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

BANGKOK — Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has instructed staff to avoid using social media for personal purposes unrelated to their duties during working hours if it affects their performance or creates the impression that they are not devoting sufficient time to government service.

The guidelines, signed by NACC chairman Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, set out rules for staff conduct on social media, warning against online activities that could affect their work, compromise confidentiality or damage the agency’s reputation.

Staff are also advised to avoid vulgar language, online arguments, insults, defamatory remarks, hate speech, harassment and sarcastic attacks. They must not post content that could undermine political neutrality, disrupt public order or violate public morality.

The rules prohibit the disclosure of confidential government information or sensitive official operations. Staff are also barred from posting photos or videos of themselves in uniform or wearing clothing bearing the NACC’s name while engaging in behaviour deemed inappropriate.

Other restrictions cover content that could fuel social divisions or hatred within society or the agency, as well as posts considered to affect the nation, religion or monarchy.

NACC personnel are prohibited from boasting about their official work on social media or using their own or another person’s government position for commercial or personal benefit. They must also ensure that family members or other people do not use or refer to their positions to seek such benefits.

The guidelines aim to ensure that staff comply with ethical standards and government regulations while protecting official information and maintaining public confidence in the agency.