CORRUPTION

Private sector urges NACC to probe Diageo case

By PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI

THE NATION

The Anti-Corruption Network Alliance of the private sector has urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate charges that Diageo, the world's largest liquor distiller, bribed Thai officials from 2004-2008, saying that the case should be pursued to show how serious Thailand is about eliminating corruption.

Dusit Nontanakorn, chairman of the alliance as well as the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the NACC should actively investigate the case, since it involved Thai officials and politicians and had the potential to damage the country's image and confidence among investors.

Recently, Diageo was charged by US regulators with paying bribes to government officials in India, Thailand and South Korea between 2003 and 2009 to push sales of its famed Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky.

Further, Diageo was accused of paying US$600,000 (about Bt18 million) to Thai officials to ease the way for promoting its products in the Kingdom.

As it has full authority for investigating the case, Dusit said the NACC should urgently undertake a comprehensive probe of this suspected bribery.

He added that he was ashamed that Thai officials were involved the case and urged the government to end corruption and bribery by punishing all people involved.

The first permanent office of the Anti-Corruption Network Alliance was set up yesterday at the Board of Trade's office on Ratchabopit Road in Bangkok. The office will be a centre for receiving complaints about corruption and will prepare a primary investigation on each complaint before handing the case to the NACC.

Dusit said that so far, many complaints about corruption had been submitted to the Joint Standing Committee of Public Organisations, comprising the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers Association (TBA). Those cases mostly involved government procurements.

Thawatchai Yongkittikul, secretary-general to the TBA, said that besides handling corruption cases, the alliance would continue to encourage Thai youth and businesspeople to fight against corruption to improve the country's image and reduce losses caused by this unfair practice.

The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects.

-- The Nation 2011-08-04

"The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects."

That figure seems extremely low I would of thought 80 percent or more.

"The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects."

That figure seems extremely low I would of thought 80 percent or more.

Right. Probably more like 99-100%.

Is it the rule or merely convention that Colonels and above rate as receivers of Chivas Regal, those below JW Black?

"The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects."

That figure seems extremely low I would of thought 80 percent or more.

"acknowledged" - I know nothing........................

I expect the same path to be followed by any investigative group as has been followed in similar circumstances in the past. TAT, fire trucks, road construction/in completion, diesel purchases, land encroachment, airport construction, outfitting, etc.

Most of us like a little probe now and again as long as we are in the alpha position.

The operative word here is "acknowledged". What makes one think that a company that pays large bribes will admit to it? The companies that are admitting to paying bribes are probably the ones that do not believe they are getting their money's worth. I doubt that the powers that be allow any foreign company to operate in Thailand out of the goodness of their hearts. Maybe the only equality foreigners have with Thais.

"The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects."

That figure seems extremely low I would of thought 80 percent or more.

Edited August 4, 201114 yr by jaltsc

A probe against Thaksins boys?

Yeah, that will happen.

The operative word here is "acknowledged". What makes one think that a company that pays large bribes will admit to it? The companies that are admitting to paying bribes are probably the ones that do not believe they are getting their money's worth. I doubt that the powers that be allow any foreign company to operate in Thailand out of the goodness of their hearts. Maybe the only equality foreigners have with Thais.

"The alliance found that 30-40 per cent or more of private enterprises acknowledged that they have to pay bribes to win bids on government projects."

That figure seems extremely low I would of thought 80 percent or more.

Was DIAGEO convicted by the US Court?

Or did they use the famous “Out Of Court Settlement”?

Out of Court Settlement means NO GUILT admitted. They just get rid of this pesky court case.

The same as these world famous - located all around the world - Arthur Anderson (RIP) type companies - Thailand has a couple of them - that certify the books of all these corrupt outfits (talking of corrupt Enron is a good example) that the entries are correct, so the shareholders and workers can go back to sleep.

saying that the case should be pursued to show how serious Thailand is about eliminating corruption.

Did these people not see the election results?