INNOVATION AGAINST CORRUPTION: A DIGITAL RISK-ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR REGIONAL GOVERNMENT IN THAILAND AND THE ASIAN CONTEXT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/apsr.2025.12Keywords:
Good Governance, Corruption Risk, Digital Platform, Natural Language Processing, Public ProcurementAbstract
Corruption and misconduct remain persistent barriers to good governance in Thailand's regional government agencies, notably in procurement and licensing processes, thereby weakening fiscal discipline and public trust. This study, "Innovation Against Corruption," develops and evaluates a Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based digital risk-assessment framework to strengthen governance and reduce corruption risks. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, including online surveys of 160 officials, focus group discussions, and 24 in-depth interviews across four pilot provinces (Chiang Mai, Chainat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Trang), the research integrates NLP with a COSO-ERM-based risk matrix. Key findings reveal procurement as the highest-risk domain, reflecting structural vulnerabilities and entrenched patronage networks. The developed platform proved effective in automating risk scoring, reducing administrative burden, and enhancing transparency, with user feedback indicating high satisfaction with its usability, accuracy, and perceived benefits. This study significantly contributes to the digital governance and anti-corruption literature by linking technological innovation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 (Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions), 9 (Industry, Innovation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities). It highlights the platform's pivotal role in fostering integrity, accountability, and public trust. Future research should address current limitations by expanding the geographical scope and exploring advanced technologies.
Downloads
References
Adam, I. (2024). Transparency, accountability, and integrity of public procurement systems. Retrieved from https://knowledgehub.transparency.org/helpdesk/transparency-accountability-and-integrity-of-public-procurement-systems.
Braun V., & Clarke V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
Creswell, J., & Plano Clark, V. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). California: SAGE Publications.
Davis, F. (1989). Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340.
DeLone, W., & McLean, E. (2003). The DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems Success: A Ten-Year Update. Journal of Management Information Systems, 19(4), 9-30.
Fazekas, M., Tóth, I., & King, L. (2016). An Objective Corruption Risk Index Using Public Procurement Data. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 22, 369-397.
Kalyanamitra, P., Tatiyalapa, D., Mala, T., & Yaowanit, K. (2018). The Success of Putting Good Governance into Practice of the Local Administrative Organizations in Central Region of Thailand. International Journal of Crime, Law and Social Issues, 5(1), 164-175.
Kanyajit, S., & Ketsil, T. (2018). The Development of Anti-Corruption Network Potentiality. Asian Political Science Review, 2(1), 9-16.
Kim, S., Kim, H., & Lee, H. (2009). An institutional analysis of an e-government system for anti-corruption: The case of OPEN. Government Information Quarterly, 26(1), 42-50.
Lewis-Faupel, S., Neggers, Y., Olken, B., & Pande, R. (2016). Can electronic procurement improve infrastructure provision? Evidence from public works in India and Indonesia. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 8(3), 258-283.
Nam, T. (2018). Examining the anti-corruption effect of e-government and the moderating effect of national culture: A cross-country study. Government Information Quarterly, 35(2), 273-282.
National Anti-Corruption Commission. (2024). NACC reveals ITA 2024 results. Retrieved from www.nacc.go.th/english/categorydetail/2019122712514151207005112EK12853/20240807162057.
Neupane, A., Soar, J., & Vaidya, K. (2012a). The potential of e-procurement technology for reducing corruption. International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 11(4), 273-287.
Neupane, A., Soar, J., & Vaidya, K. (2012b). Evaluating the anti-corruption capabilities of public e-procurement in a developing country. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 55(2), 1-17.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2022). Open and connected government review of Thailand. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1787/e1593a0c-en.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2025). Implementing the OECD Recommendation on Public Procurement in OECD and partner countries (2020-2024 report). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1787/02a46a58-en.
Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
Sarnthoy, P. (2019). The Role of Human Resource Management Practices in Promoting Good Governance in the Thai Civil Service. Asian Political Science Review, 3(1), 98-115.
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations. (2017). Enterprise Risk Management—Integrating with strategy and performance. Retrieved from www.coso.org/enterprise-risk-management.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2023). Evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-corruption measures (Thailand contribution to UNCAC WG). Retrieved from www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/WorkingGroups/workinggroup4/2023-June-12/Contributions/Thailand_EN.pdf.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Kajohnsak CHAOKROMTHONG, Nittaya SINTHAO
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
.png)
