Juthamas Indictment Creates Bad Image For Thai Tourism

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SPECIAL REPORT

Indictment creates bad image for Thai tourism

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

Published on January 27, 2010

THAILAND: -- As word of US prosecutors' charges against former Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan rapidly spread worldwide, Thai tourism associations and hotel operators cried foul over the negative implications for the local industry.

They blamed the Thai government's inefficient law enforcement, saying such corruption could have been prevented long before it made headlines around the globe.

Association of Thai Travel Agents president Apichart Sankary said the case was attracting negative attention from foreign countries. It is also expected to damage the Kingdom's future credibility when attempting to make agreements.

He said foreign tourism authorities and operators might think twice about sealing any further deals with Thailand.

"This has already damaged our reputation. We cannot be sure foreigners still trust in Thailand or that we can conduct business with them as easily as in the past," Apichart said, adding that the TAT in particular dealt with many foreign entities.

Juthamas Siriwan was TAT governor from 2002 to 2006. Following Gerald and Patricia Green's conviction in California for bribing Thai officials to allow them to run the Bangkok International Film Festival, which violated the US Foreign Business Practices Act, Juthamas and her daughter were indicted in that state. They were charged with accepting Bt60 million worth of bribes from the two Americans.

Apichart said there should be a mechanism to educate Thai government officers as to what could be illegal when dealing with foreign partners.

Federation of Thai Tourism Association spokesman Charoen Wangananont called on the government to pay greater attention to budget disbursement, in order to prevent corruption.

"I don't think this problem can destroy the overall tourism industry, because it is a personal issue involving Juthamas alone. However, it hurts the government's credibility and image, because the case has been raised and prosecuted by foreign officials, not ours," Charoen said.

Dusit International CEO Chanin Donavanik said the case involving Juthamas was considered crucial, because no Thai official had ever been prosecuted or jailed in the US before.

He questioned why the government had not been aware of the allegation and said if anyone did know, no action had been taken, nor had anyone been arrested.

Chanin said Thailand's problems stemmed completely from its politicians, who always sought benefits and were prepared to remove anyone opposing them. Therefore, officials who do get promoted are often corrupt and have poor attitudes.

"This highlights the inefficiency of the administration, as well as the country's weak law enforcement," he said.

Chanin suggested the government carefully monitor each agency's budget disbursal, but admitted such a task was more difficult than it appeared at first glance.

-- The Nation 2010-01-27

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[animatic]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

Edited January 27, 2010 by animatic

[Laganside]

They simply haven't got a clue.

Corruption and graft operates throughout Thai society almost with surreal impunity and most who have even the slightest passing knowledge of their system together with the more seasoned observer are well aware of its extent, particularly the diplomatic corps and the multi nationals who have to negotiate its perplexities on a daily basis, but nothing is done about it.

Yet the moment one of their society figures is exposed internationally for their criminal greed they squeal like stuck pigs screaming that the image of Thailand is tarnished irretrievably and, wringing their little trotters, they agonise over what the impact might be when in truth the sad reality is that the rest of the world couldn't give a flying fart. To most, Thailand is either an exotic beach destination or a glorified knocking shop and that's about it.

The day they ditch this vainglorious notion of themselves, inflated to a preposterous degree of deluded self importance, and actually take account of just how pitiful their institutions truly are will be the day when perhaps progress could be made.

Those squealing pigs flying is perhaps more likely.

Edited January 27, 2010 by Laganside

[SomTumTiger]

People keep saying "this will be bad for tourism", etc. Yet 14 million came this year. Just odd....

[petebkk]

This is a typical knee-jerk reaction. Yawn.

May be the objective of such comment is for the present government to stop bringing these corrupted officials to justice because 'it will be bad for tourism'. Ooh, that sacred mantra.

My suggestion is to launch anti-corruption investigations against k Apichart's lunch buddies in the TAT. I bet you'll find something interesting.

[anon789]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

And now that Mr. Clean is PM everything has changed... If only Mr. Clean had been in office back in 2002 - then none of this would have happened, or arrests would have been made instantly. Go yellow!

[animatic]

Actually not Go Yellow.

They were only really interested in Thaksin and Companys crimes.

More like Go Abhisit, as such he has set a tone to TRY at least to go after this stuff,

and not just the oppositions faux pas either. Sure several coalition partners haven't

been under that microscope yet, such as Alpine, but many have had to fall on swards

and replace their buggers in office, every step forwards is just that.

Did anyone see Abhisit defending Surayud big time? Not that I saw.

No he was left to take his medicine like a mensch.

Manit tried to hang on in TRT fashion and was cut loose.

As they said Rome wasn't built in a day. and Bangkok won't be cleaned up for generations,

but Rome took many generations...

