george Posted February 13, 2007 Share Posted February 13, 2007 Punishment for corrupt politicians to be stipulated in new charter BANGKOK: -- Clauses clearly stipulating punishments against corrupt politicians will be contained in Thailand's new charter, Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Prasong Soonsiri affirmed on Tuesday. Meanwhile, he said, the new constitution will guarantee more public participation in general issues than any of its predecessors had previously done. Squadron Leader Prasong said members of each CDC sub-committee have come up with varied suggestions about clauses determining prohibitions for institutions or individuals entering a political arena as well as punishment for politicians and political parties charged of corruption and abuse of power. Regarding check and balance system involving independent agencies and courts, CDC chairman said, in an initial discussion, drafters suggested that the senate should not have any role in selecting or appointing independent organisations’ executive members, as to ensure transparency and efficiency of the process. Instead, he said, more public participation will be sought in procedures dealing with independent agencies, especially in the impeachment process. A civil sector body may be set up to direct affairs of this area of concern as well as others needing public participation, he said. “In general overview of the new charter, it will place importance on the people’s rights, freedom, and participation. We’ll make it the constitution that endorses as much public participation as possible, even more than the previous ones ever did,” he said. Squadron Leader Prasong reiterated that the new charter will also guarantee better people entering Thai politics. --TNA 2007-02-13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casanundra Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Sigh! So does that mean only polititians are to be punished for being corrupt? What about extending this down to policemen, military leaders, government officials, immigration officers, contractors, heads of school and anyone else out there who likes to stand there with their left hand stuck out waiting for some kickback. All these generals are rich on a paltry military salary, so let's ask them how on earth they managed to get so rich as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Valid point but why not start with politicians, especially since they are wrting a constitution which will be used mainly by politicians? Realistically if they can pull that off it will be a great achievement already. During 1997 Constitution drafting the government managed to successfully defang some clauses - conflict of interests, placing assets in nominees names or blind funds. Worked very well - in almost ten years no politician has ever used a blind trust fund, and we know a lot about nominees now.... Also they want to prevent politicians convicted in courts from joining the government. Newin Chidchob was given a suspended sentence, I think, and went on to become Thaksin's right hand and currently is the unspoken leader of the "undercurrent". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiGoon Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 This might be a small step in the grand scheme of things, but at least it's a good step in the right direction. Of course, ridding Thailand of corruption all at once would be great, but that will never ever be possible. I just hope these clauses, once implemented, will as effective as it sounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_Pat_Pong Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Sigh!So does that mean only polititians are to be punished for being corrupt? What about extending this down to policemen, military leaders, government officials, immigration officers, contractors, heads of school and anyone else out there who likes to stand there with their left hand stuck out waiting for some kickback. All these generals are rich on a paltry military salary, so let's ask them how on earth they managed to get so rich as well... they took their lunches from home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiGoon Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Sigh!So does that mean only polititians are to be punished for being corrupt? What about extending this down to policemen, military leaders, government officials, immigration officers, contractors, heads of school and anyone else out there who likes to stand there with their left hand stuck out waiting for some kickback. All these generals are rich on a paltry military salary, so let's ask them how on earth they managed to get so rich as well... they took their lunches from home Either that or they have already mastered the sufficiency philosophy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John K Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Well if Mr Karr can motivate the Thais, I guess Mr. Thaksin can too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 they took their lunches from home Classic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jai Dee Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Stiffer penalties for corruption Political office-holders found guilty of tax evasion will be banned from running for office or being a member of a party for 10 years, charter writer Nurak Mapraneet said yesterday. The new penalty, if approved and incorporated into the constitution, is expected to affect ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who faces tax charges. "Stiffer penalties and tougher graft provisions are meant to prevent a repeat of assets concealment and tax evasion by powerful leaders," Nurak said. He spoke after chairing a subcommittee appointed by the Constitution Drafting Committee to rewrite anti-corruption charter provisions. Among key changes is a new mandate for the National Counter Corruption Commission to order tax audits for discrepancies in assets statements filed by politicians as they enter and leave office. The tax audit could cover tax records up to 10 years old. In another change, political office-holders will be required to declare assets for married and common-law spouses and children. Under existing rules assets statements are required from married spouses and children. Source: The Nation - 15 February 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Action is what is needed. All the laws and charters in the world are of little value unless someone is going to enforce them and that doesn't happen very often here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Thing is, if the wrong people take a dislike to this constitution, will they just roll the tanks once again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John K Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Thing is, if the wrong people take a dislike to this constitution, will they just roll the tanks once again? Perhaps you are right, but I think peoples eyes are much more open this time around as to who gets in. I am very impressed with the wording and intent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Clifton Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Way too many watchdogs for anyone to pull the old tricks. They'll have to come up with something new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Just wath them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_Pat_Pong Posted February 15, 2007 Share Posted February 15, 2007 Just wath them. how does one wath ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Clifton Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I swear I did not make this up. Google it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Just wath them. how does one wath ? With a wath cloth of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary A Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 It appears that everyone has short memories. They did this the last constitution. ALL politicians were supposed to have explained "unusual wealth". A public servant that earned (?) 100,000 baht a month has a billion baht in assets after a few years in office. Give me a break! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jai Dee Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 AEC chats with PM on extra punishment for felonious politicians Members of the Asset Examination Committee met with the Prime Minister to report on difficulties in their investigations and to propose measures to increase punishments for politicians. The Chairman of the Asset Examination Committee, Mr. Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม), Mr. Kaewsan Athipothi (แก้วสรร อติโพธิ), Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka (จารุวรรณ เมณฑกา) , and other members of the AEC traveled to Government House to meet with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanon to discuss measures that may increase the power and discretion of the committee in investigating corruption cases and prosecuting felonious politicians. The proposed measure was in accordance with the Prime Minister's recommendation that Article 66 and 67 of the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission be modified to allow for greater punishment of wrongful politicians. Prime Minister recently assigned the Minister of Justice to discuss the matter with the Office of the Juridical Council (Office of the Council of State) and relevant parties. Gen Surayud also promised to review and correct and problems that AEC may have in its work. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 Febuary 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrecker Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 What a nonsense, a constitution is not an criminal law. But in that case let;s start with what would happen with the unelected and one sided constitution drafters. What would happen with them if it works out that they were influenced by Sonthi? Will they be beheaded? Another thing that could be in the the constitution: The law is not applicable to muslims, they may have multiple wives and ohh yes they are allowed to beat them. Grow up! We already know that the thai people get screwed by a Burmese style constitution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Clifton Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 You can call it a Burmese style constitution the day you need written permission to use a pedal bike from point A to B. No comparison there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 What they need is for office holders to be independantly audited before taking office, and when they leave. Those who are found to have unexplained gains would then have to explain to the courts how this happened, but this can't work when the police and military are so tightly woven into the government. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_Pat_Pong Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Just wath them. how does one wath ? With a wath cloth of course. I wathn't thinkin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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