Enhanced whistleblower protection in Thailand

Thailand took a major step forward in whistleblower protection when it amended the Organic Act on Anti‑Corruption (No. 2), B.E. 2568 (2025). Published in the Government Gazette on June 5,  2025 and effective as of June 6, the revision offers clear legal immunity, financial and legal support, and rapid response within 15 days.

Thailand hopes more citizens will now join the fight against corruption. With stronger whistleblower protection, the country enters a new era of transparency.

Why strengthening whistleblower protection matters

Whistleblowers are often the first line of defense against corruption. They risk their jobs, reputations, and even personal safety to reveal wrongdoing. Unfortunately, until recently, many in Thailand faced serious retaliation after speaking up.

One major flaw in earlier laws was the lack of enforceable immunity. People who reported corruption could still face lawsuits, disciplinary action, or criminal charges. This created a chilling effect. Many chose to stay silent rather than risk their livelihoods.

A case of Dr.  Chutima, an anti-corruption advocate, is one example. She revealed the misuse of microcredit funds by local officials. In early 2024, she faced criminal defamation charges as a result. On March 6, 2024, the court acquitted her. The ruling rejected the lawsuit as a SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation). This case highlights the vulnerability of whistleblowers under old laws. 

The 2025 amendment fixes that. It introduces a clear structure that not only protects whistleblowers but also empowers the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to act swiftly. The goal is to make whistleblowing safer and more accessible.

Now, anyone who reports in good faith to the NACC, or other state agencies working on corruption cases, is protected from civil, criminal, or disciplinary consequences. The law also applies retroactively to individuals who provided information before it took effect, as long as their cases are still ongoing.

What’s new in the Anti-Corruption Law?

The 2025 amendment introduces several key improvements:

• Legal immunity. Section 132 has been updated to grant immunity to whistleblowers acting in good faith. They are now protected from civil, criminal, or disciplinary punishment.
• Rapid protection process. If a whistleblower faces retaliation, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) must assess their case and decide on protection within 15 days.
• Comprehensive assistance. The NACC can now provide legal aid, pay for court fees, offer legal representation, and even assist with bail if necessary.
• Retroactive protection. The law applies to whistleblowers who reported misconduct before the amendment, as long as their cases are still ongoing.
• Use of the National Counter Corruption Fund. All support services, including legal and financial aid, can be covered by this fund.

Impact on Thailand’s anti-corruption efforts

The 2025 legal changes could be a turning point in Thailand’s fight against corruption. By offering strong protections, the law encourages more people to report wrongdoing without fear. When insiders come forward, authorities can act faster and more effectively.

It also sends a clear message: whistleblowers are allies, not enemies. When they are protected, corruption has fewer places to hide.

Moreover, organizations, both public and private, will be more cautious in handling misconduct. The possibility of internal reporting becoming public grows stronger when employees know they are safe and supported.

To prepare for this new era, many organizations are adopting whistleblowing systems that offer confidentiality, multilingual support, and multiple reporting channels. One such solution is the Canary Whistleblowing System, a secure, customizable platform designed to help organizations  manage reports efficiently while ensuring whistleblower confidentiality and compliance with local regulations. It enables secure case handling, real-time monitoring, and seamless integration with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks. By adopting a system like Canary, organizations not only support legal obligations but also strengthen internal accountability and reduce reputational risk.

In the long term, this could lead to a culture of transparency. Businesses may implement stronger internal controls. Government agencies might improve their accountability frameworks. All of this is expected to help reduce corruption on a national scale.