Purpose: E-government procurement (E-GP) can improve the traditional government procurement process. E-GP can help decrease corruption. This research aims to present the factors of E-GP that can create good governance in government procurement through e-auction. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted with Thai public managers who are involved in e-government procurement. The sample size is 169 professionals representing 67 government agencies. Findings: There are five factors that enhance governance procurement. These relate to the transparent e-procurement process, committed public managers and political officials, honest vendors, and specific policies and regulations. A transparent e-procurement process has a positive effect on good governance practice, increasing cost effectiveness and accountability, and decreasing collusion among vendors. Vendor honesty has a negative impact on collusion. Supportive policy and regulations requirements improve cost effectiveness, accountability, and law enforcement. Practical implications: E-GP is not a guarantor of enhanced governance and reduced corruption. It requires a dedicated commitment to strong rule enforcement and penalties to achieve successful implementation of e-government procurement. Originality/value: Using a wide range of government agencies, the research addresses the best practices e-government procurement governance and the benefits of good governance in terms of cost effectiveness, accountability, collusion reduction, and stringent law enforcement. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.