Thai Government To Blame For Poor Graft Ranking

[webfact]

'Government to blame' for poor graft ranking

Opas Boonlom,

Tanatpong Kongsai

The Nation December

Clean bureaucrats badly needed, NACC's Wicha says

BANGKOK: -- Politicians must take all blame for the failure of Thailand to improve its international anti-corruption rating, which fell from 80 last year to 88 this year - to the same level as African countries, members of an anti-graft body said yesterday.

The country badly needs transparent selection systems to bring "clean" people into the administration, National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Wicha Mahakun said in an interview.

"Thailand has a lot of policy-enabled corruption, bribes, cronies as well as patron-clients," Wicha said. "Politicians intervene in bureaucratic reshuffles, so that bureaucrats need to be subject to politicians."

Thailand dropped further in the international corruption index compiled by Transparency International (TI), falling eight places from last year to 88th on the 176-country list for 2012.

Five countries share the 88th ranking with Thailand: the less-developed African nations of Malawi, Morocco, Zambia and Swaziland, and the South American nation of Suriname.

"That means we are in the worst group. We used to be better than them, but now we are in the same group with these African countries," Wicha said.

In Asean, Singapore was ranked at 5 and Malaysia was at 54th place, while the Philippines was 105th, Indonesia 118th, Vietnam 123rd, Cambodia 157th, Laos 160th and Myanmar 172nd.

"We are not only competing with countries in Asean but should also look at the global level," he said.

The Transparency International list was credible as it conducted its survey from various sources such as Political Risk Services International Country Risk Guide, he said, noting that corruption was a factor for political risk.

If the country did not change its system to get people in senior posts in the bureaucracy to be more transparent, the root cause of graft would never be solved, Wicha said.

"We want to install a moral system into the selection of people in the bureaucracy, but what we have currently is a patron-client system in the bureaucracy," he said.

"Bribe-taking is not abnormal in our system. It is a spoils system.

"The government - I mean every government - needs transparency in the policy-making process," Wicha said.

The government was the lead agency to improve the country's anti-graft rating, he said. It must create good policies and measures to have transparency for public procurement and mega-project development.

"News reports on commission fees for development projects or public procurement are not good for the country's corruption index," he said.

Politicians should change their perception about politics, he said. They should not seek power in administration to mobilise resources for their political parties. Such an attitude would damage the country. The national budget was not a cash cow for politicians and they could not spend the taxpayers' money as if it was their own, he said.

"We need a system to scrutinise and check politicians," he said. "The politicians have to realise that their behaviour is hurting our country."

Panthep Klanarongran, chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, yesterday presided over an opening ceremony for international anti-corruption day at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Students from 23 universities joined the event and displayed exhibits for an anti-graft campaign.

The United Nations regarded corruption as a crime and Thailand, as a contracting party to the UN anti-corruption treaty, had to cooperate with the international community to fight against corruption, Panthep said.

Students and youths as the new generation must campaign actively against corruption and change attitudes of people in the country about graft. "Corruption is not a normal thing in our country, but it is a serious threat to our society," he said.

Corruption was a challenge for the government too, he said, adding that all agencies must join hands to tackle the problem.

The national anti-graft body is conducting a national anti-corruption index and needed help from all state agencies, he said. "Politicians might not have a good image on corruption but they have to accept the reality and cooperate on fighting corruption," he said. The anti-graft body is now seeking cooperation from academics and people in politics to participate in the anti-corruption campaign, he said.

Thep Wongwanich, deputy chairman of an anti-corruption organisation, said civil society should have social sanctions against corrupt people. "Corrupt politicians never make our country develop - we have to get rid of them," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-12-10

[arthurboy]

The National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Wicha Mahakun pretty much covers all bases with his comments.

However, his view that 'News reports on commission fees for development projects or public procurement are not good for the country's corruption index.' is completely misguided, while his, 'Corruption is not a normal thing in our country, but it is a serious threat to our society.' is just laughable.

The media has a duty to report on and investigate any hint of corruption, be it small or large scale simply to keep this issue in the public eye.

Khun Wicha also opines that, 'We need a system to scrutinise and check politicians," he said. "The politicians have to realise that their behaviour is hurting our country. Well Khun Wicha, such systems are already in place. For example, there exists a code of ethical behaviour and rules preventing MP's from owning or maintaining business interests while in parliament and checks on the wealth and its source before ratification as a MP and during an individual's term.

So, with this in mind, and as usual in Thailand, Khun Wicha's comments become meaningless without the desire or action to actually do something about this sorry state of affairs.

[waza]

What do you expect from a government which is ruled by a convicted criminal and fugitive from justice

[simple1]

Corruption is underpinned by the "culture" of paying for promotions. Not so long ago a few police officers carried out a robbery with AK47's. When arrested (which was a surprise) they stated they needed the cash to pay for a promotion. This story encapsulates the endemic corruption and impact on Thai society. You will also recall that police recruits were paying up to 300k baht for assistance to pass the entrance exam, so corrupt activity from the very start of their life as police officers. The investment has to be recouped to pay off the money lenders and for future payments for promotions, so never ending supply chain of corruption.

I read somewhere that if the government focuses on the endemic corruption it was forecast it would take 30 years for the changes to filter through and change Thai society.

Edited December 10, 2012 by simple1

[virtualtraveller]

The ratings are a false indication, in fact Thailand's score improved slightly (though I find it hard to believe), but overall we fell 8 places comparative to other nations. It could be that the trend among our peers (ie those between 70th and 90th on the list) is to improve. We're still good compared to the rest of SE Asia, but the fact remains that presently we have a govt in power that is noted for taking corruption to a new level and generally fighting against any serious form of transparency.

