Khon Kaen University Announces Its Commitment to Integrity and Good Governance, Anti-Corruption, and Conducts Training on “Risks of Tort Liability in Procurement.”

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On August 23, 2024, Khon Kaen University announced its commitment to integrity, adherence to good governance principles, and anti-corruption efforts. The university also organized a training program to promote knowledge and understanding of anti-corruption laws and misconduct titled “Risks of Tort Liability for Officials Regarding Procurement and Contract Management under the Government Procurement Act.”

The event was honored by Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, who delivered the opening remarks and led personnel in declaring the university’s commitment to integrity. Associate Professor Nutthasamon Thanakunrangsarit, Vice President for Legal Affairs and Corporate Communications, presented the event report.

The training featured distinguished speakers: Mr. Likhit Sakunasinh, Presiding Judge of the Khon Kaen Administrative Court, and Ms. Boonyaporn Unapak, Director of the Litigation Division, Comptroller General’s Department. Approximately 180 executives attended the event held at Sirikunakorn 3 Meeting Room, Office of the President.

Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, stated that this is another important opportunity for all of us at Khon Kaen University to jointly enhance our knowledge and understanding of the legal principles related to anti-corruption and misconduct, particularly regarding the topic of “Risks of Tort Liability for Officials in Procurement and Contract Management under the Government Procurement Act.”

Procurement and contract management are crucial operational processes, as they mark the starting point for acquiring tools or basic mechanisms that support the university’s educational mission—public services such as purchasing materials and equipment for teaching, research, or academic services, as well as contracting for construction of buildings and managing construction contracts. These processes are governed by specific legal procedures and methods, and all officials involved are strictly obligated to comply to prevent damage and undue benefits that could lead to corruption. Ultimately, if any damage occurs, the responsible officials may be liable to compensate for tort damages or other consequences. Therefore, procurement and contract management are matters that all personnel must learn, understand, be aware of, and give serious attention to, ensuring the university’s operations are complete, correct, honest, transparent, and auditable, which will ultimately benefit the university, society, and the nation.

Declaration of the Commitment to Integrity in Governance and Anti-Corruption of Khon Kaen University

Due to corruption and misconduct being significant problems impacting good governance principles, Khon Kaen University, as a government agency, recognizes these issues seriously and hereby declares its commitment to managing operations with morality and transparency in accordance with good governance principles and anti-corruption measures. This commitment is to be strictly upheld by all executives and staff as follows:

  • Perform duties with honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

  • Carry out duties based on correctness, adhering firmly to morality, ethics, laws, regulations, rules, professional ethics, and the ethical standards expected of service providers.

  • Perform duties to the best of one’s ability, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and maximum benefit to the university and the country, taking responsibility for one’s duties and prioritizing public interest over personal gain.

  • Promote shared values to combat corruption and misconduct, and avoid participation in any activities that may present conflicts of interest or significant personal gains.

  • Foster moral conduct in the workplace by adhering to principles of correctness, fairness, non-discrimination, absence of bias or interference, and maintain a conscientious attitude in work or service provision. Comply strictly with university policies, rules, regulations, announcements, and standards.