[geriatrickid]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

Get real. The Abhisit regime had every opportunity to lay charges and proceed with a prosecution. How come you haven't weighd in with your accusatory finger and wagged it at the present regime? No matter the situation, no matter the responsibility of the current government, you always blame Mr. Thaksin. It's tiresome.

Maybe, the current Thai government, like those that came before it , had nothing to make a case with, or maybe the allegations were considered "acceptable" activities for such people. Who knows. You certainly don't know.

The US government still has to prove its case although I think that the US Feds have more clout to encourage cooperation. Until judgement is rendered, the indicted person is only accused and is guilty of nothing. Fortunately, advanced societies do not condemn people without benefit of a fair trial.

[anon789]

Actually not Go Yellow.

They were only really interested in Thaksin and Companys crimes.

More like Go Abhisit, as such he has set a tone to TRY at least to go after this stuff,

and not just the oppositions faux pas either. Sure several coalition partners haven't

been under that microscope yet, such as Alpine, but many have had to fall on swards

and replace their buggers in office, every step forwards is just that.

Did anyone see Abhisit defending Surayud big time? Not that I saw.

No he was left to take his medicine like a mensch.

Manit tried to hang on in TRT fashion and was cut loose.

As they said Rome wasn't built in a day. and Bangkok won't be cleaned up for generations,

but Rome took many generations...

If you think this government is less corrupt than the last one - or any government in the last couple of decades - then you are deluding yourself. The current government is "same-same, but different", new boss same as the old boss... Mr. Clean is all talk and no action when it comes to cleaning up corruption.

[slimdog]

For anyone remotely interested...

Grand Jury Indictment CR 09 0081

USA vs Juthamas Siriwan & Jittisopa Siriwan

Indictment:

Count One

18 U.S.C 1956 (h): Conspiracy to Money Launder

Count Two to Eight

18 U.S.C 1956 (a)(2)(A): Transporting funds to promote unlawful activity

18 U.S.C 2: Aiding and Abetting and causing an act to be done

Count Nine

18 U.S.C 982 (a)(1), 21 U.S.C 853, 28 U.S.C 2461 ©: Criminal forfeiture

Whilst all of these offences are violations according to US laws, the indictment also pointed out the Thai laws (Criminal code: section 149 and criminal code: section 152) which were also violated by the accused...

[katasyd]

Like Thailand had a good image to begin with.

This just reaffirms what we already know about corruption.

Boring article.

[craigt3365]

I love to watch movies. When Thailand is mentioned, it is usually not in a good light. Primarily having to do with sex. My wife always points this out to me...saying it is too bad we have such a bad image. Like the song says "one night in Bangkok makes a ....". That is Thailand's image to the world. Period.

With regards to corruption, I talk with her about this all the time. About how sad the cops only stop easy prey to make a buck and don't go after all the other crazy stuff that happens on the roads. Her comment is that even young kids know how to bribe. It is learned at a very early age and is just part of the culture. Take advantage whenever you can and from whomever you can. Sad....

I hope we are seeing some improvement, but like mentioned above, it will be a long time before Thailand moves up the list from very corrupt to not so corrupt. It is just part of the culture....

[animatic]

Juthamas Siriwan was TAT governor from 2002 to 2006.

The list of things to go after from this period is so vast one can't expect all to get the axe.

The USA had this one in their sites and no doubt there was a wait and see what happens attitude.

Is this government as bad as the last few?

Stock question to forgive anyone trying

and not succeeding in cleaning things in one swoop.

Sorry, I do see basic fundamental MIND SET changes here,

and the sense that once caught, out you go,

and THAT is quite different.

[StreetCowboy]

8><---SNIP----><8

As they said Rome wasn't built in a day.

...

but Rome took many generations...

...

and Bangkok won't be cleaned up for generations,

8><---SNIP----><8

PEDANT ALERT!

In fact, Rome was built in a day.

Romulus and Remus, having been suckled by a she-wolf following their abandonment at birth, decided to lay out a new city in the Italian hills.

Remus was not particularly enthusiastic, lacking his brother's great vision.

But Romulus carried on, and marked out his future city walls.

Remus jumped over the so-called city walls, mocking them, and Romulus killed him for it.

Thus was Rome built in a day. Some of the buildings took longer, but the city was built by the marking out of the walls and the pride of its inhabitant.

In the same way could Bangkok be cleaned up in a day. It might take generations to weed out every last corrupt beaurocrat and policeman and politician, but all it would take is the commitment to mark out the lines in the sand and the commitment and pride to kill their brothers if necessary to defend those lines. And the strength to do so. Sadly, Abhisit has more than one brother to slay, carrying on the analogy, and without the active support of the people, he doesn't have the strength to do it...regardless of whether he has the commitment

SC

[animatic]

Layout of a large town in a fable, and actually building the city of Rome are too different things.

