Anti-graft group urges end to ‘study’ excursions that are mostly about tourismThe Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand has urged state agencies to put an end to overseas study trips that are largely tourism-oriented. Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol posted on his Facebook that a search through ACT Ai showed that from 2016 to 2025, state agencies organised at least 928 overseas study trips, with total spending exceeding 2.5 billion baht, or about 250 million baht per year. It is therefore a major lost opportunity if the state organises trips without clear and meaningful outcomes,” he said. Mr Mana urged the judiciary to build on this step by tightening policies and practices on overseas travel, ensuring accountability and value for taxpayers’ money, and setting an example for other state agencies. Learning from abroad is key, he said, but trips that double as tourism are a misuse of public resources and violate ethical standards that place public interest above personal gain.

Source: Bangkok Post March 26, 2026 07:35 UTC