Can Thai Society Ever Be Freed Of Corruption?

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Can Thai society ever be freed of corruption?

By The Nation

The problem of graft is so deep-rooted that we can only hope to eradicate it by educating kids from an early age

When Thais go to the polls on July 3, they will need to keep in mind that the mega-projects promised by MP candidates tend to be prone to corruption. Candidates will do anything to grab votes, even if it means they have to squander the national coffers to finance ill-conceived, extravagant development schemes if they are re-elected.

The truth is, public sector corruption is rampant, deep-rooted and chronic. It's the scourge of Thai politics. This happens because there are bribe-able politicians who have abandoned their principles for the sake of political expediency. Who is responsible for electing this dishonest lot? We are.

As another election comes round, it's worrying how all the talk is about planning and funding grand projects, and less about fighting corruption and instilling a sense of anti-corruption in the national psyche. Right now the political landscape is beset by an erosion of ethical standards.

What deserves our attention is that Thailand ranks seventh on an index of the most corrupt nations in Asia. According to the 2011 Corruption Index of 16 nations in the Asia-Pacific region surveyed by the Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC), Cambodia is the most corrupt, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, China, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia. At the bottom are Hong Kong (15th) and Singapore (16th), the least corrupt in the region.

The point is, we have never seen any Thai political party take the issue of corruption seriously enough to include it as an emergency issue that needs to be tackled head-on like other weighty issues. Instead, we hear them boasting about using a massive amount of taxpayers' money to fund mega-infrastructure projects (concentrated mostly in Bangkok), farmers' credit-card and rice subsidy schemes, a free-for-all national healthcare system, and increased salaries for teachers and other civil servants.

While we don't know how many of these promises can be delivered or are financially viable, it's true that corruption is a serious impediment to the kingdom's economic improvement. Suvarnabhumi Airport is just one example of a national corruption scandal plagued with problems since its inception. How transparent will all these other promised projects be? Who will benefit from them?

We don't know what sort of politicians will make it to Parliament after the July 3 election. What we know is that many of the hopefuls include businessmen, managers, former tycoons and technocrats. If the latest corruption survey by the Thai Chamber of Commerce University is anything to go by, then some of these aspiring lawmakers will be unprincipled, amoral, untrustworthy and deceitful.

Findings show that, last year, 80 per cent of private sector companies that had business dealings with the government sector made under-the-table deals and bribed officials. About 71 per cent of the private companies surveyed knew how much and who they had to pay, while 29 per cent paid officials upon request.

Last year's public-sector corruption totalled between Bt200 and 300 billion, or about 30 per cent of the value of the government's annual investment budget (around Bt600 billion). That's not all. The estimated graft value does not include another Bt20 billion in kickbacks that the general public had to pay to officials to smooth out red tape in sectors like import-export, customs and licensing.

This explains why we're left with poorly built roads and airports, deficient public transport, more costly consumer goods, poorly paid teachers, a defective education system and double-dealing political leaders and public servants.

With the election just around the corner, we need to ask candidates these questions. What are their principles? What values do they stand for? How will they fight corruption in real terms?

The recent establishment of the Thai Anti-Corruption Network is a welcome effort. This independent regulatory body consists of 23 private organisations including the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. The network aims to promote anti-corruption among children and monitor public sector corruption through its slogan, "The honest must be honoured, the corrupt must be condemned."

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said recently that in order to stamp out corruption, we need to change the culture of the Thai people and raise awareness of anti-corruption in every sector. He admitted that conflicts within the country are rooted in corruption at the national and provincial levels, and have developed into a national political crisis.

We strongly believe that every politician, regardless of party affiliation, is prone to corruption. Children need to be taught that corruption cannot be tolerated in this society. The buyable and corruptible must be weeded out from politics and face prosecution.

-- The Nation 2011-06-28

[dunkin2012]

1.one party stated that they will purchase those factories produce core chemical for fabricating YaBa from India and China.

Very stupid idea.!!!! it isn't the real solution. dont know how they could come up with it.

2.Another promised the minimum price of a commodity , grain @ BTH 20,000/2,000 liters. the selling price in a retail shop will be 2 time higher than it is now. nope!!!!

3.plus texis' & farmers' credit-card very Very bad idea.

all these to gain Votes. = 29% in private sec. + Bt200 and 300 billion in public sec.

Thai and Khmer's philosophy is "likewise"

I know Cambodia and I have no doubt. the Chinese communist party is very serious 'bout corruption. though very little info. about the Filippines but they are notorious.

