to their government duties.

The rules cover a range of conduct on social media platforms, including the avoidance of vulgar language, online arguments, insults, defamatory remarks, hate speech, harassment, and sarcastic attacks. Additionally, staff are cautioned against posting content that could undermine political neutrality, disrupt public order, or violate public morality.

Confidential information and sensitive government operations must not be disclosed online. The guidelines also prohibit posting photographs or videos of staff in uniform or wearing NACC-branded clothing while behaving inappropriately. Other restrictions include content that could cause social divisions, hatred, or negatively affect the nation, religion, or monarchy.

NACC staff are strictly forbidden from boasting about their work on social media or using their positions for personal or commercial gain. Furthermore, they must ensure that family members or associates do not leverage their positions for such benefits. The primary objective of these guidelines is to ensure that staff adhere to ethical standards and government regulations, safeguard official information, and maintain public confidence in the agency.