God created the earth in 6 days, and on the 7th day he rested.

Fable that states the impossible. I rest my case.

Edited January 27, 2010 by animatic

[givenall]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

As usual is important who you know to get ahead over here

[Old Man River]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

Get real. The Abhisit regime had every opportunity to lay charges and proceed with a prosecution. How come you haven't weighd in with your accusatory finger and wagged it at the present regime? No matter the situation, no matter the responsibility of the current government, you always blame Mr. Thaksin. It's tiresome.

Maybe, the current Thai government, like those that came before it , had nothing to make a case with, or maybe the allegations were considered "acceptable" activities for such people. Who knows. You certainly don't know.

The US government still has to prove its case although I think that the US Feds have more clout to encourage cooperation. Until judgement is rendered, the indicted person is only accused and is guilty of nothing. Fortunately, advanced societies do not condemn people without benefit of a fair trial.

And in this case, the indictment may well be dropped. If the Thai authorities don't tell the judge sentencing the Greens that Thailand was damaged by the Greens (and there are some that think the Greens did a good job), then the judge sentencing the Greens will let them off lightly. This would then make any indictments against Juthamas not worth the effort for US federal prosecutors to follow up on.

[animatic]

The issue is not if they did a good job, but the bribery itself.

If proved that goes against Jutmas also.

[TAWP]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

Get real. The Abhisit regime had every opportunity to lay charges and proceed with a prosecution.

Governments don't investigate crimes nor judge the accused, that is up to the police and courts.

Thaksin could have cleaned her out when he knew she was corrupt or never appointed her in the first place - that is the difference.

[anon789]

She was Thaksin's little friend, and so this was not getting checked over,

like so many corruption issues during his 'administration'.

If anyone had attempted an intervention they would have been sued for a billion baht,

Get real. The Abhisit regime had every opportunity to lay charges and proceed with a prosecution.

Governments don't investigate crimes nor judge the accused, that is up to the police and courts.

Thaksin could have cleaned her out when he knew she was corrupt or never appointed her in the first place - that is the difference.

Law is NOT my strong point, but from what I know from the US it is up to the DA to press charges. The DA is an elected position and independent from the government - but if the government wants someone prosecuted they can ask or put pressure on the DA to do this, and the DA usually listens.

Is it roughly the same in Thailand, or does Thailand have another system? No irony or sarcasm in this question, I promise! IMO, if the DEM-government wanted this person indicted for corruption then this would have happened already, independent judiciary or not. Am I wrong?

[Old Man River]

The issue is not if they did a good job, but the bribery itself.

If proved that goes against Jutmas also.

Wrong. Read up on the case. The issue is not the bribery itself. The Greens have already been adjudged guilty of bribery, but the judge has delayed sentencing of the Greens to find out whether Thailand actually was damaged by the Greens. Did they do a bad job when others, who didn't pay, could have done a better job? This is what the judge is waiting to hear and the prevailing opinion is that the Thai authorities don't think this is the case. Apparently, the Greens were the best choice anyway. Hence, it looks like the Greens will get off lightly and if this happens, it will not make sense for the US federal prosecutor to pursue Juthamas.

[Asa]

Bad, yes. But look at its positive side, this is another step to fight corruption. Even by chance.

[way2muchcoffee]

IMO, if the DEM-government wanted this person indicted for corruption then this would have happened already, independent judiciary or not. Am I wrong?

You most certainly are correct. On the other hand, the case may not have been important enough to the government to make the calls required to expedite the process.

[virtualtraveller]

Simple, Jutumas was an executive with the Puea Pandin party, with no prior political experience you can bet alot of the 60 million she received went into their coffers to land her such a high profile. Aren't the Puea Pandin in the current coalition govt, wouldn't they threaten to walk out if the Dems pressed charges.

Same old Thailand, whoever is in power, dodgy minor parties get to call the corruption shots.

All the same, isn't it great when someone who is in charge of billions of baht annually to promote Thailand (and on a fat salary herself) simply couldn't see how damaging it would be and counter productive to her efforts if something like this came out. You really have to wonder sometimes if these people in charge are complete idiots.

[Briggsy]

In the 2009 International Corruption Perception Index, Thailand are placed 84th of 180 countries between Panama and Lesotho. It's hardly a secret that Thailand is a fairly corrupt place to do business.

[grandpops]

They simply haven't got a clue.

Corruption and graft operates throughout Thai society almost with surreal impunity and most who have even the slightest passing knowledge of their system together with the more seasoned observer are well aware of its extent, particularly the diplomatic corps and the multi nationals who have to negotiate its perplexities on a daily basis, but nothing is done about it.

Yet the moment one of their society figures is exposed internationally for their criminal greed they squeal like stuck pigs screaming that the image of Thailand is tarnished irretrievably and, wringing their little trotters, they agonise over what the impact might be when in truth the sad reality is that the rest of the world couldn't give a flying fart. To most, Thailand is either an exotic beach destination or a glorified knocking shop and that's about it.