Edited June 28, 2011 by dunkin2012

[soundman]

Post bringing the Monarchy into the discussion has been removed.

[ginjag]

1.one party stated that they will purchase those factories produce core chemical for fabricating YaBa from India and China.

Very stupid idea.!!!! it isn't the real solution. dont know how they could come up with it.

2.Another promised the minimum price of a commodity , grain @ BTH 20,000/2,000 liters. the selling price in a retail shop will be 2 time higher than it is now. nope!!!!

3.plus texis' & farmers' credit-card very Very bad idea.

all these to gain Votes. = 29% in private sec. + Bt200 and 300 billion in public sec.

Thai and Khmer's philosophy is "likewise"

I know Cambodia and I have no doubt. the Chinese communist party is very serious 'bout corruption. though very little info. about the Filippines but they are notorious.

Corruption is here to stay for years, it is impossible to sweep clean in the near future, as some posters are giving Abhisit a hard time for not stopping it, Could they stop it in a 2 year spell ??---With it being embedded in all sections of Thai society from top officials to Issan farm dwellers, Young educated kids are the only hope. My idea and grumble all along is that when we had the Thaksin dictatorial government, the top man Illustrated to the Thai people that it was normal to be corrupt, and gave them a good lessen into how to behave.

Instead of teaching anti corruption he encouraged it. Hence the reason for him running away and now wanting to be back with the family again to get more practice.

I watched the BBC interview with Abhisit and found the hard questions to him was not a big problem to answer, on the other hand Yingluck refused to be interviewed, but BBC did manage to get a few words with her at a rally, and her answers were similar to a school child.

[bangkokburning]

Moo Pah - you are cleared for landing on runway 21L, over...

Thai's love it

Farang love it

Why should it go anywhere?

[tominbkk]

Corruption is endemic from the very bottom to the very top of the hierarchy. The way it is, nothing to do about it.....

[scorecard]

In principle educating kids is a fine idea, but it's not that simple.

In my Thai son's university corruption is rampant and obvious, and lecturers brag to the students how they got 'somethng extra'.

The faculty / class room building are falling down, most equipment is broken and there is no attempt to repair or replace anything. A couple of years back the uni president ordered the construction of a new 'Presidents Wing'. The building is now completed, its' at least 20 times bigger than needed, dozens of rooms empty but lots of computers and other equipment installed but totally unused. And on top of the building the president ordered a helicopter landing pad. It will never be used for the university activities and numerous buildings in the vicinity also have helicopter landing pads, if one was ever needed.

Several lecturers (pt members) regularly hand out red shirt materials and CDs to the students and they have told the students that if they didn't support the red shirts they will fail.

So the younger kids might (if they are very lucky) encounter a teacher who genuinly teaches that corruption is bad, but then the kids see corruption all around them. They see mum and dad and everybody paying tea money at various government offices, paying the police etc. This probably negates any progress that the genuine teacher may have achieved.

My belief is that in Thailand (not tomorrow) the middle classes will eventually become a solid and rational voice (as has happened many times in world history), then we will start to see the beginnings of real change on many fronts.

Edited June 28, 2011 by scorecard

[Bkkorupcountry]

1.one party stated that they will purchase those factories produce core chemical for fabricating YaBa from India and China.

Very stupid idea.!!!! it isn't the real solution. dont know how they could come up with it.

2.Another promised the minimum price of a commodity , grain @ BTH 20,000/2,000 liters. the selling price in a retail shop will be 2 time higher than it is now. nope!!!!

3.plus texis' & farmers' credit-card very Very bad idea.

all these to gain Votes. = 29% in private sec. + Bt200 and 300 billion in public sec.

Thai and Khmer's philosophy is "likewise"

I know Cambodia and I have no doubt. the Chinese communist party is very serious 'bout corruption. though very little info. about the Filippines but they are notorious.

Corruption is here to stay for years, it is impossible to sweep clean in the near future, as some posters are giving Abhisit a hard time for not stopping it, Could they stop it in a 2 year spell ??---With it being embedded in all sections of Thai society from top officials to Issan farm dwellers, Young educated kids are the only hope. My idea and grumble all along is that when we had the Thaksin dictatorial government, the top man Illustrated to the Thai people that it was normal to be corrupt, and gave them a good lessen into how to behave.

Instead of teaching anti corruption he encouraged it. Hence the reason for him running away and now wanting to be back with the family again to get more practice.

