June 16, 2025
Thailand has amended its primary anticorruption law to provide robust new protections and direct assistance to whistleblowers. The Organic Act on Anti-Corruption (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025) was published in the Government Gazette on June 5, 2025, and came into force the following day. The amendment introduces a clear framework for safeguarding and supporting individuals who report graft. The amendment addresses a critical gap in the previous legislation by establishing formal mechanisms to protect and assist those who come forward with information. The key changes aim to shield whistleblowers from retaliatory legal and disciplinary actions, thereby encouraging more citizens to participate in exposing corruption without fear of reprisal. Key updates to the law are discussed below. Whistleblower Immunity The amendment clarifies and strengthens legal immunity by revising section 132 of Thailand’s original anticorruption law from 2018. Under the revised section, individuals who provide good-faith statements, information, evidence, or opinions to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding offenses under its jurisdiction will be protected from civil, criminal, and disciplinary liability. This protection is explicitly extended to individuals who provide information to other state agencies tasked by the NACC to investigate corruption, such as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission or the whistleblower’s own supervisors. Protection and Assistance A new section added to the law establishes a clear and swift process for activating protections. When the NACC learns that a whistleblower is facing legal complaints, criminal charges, or disciplinary action due to their report, the commission must review the matter and decide on providing protection within 15 days. If the NACC determines that the whistleblower acted in good faith, its office is required to provide immediate assistance. Legal and Financial Support Another newly introduced section outlines a wide range of assistance measures the NACC office can provide in civil and criminal cases