Bangkok: The government has announced the establishment of the DOPA NICE Center, aimed at enhancing the prevention and suppression of corruption related to civil registration and nationality matters, thereby safeguarding citizens' rights and fortifying national security.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, outlined that this initiative is part of the policy driven by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The policy instructs all agencies to operate with integrity under the principle of "keeping names confidential, focusing on behavior," which emphasizes prioritizing actions based on evidence and circumstances rather than targeting individuals or their status. This approach aims to ensure equitable and transparent law enforcement in tackling registration-related offenses.
The Ministry of Interior is spearheading the government's efforts to enhance measures for preventing and suppressing corruption in civil registration and nationality matters. The newly established coordination center, DOPA NICE, is designed to facilitate better cooperation and quicker resolution of complex issues. This center will act as a hub for integrating efforts with justice system agencies and related organizations to improve the nationwide prevention and suppression of registration corruption. Additionally, the government is advocating for updates to laws, regulations, and guidelines to adapt to changing circumstances.
Ms. Ploytalee emphasized that the center's establishment significantly enhances the protection of civil registration data, which is a crucial component of national security. It also aims to elevate registration operational standards to ensure consistency across the nation. Citizens who detect any irregularities or fraud in civil registration and nationality issues are encouraged to report them via the 1548 hotline, the 1567 hotline, or through the online channels of the Department of Provincial Administration and partner networks, to collaboratively combat and prevent registration fraud.