I watched the BBC interview with Abhisit and found the hard questions to him was not a big problem to answer, on the other hand Yingluck refused to be interviewed, but BBC did manage to get a few words with her at a rally, and her answers were similar to a school child.

Corruption aids the haves, hurts the have-nots. It is very convenient to bribe someone to get things done, especially if you have the money. Thus, regardless of who is in power, corruption will be around much longer than any of us.

[hellodolly]

1.one party stated that they will purchase those factories produce core chemical for fabricating YaBa from India and China.

Very stupid idea.!!!! it isn't the real solution. dont know how they could come up with it.

2.Another promised the minimum price of a commodity , grain @ BTH 20,000/2,000 liters. the selling price in a retail shop will be 2 time higher than it is now. nope!!!!

3.plus texis' & farmers' credit-card very Very bad idea.

all these to gain Votes. = 29% in private sec. + Bt200 and 300 billion in public sec.

Thai and Khmer's philosophy is "likewise"

I know Cambodia and I have no doubt. the Chinese communist party is very serious 'bout corruption. though very little info. about the Filippines but they are notorious.

Corruption is here to stay for years, it is impossible to sweep clean in the near future, as some posters are giving Abhisit a hard time for not stopping it, Could they stop it in a 2 year spell ??---With it being embedded in all sections of Thai society from top officials to Issan farm dwellers, Young educated kids are the only hope. My idea and grumble all along is that when we had the Thaksin dictatorial government, the top man Illustrated to the Thai people that it was normal to be corrupt, and gave them a good lessen into how to behave.

Instead of teaching anti corruption he encouraged it. Hence the reason for him running away and now wanting to be back with the family again to get more practice.

I watched the BBC interview with Abhisit and found the hard questions to him was not a big problem to answer, on the other hand Yingluck refused to be interviewed, but BBC did manage to get a few words with her at a rally, and her answers were similar to a school child.

I whole heartedly agree kids are the answer. Also to many other problems.

We defiantly need a improved education system one that teaches kids how to think and not just except. One where they learn how to add and subtract with out a computer or any other kind of devise. (rant over)

As it is today they are raised with the idea that it is OK just another part of life.If they were raised with the idea that it is not OK it is just a method of depriving them of good Medical help and lower prices they would be making massive changes when they get old enough to vote.

Trying to teach the fully grown up adult Thai that it is not good for him personally is a lost cause. His response is my bpen ry

It is a long term project and will never go away all together. But that is not a reason to not work towards it.

[Asa]

Corruption is global problem, all living things are corrupted to the gene. There is no fair trade, one must gain on other losses. Some can only suppress the drive of this nature, but it still there inside all of us. Hence, anti-bribery law challenge.

[WebBangkok]

I believe corruption will never be beaten in any country.

Its just how good each country hides it.

[eezergood]

I believe corruption will never be beaten in any country.

Its just how good each country hides it.

[virtualtraveller]

The richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes. Without corruption, nothing would ever get done, there would be no motivation to build all those big infrastructure projects, but what you need is a credible, supported and powerful corruption monitoring process that cannot be interfered with (interfere being the key word in Thai politics), concentrating on the biggest or most damaging projects, rather than using it as a tool to nail certain people.

Still, you get what you vote for, this whole saga has been all about the corrupt excess (money and power) of one man, and rather than everyone saying, 'yes well, everyone is corrupt so let's go after others' they've said 'who cares, Thailand is corrupt, at least this man was good at it'. Truth be told, many voters prefer corruption, they know no other way of getting ahead. Pity it's all those poor masses who stand to lose in the long run to this, they're just too dim to realise it.

[scorecard]

The richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes. Without corruption, nothing would ever get done, there would be no motivation to build all those big infrastructure projects, but what you need is a credible, supported and powerful corruption monitoring process that cannot be interfered with (interfere being the key word in Thai politics), concentrating on the biggest or most damaging projects, rather than using it as a tool to nail certain people.

Still, you get what you vote for, this whole saga has been all about the corrupt excess (money and power) of one man, and rather than everyone saying, 'yes well, everyone is corrupt so let's go after others' they've said 'who cares, Thailand is corrupt, at least this man was good at it'. Truth be told, many voters prefer corruption, they know no other way of getting ahead. Pity it's all those poor masses who stand to lose in the long run to this, they're just too dim to realise it.

