Bribary At Customs Dept !

[Buff-horns]

SHIPPING / CORRUPTION SURVEY

77% report customs bribery woes

PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

More than 77% of exporters, importers and shipping firms have met with bribery problems from the Customs Department, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The university poll, covering more than 200 leading shipping companies, estimated that bribery raised costs for the private sector by 80 billion baht each year.

Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Centre for International Trade Studies at the university, said 79% of those surveyed said bribes had been paid directly to officials overseeing shipments.

The survey covered the country's transport efficiency, customs and regulatory environment and electronic commerce.

Another 33% of firms noted bribery problems among port officials, with 27.8% also noting corruption at local airports.

Some 70% of respondents said they did not fully understand the regulations that govern their industries, with 17.6% saying they were rather complicated.

The survey's customs environment index was equivalent to 70.8%, reflecting high preparedness, but it noted there were still some major problems, particularly lack of transparency of customs officers.

However, 11% of respondents said customs procedures had improved, with 65% saying there were redundancies in customs-related legislative procedures.

On electronic commerce, the index was equivalent to 77.8%, implying the country was ready for the new trading channel.

''Most shipping firms, importers and exporters questioned have a consensus that bribery remains the major obstacle for Thailand's exports, increasing the operational cost and competitiveness of Thai goods,'' said Dr Aat. ''Bribery covers a range of state units from the ports, airports and particularly at the customs units.''

According to Dr Aat, kickback payments generally made up 0.5-1% of the total value of exports and imports, or about US$1-2 billion a year.

Dr Aat said economic growth would increase by 0.3% if the government addressed kickbacks, with household consumption increasing 0.186%, private investment by 0.400%, government spending 0.282%, international trade by 0.477%, exports 0.444% and imports by 0.435%.

********************************

so much for thaksin cleanup campaign !what a laugh !

[Tywais]

No big surprise. Even here at the university no one knows what to expect from customs and admit there appears to be no rime or reason to many charges.

[sierra01]

Is there one single Govt department that IS corruption free?

Ok ok, it's silly question!

[Tywais]

Is there one single Govt department that IS corruption free?

Ok ok, it's silly question!

Silly indeed!

[steveromagnino]

Ok ok, it's silly question!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Silly indeed!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ministry of Silly Walks. That might be corruption free :-)

[sierra01]

Not if you need a permit to do a silly walk!

[steveromagnino]

Not if you need a permit to do a silly walk!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Silliness walk development for Thai 50 baht

Silliness walk development for farang 200 baht

Watching Herr Taksin doing the silly walk as a special performance in the Winter Olympics priceless

[sierra01]

So the answer to my silly question is no then, why am I not surprised!

[udon]

Is there one single Govt department that IS corruption free?

Ok ok, it's silly question!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Immigration?

[chuchok]

Is there one single Govt department that IS corruption free?

Ok ok, it's silly question!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Immigration?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>