Press Release: Key Role of the State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand in the 16th ASOSAI Assembly in New Delhi
New Delhi, Republic of India, September 23-27, 2024 – The delegation from the State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand (SAO), led by General Chanathap Indamra, President of the State Audit Commission, in his capacity as ASOSAI Chair, along with State Audit Commissioners; Mr. Sansern Poljieak, Professor Dr. Orapin Phonsuwan Sabyeroop, Ms. Siluck Punnoum, Auditor General, Mr. Monthien Charoenpol, and Deputy Auditor Generals, Mrs. Klednatee Manosan and Mr. Thanapol Komalakul Na Nakorn, attended the 16th ASOSAI Assembly in New Delhi, India. The assembly was attended by 42 ASOSAI member countries and numerous international Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
On September 23, General Chanathap Indamra, as the ASOSAI Chair, presided over the 60th ASOSAI Governing Board Meeting. Auditor General, Mr. Monthien Charoenpol presented the progress report of the State Audit Office of Thailand during its term as ASOSAI Chair, highlighting the successful implementation of the Bangkok Declaration. This declaration emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and international cooperation among member SAIs.
Mr. Monthien Charoenpol also presented several key agenda items, one of which was the success of the Bangkok Declaration in promoting the audit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaboration with the INTOSAI Governing Board to enhance ASOSAI’s global role. General Chanathap Indamra stressed the importance of SAIs adapting quickly to changes in the "Next Normal" world.
On September 24, the assembly was honored by the presence of Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of India, who gave an opening speech. General Chanathap Indamra officially opened the 16th ASOSAI Assembly, underscoring the importance of SAIs adapting to the "Next Normal." During the 7th agenda, Mr. Monthien Charoenpol reported on the progress of the Bangkok Declaration, which focuses on four key areas: promoting good governance, achieving SDGs, leveraging advanced technologies like AI and remote audits, and responding to crises.
On September 25, the Thai delegation participated in the 9th ASOSAI Symposium, presenting research on promoting equitable access to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), particularly for the elderly and vulnerable groups. In addition, Thai State Audit Commissioners and Deputy Auditor Generals held bilateral meetings with various countries to strengthen audit collaboration:
- Ms. Siluck Punnoum, State Audit Commissioner, held discussions with the Mongolian National Audit Office, focusing on enhancing compliance audits, integrated with financial audits. SAI Mongolia expressed interest in sending delegates to Thailand for training, and the SAO of Thailand invited SAI Mongolia to visit Thailand in 2025 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Thai State Audit Office.
- Mr. Sansern Poljieak, State Audit Commissioner, led discussions with the Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan, focusing on academic cooperation in auditing SDGs and environmental audits. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering technical cooperation in these critical areas and enhancing ASOSAI's role.
- Professor Dr. Orapin Phonsuwan Sabyeroop, State Audit Commissioner, held a bilateral meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Accountability Authority. SAI UAE expressed keen interest in adopting AI in public sector auditing and strengthening the role of SAIs in anti-corruption efforts. The SAO of Thailand invited SAI UAE to participate in the 150th-anniversary celebration of Thailand’s State Audit Office in 2025.
On September 27, the Thai delegation proposed the establishment of the ASOSAI Working Group on Foresight and Public Finance Evaluation (ASOSAI WGFPFE), which was endorsed by the assembly. This working group will focus on foresight and public finance evaluation. The SAO of Thailand is expected to report on the progress of this working group at the 62nd ASOSAI Governing Board Meeting in Azerbaijan in 2025. Furthermore, the SAO of Thailand was appointed as the lead of the 14th ASOSAI Research Project, titled "Using AI in Public Sector Audit," with the goal of exploring the use of AI to enhance government auditing efficiency.
The SAO of Thailand’s active participation in the 16th ASOSAI Assembly exemplifies its leadership on the international audit stage and marks a significant step in fostering global collaboration and innovation in public sector auditing to meet the challenges of the Next Normal.