There's also another point in this puzzle - the quality of the majority of politicians, who are, right now, mostly insincere and incapable and highly corrupt, so expecting them to make decisions which are in the best interets of all Thais is not on the agenda, plus their major focus is just one thing, getting a better bigger position at the feeding trough, with no attempt to cover up their greed.

The sad / unfortunate part is that Thailand does have plenty of highly capable and sincere people who could contribute strongly to Thailand, but these folks don't want to be part of the current political parties / they won't allow themselves to be associated with leeches and thugs.

[evanson]

The richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes. Without corruption, nothing would ever get done, there would be no motivation to build all those big infrastructure projects, but what you need is a credible, supported and powerful corruption monitoring process that cannot be interfered with (interfere being the key word in Thai politics), concentrating on the biggest or most damaging projects, rather than using it as a tool to nail certain people.

Still, you get what you vote for, this whole saga has been all about the corrupt excess (money and power) of one man, and rather than everyone saying, 'yes well, everyone is corrupt so let's go after others' they've said 'who cares, Thailand is corrupt, at least this man was good at it'. Truth be told, many voters prefer corruption, they know no other way of getting ahead. Pity it's all those poor masses who stand to lose in the long run to this, they're just too dim to realise it.

I note from the list that the poorest countries are the most corrupt, Singapore and Hong Kong (the wealthiest, the least corrupt). So your initial stating 'the richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes' are at odds with the data.

As to 'you get what you vote for', corruption has been reported to have increased under Abhisit, despite his fine words. Taksin at least managed to get one department on Phuket corruption free (no buying of driver's licences) here for years since, and, ironically, did once threaten to sack the entire police force if they didn't rein in their nefarious activities. What has Abhisit actually DONE?

By the way, educating kids, very much like Grass roots ecological programs, a very good idea. I don't believe it's 'in the blood' as some would have us believe.

[somo]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

[WebBangkok]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

Thaksin should be applauded for fight corruption? lolol Really?

[wave]

Educating children isn't a solution.

The only way to deal with corruption is from the top down. Corruption must be shown to be unacceptable and met with firm consequences.

Take a look at vote buying, what are the consequences?....Ban from politics for 5 years and seemingly unable to apply the ban effectively.

How about a 5 year mandatory jail term and fine? What about people who receive money for their vote as well?

You need a strong Government and Judiciary who can apply punitive sentences irrelevant of your position in society.

Thailand probably requires an unflinching "hard man" Prime Minster in the style of Singapore's Lee Kwan Yu. Not very democratic mind you.

Currently impossible that this will happen. There are too many self serving interests to allow it.

[MILT]

When one hears statements that corruption is (NO problem) from the uneducated to the most deviant of people set to benefit from graft one can only wonder how a positive solution could be achieved. A good start is keeping ptp out of power. second is the people of Thailand speak out, similar to how they gather and speak out in mass numbers now for their candidate of chioce

[wave]

When one hears statements that corruption is (NO problem) from the uneducated to the most deviant of people set to benefit from graft one can only wonder how a positive solution could be achieved. A good start is keeping ptp out of power. second is the people of Thailand speak out, similar to how they gather and speak out in mass numbers now for their candidate of chioce

Considering that the incumbent PM confirmed that corruption had got worse under his watch maintaining the status quo is hardly a solution either.

[OzMick]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

Immigration police - he was embarassed when it was revealed that a known terrorist was crossing regularly into Thailand.

Army - his attempts to change the promotion list had nothing to do with corruption. He was trying to install/promote family and cronies as a means of securing his position, some think even darker reasons.

He not only tackled corruption, he became a master of it - I'm amazed some uni hasn't awarded him an honorary doctorate!

[OzMick]

Well, you could start with ethics classes. But who would run them?

In NSW, they formed a special squad to offer bribes to police, used those caught as informers/entrappers. Some success. Most H/way patrol cars have video of bookings taking place now.

Politicians vote-buying with huge sums are obviously eyeing the big corruption dollars. Gaol time should be mandatory, and big fines for voters accepting. Possible use of fake canvassers asking for ID before the handout.

Similarly, dummy tenders for govt contracts. Those caught should be gaoled, with loss of all leave/pension benefits, and their assets seized if unexplainably obtained.

It takes only a few honest men with a desire for change for the better.

[elshaheen]

Corruption is not only a Thailand thing. It’s a global thing. Greed gives a person a sense of power and false pride. Educating our children to not be corrupt is a pipe dream. They learn by watching others and coping what they see.

[scorecard]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

Immigration police - he was embarassed when it was revealed that a known terrorist was crossing regularly into Thailand.

