Govt backs bill to police NGO income

The cabinet has tentatively agreed to a bill requiring non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to declare their financial sources or risk prosecution.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday the cabinet agreed in principle with the bill after it was vetted by the Council of State, the government’s legal arm.

The cabinet has now assigned the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to conduct a public hearing on the bill. After that, it will be returned to the cabinet which will decide whether to approve it or not. If approved, the bill will be forwarded for deliberation in parliament.

Mr Thanakorn said the bill was conceived in the best interests of the public and its scrutiny was above board and transparent since it will be…