Former PM Chuan Leekpai warns that Thailand's independent agencies—designed as oversight mechanisms to strengthen democracy—are increasingly subject to political interference and compromised legitimacy. He cited historical examples of the Election Commission (ECT) being corrupted (bribery, falsifying records) and the executive branch overreaching into judicial authority. He argues that without strict adherence to integrity and good governance, these institutions risk failing their democratic mandate, and that current political pressure on budget allocation for agencies like the ECT exemplifies ongoing institutional capture.