Army - his attempts to change the promotion list had nothing to do with corruption. He was trying to install/promote family and cronies as a means of securing his position, some think even darker reasons.

He not only tackled corruption, he became a master of it - I'm amazed some uni hasn't awarded him an honorary doctorate!

Part quote from above: "....He was trying to install/promote family and cronies as a means of securing his position, some think even darker reasons.

...."

In one promotion cycle one of his army family members jumped 5 ranks. Nothing said anything, because nobody dared to challenge him, hardly democracy.

[scorecard]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

Immigration police - he was embarassed when it was revealed that a known terrorist was crossing regularly into Thailand.

Army - his attempts to change the promotion list had nothing to do with corruption. He was trying to install/promote family and cronies as a means of securing his position, some think even darker reasons.

He not only tackled corruption, he became a master of it - I'm amazed some uni hasn't awarded him an honorary doctorate!

Part quote from above: "....He was trying to install/promote family and cronies as a means of securing his position, some think even darker reasons.

...."

In one promotion cycle one of his army family members jumped 5 ranks. Nothing said anything, because nobody dared to challenge him, hardly democracy.

Edited June 28, 2011 by scorecard

[slapout]

We hear a lot of excuses as to why corruption exists and is tolerated by Thai's and TV members as well. Few seem to to want or know how to propose any action that would result in an immediate reduction of this disease. Countries such as China, Singapore, US, UK, etc seem to have adopted punishment as a partial solution. The problem with the proposed punishment in Thailand, is that it seems to be written by those involved in the corruption.

Most seem to acknowledge that corruption exists within politics, businesses that deal with government work/projects, police, education system, judicial system, the military, etc. If a few honest or even reformed crooks cannot be found within these ranks to propose real and hurtful punishments, search out wrongdoers, bring before the judicial system and verify and publish the punishment, Thailand is worse off than anyone, could perceive.

[scorecard]

The richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes. Without corruption, nothing would ever get done, there would be no motivation to build all those big infrastructure projects, but what you need is a credible, supported and powerful corruption monitoring process that cannot be interfered with (interfere being the key word in Thai politics), concentrating on the biggest or most damaging projects, rather than using it as a tool to nail certain people.

Still, you get what you vote for, this whole saga has been all about the corrupt excess (money and power) of one man, and rather than everyone saying, 'yes well, everyone is corrupt so let's go after others' they've said 'who cares, Thailand is corrupt, at least this man was good at it'. Truth be told, many voters prefer corruption, they know no other way of getting ahead. Pity it's all those poor masses who stand to lose in the long run to this, they're just too dim to realise it.

I note from the list that the poorest countries are the most corrupt, Singapore and Hong Kong (the wealthiest, the least corrupt). So your initial stating 'the richer this country gets the higher the corruption stakes' are at odds with the data.

As to 'you get what you vote for', corruption has been reported to have increased under Abhisit, despite his fine words. Taksin at least managed to get one department on Phuket corruption free (no buying of driver's licences) here for years since, and, ironically, did once threaten to sack the entire police force if they didn't rein in their nefarious activities. What has Abhisit actually DONE?

By the way, educating kids, very much like Grass roots ecological programs, a very good idea. I don't believe it's 'in the blood' as some would have us believe.

He threatened to sack the entire police force...... Greatest laugh ever.

[scorecard]

Thaksin did indeed try to tackle corruption. It may well have been in order to feather his own nest but at least he tried to do something.

I was interviewed by a special task force set up by him at Suan Plu trying to track down corruption amongst the immigration police. He also tried to take on the army and reduce their stranglehold. He should be applauded on both counts as police corruption and army interference are where the problems stem from.

It was this that led to the elite, who were feeling the pinch, getting rid of him anyway they could.

Please share some links or other details on these claims.

[WeeGB]

Can Thai society ever be free of corruption?

You expect me to answer for free ? Sorry, I'll need some "Tea money ".

[WeeGB]

Scorecard wrote, in several posts on this topic :

Several lecturers (pt members) regularly hand out red shirt materials and CDs to the students and they have told the students that if they didn't support the red shirts they will fail

In one promotion cycle one of his army family members jumped 5 ranks. Nothing said anything, because nobody dared to challenge him, hardly democracy.

He threatened to sack the entire police force...... Greatest laugh ever.

Can you also share some links or other details on these claims. I'm particularly interested in which University these lecturers work. Thanks.

Edited June 28, 2011 by WeeGB