The day they ditch this vainglorious notion of themselves, inflated to a preposterous degree of deluded self importance, and actually take account of just how pitiful their institutions truly are will be the day when perhaps progress could be made.

Those squealing pigs flying is perhaps more likely.

Ok you've lured me out of my self imposed posting ban.

How about a poll? Looking at the number reading the Prostitution clampdown in Phuket last week, I'd say the latter.

[animatic]

The issue is not if they did a good job, but the bribery itself.

If proved that goes against Jutmas also.

Wrong. Read up on the case. The issue is not the bribery itself. The Greens have already been adjudged guilty of bribery, but the judge has delayed sentencing of the Greens to find out whether Thailand actually was damaged by the Greens. Did they do a bad job when others, who didn't pay, could have done a better job? This is what the judge is waiting to hear and the prevailing opinion is that the Thai authorities don't think this is the case. Apparently, the Greens were the best choice anyway. Hence, it looks like the Greens will get off lightly and if this happens, it will not make sense for the US federal prosecutor to pursue Juthamas.

That is strictly for the Greens SENTENCING phase.

Larger or smaller sentence.

The guilt does go against them and Jutmas because of the conviction.

Not all State DA's are appointed and not all elected, each state is different.

Federal Prosecutors are often appointed by the US Attorney General,

passed by the Presidents office, and I think vetted by the Senate.

[Loaded]

very few people reading this understand how Thais perceive 'corruption' and afterall it's their country.

there are 7 levels of corruption. The highest and strongest is 'korruption'. It's no coincidence that TRT tried to ban English words from parliament when they had the steering wheel as this would have also stopped discussion of 'korruption'.

Juthamas entered the ranks of big puu yai and this entitled her to 'gin muang' or eat the country. This is a tradition passed dowm by Rama 5 to allow provincial governers (any puu yai nowadays) to collect taxes or revenue without receiving a salary from central government. They were/are allowed to take a cut of tax/income revenue and allow the influence of their position to enrich their family and friends. 'Gin Muang' is endemic and tolerated by most Thais. Rules of this game are that some of the money 'eaten' must pass to the population at large. Banharn understands this in Suphanburi - great schools, hospitals, flowers along the roads etc. Thaksin didn't when he tried to take income from the sale of Shin/AIS to Temesak and change tax laws at the same time to benefit himself and his direct family. This broke the rules of 'gin muang'.

99.9% of farang have no idea how Thais perceive 'korruption'.

[Credo]

This government had plenty of time to investigate this situation while this case wound its way slowly through the courts. Silence.

Now there is a loss of face and that's what its all about.

[Bizz]

They simply haven't got a clue.

Corruption and graft operates throughout Thai society almost with surreal impunity and most who have even the slightest passing knowledge of their system together with the more seasoned observer are well aware of its extent, particularly the diplomatic corps and the multi nationals who have to negotiate its perplexities on a daily basis, but nothing is done about it.

Yet the moment one of their society figures is exposed internationally for their criminal greed they squeal like stuck pigs screaming that the image of Thailand is tarnished irretrievably and, wringing their little trotters, they agonise over what the impact might be when in truth the sad reality is that the rest of the world couldn't give a flying fart. To most, Thailand is either an exotic beach destination or a glorified knocking shop and that's about it.

The day they ditch this vainglorious notion of themselves, inflated to a preposterous degree of deluded self importance, and actually take account of just how pitiful their institutions truly are will be the day when perhaps progress could be made.

Those squealing pigs flying is perhaps more likely.

very few people reading this understand how Thais perceive 'corruption' and afterall it's their country.

there are 7 levels of corruption. The highest and strongest is 'korruption'. It's no coincidence that TRT tried to ban English words from parliament when they had the steering wheel as this would have also stopped discussion of 'korruption'.

Juthamas entered the ranks of big puu yai and this entitled her to 'gin muang' or eat the country. This is a tradition passed dowm by Rama 5 to allow provincial governers (any puu yai nowadays) to collect taxes or revenue without receiving a salary from central government. They were/are allowed to take a cut of tax/income revenue and allow the influence of their position to enrich their family and friends. 'Gin Muang' is endemic and tolerated by most Thais. Rules of this game are that some of the money 'eaten' must pass to the population at large. Banharn understands this in Suphanburi - great schools, hospitals, flowers along the roads etc. Thaksin didn't when he tried to take income from the sale of Shin/AIS to Temesak and change tax laws at the same time to benefit himself and his direct family. This broke the rules of 'gin muang'.

99.9% of farang have no idea how Thais perceive 'korruption'.

loaded i find your observations interesting care to elaborate a little please.