He said the list consisted of 20 to 30 local officials facing corruption investigations.

Executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), such as deputy governors, who are suspected of irregularities in City Hall’s controversial multi-million-baht “Light of Happiness” project are not on the list but are under investigation by the Centre for National Anti-Corruption (CNAC).

Paiboon said he had been informed that some politicians had been discussing using proxies or political nominees to avoid being punished under the Conflict of Interests bill.

He said the bill, which initially proposed punishing seven generations of convicted officials’ family connections, was being reviewed to determine whether the draft should be limited to three or four generations.

Council of State secretary-general Distat Hotrakitya said the council is considering suggestions from state agencies about issues related to the Conflict of Interests bills.

The council may alter the bill originally presented by the National Reform Steering Assembly for reasons of clarity.

Distat said the bill would define what constituted conflicts of interest as a pre-emptive measure.

The council will forward the revised bill to the Cabinet for approval soon.