[hanuman2543]

IF they all know about the poblems: When will they start to do someting?

[jcw]

A very "hansom man farlang" in the OP picture above, reaching out to his new Thai friends

Thailand ranked an honorable 88 out of a total of 174 listed countries. Last year Thailand was ranked only the 80th corrupt country in the world, this increase in ranking of corruption has not been without vast amount of effort from the Thai authorities in gaining this success.

Taking out the glorious wooden spoon was a three-way tie between Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia, at the current rate, the Kingdom of Thailand will probably take about six years to realistically take out this title if it continues to climb in the corruption rankings at its current rate....more.....

Edited December 10, 2012 by jcw

[Thai at Heart]

we used to be better than them.

I think this may be a phrase Thailand will get used to hearing over the next 20 years if nothing changes.

[h90]

Corruption is underpinned by the "culture" of paying for promotions. Not so long ago a few police officers carried out a robbery with AK47's. When arrested (which was a surprise) they stated they needed the cash to pay for a promotion. This story encapsulates the endemic corruption and impact on Thai society. You will also recall that police recruits were paying up to 300k baht for assistance to pass the entrance exam, so corrupt activity from the very start of their life as police officers. The investment has to be recouped to pay off the money lenders and for future payments for promotions, so never ending supply chain of corruption.

I read somewhere that if the government focuses on the endemic corruption it was forecast it would take 30 years for the changes to filter through and change Thai society.

Not only in the police force.....most "funny" one is paying for being boss of a national park, as you make a lot profit by cheating on the national park fees. Well known, was several times in the news. Nothing happened.

[Skywalker69]

In order to change, there must be a will to change. Sadly I think the will is not there. Greed rules.

[waza]

IF they all know about the poblems: When will they start to do someting?

They have, they have accelerated it

[OzMick]

The government has declared War on Corruption, but even Yingluk couldn't keep a straight face for the photo-op. What is unclear is whether they are fighting for or against.

[binjalin]

only fools believe that the current government were any worse than those before but we still get 'bash PT' on TVF - how about bash 'corruption' wherever it is found???

[webfact]

Thai people slam politicians as most corrupt: Poll

By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 10 – Thai politicians have been branded as the most corrupt people in the country, followed by civil servants, according to a Suan Dusit University poll.

The poll was conducted among 1,289 Thais nationwide after Transparency International ranked Thailand 88th among 176 countries in its latest global corruption survey.

Thailand received 37 out of 100 points on national transparency, with its position dropping from 78th in 2010 and 80th in 2011 – the worst in the past five years.

According to the Suan Dusit survey, 45.39 per cent of respondents believe politicians, both at national and local levels, are corrupt while 30.42 per cent point the finger at civil servants, 12.86 per cent at police/military and 11.51 per cent at businessmen/investors.

Asked for their feedback on Thailand’s 88th ranking worldwide, one-third -- 33 per cent -- say they feel ashamed and it tarnishes the country’s image, while nearly as many, 28 per cent, describe corruption as an urgent issue that must be addressed by the government now, 23 per cent say they feel sorry for the country having an increasing number of corrupt people, particularly politicians, and 16 per cent call for harsher punishment and serious enforcement of the law.

The Transparency International’s survey commends Denmark, Finland and New Zealand as the least corrupt countries while Singapore is top ranked in Asia, followed by Hong Kong and Japan. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-12-10

[jcw]

This proves there is no corruption in Thailand, If they were corrupt they would have bribed to get a lower ranking seeing they put on the dog and pony show giving lip service to it

[TomTao]

thats a bit of a change from 'corruption is ok so long as I benefit from it' to

'Asked for their feedback on Thailand’s 88th ranking worldwide, one-third -- 33 per cent -- say they feel ashamed and it tarnishes the country’s image, while nearly as many, 28 per cent, describe corruption as an urgent issue that must be addressed by the government now, 23 per cent say they feel sorry for the country having an increasing number of corrupt people, particularly politicians, and 16 per cent call for harsher punishment and serious enforcement of the law.'

Lets hope the people of Thailand will start to demand change with an ever increasing number of voices, but then there is always 'Mai pben rai' to deal with.

[whybother]

Thai people slam politicians as most corrupt: Poll

A poll of university students found that 95% want to become a politician when they finish university.

[toysupra80]

Did I get this article wrong? Thailand did better than other ASEAN countries. Why is everyone crying? It would seem some African countries did better than some ASEAN countries as well!

Sent from my X9015 using Thaivisa Connect App

[h90]

The government has declared War on Corruption, but even Yingluk couldn't keep a straight face for the photo-op. What is unclear is whether they are fighting for or against.

If it will be like the war against drugs, it will be a genocide....

[DoctorG]

What do you expect from a government which is ruled by a convicted criminal and fugitive from justice

Please put your bias aside for a moment. Do you really believe that this current government is any more corrupt than anything that came before?

[DoctorG]

Did I get this article wrong? Thailand did better than other ASEAN countries. Why is everyone crying? It would seem some African countries did better than some ASEAN countries as well!

Sent from my X9015 using Thaivisa Connect App

I don't quite get your point. Are you happy with the current standing in the world?

[whybother]

What do you expect from a government which is ruled by a convicted criminal and fugitive from justice

Please put your bias aside for a moment. Do you really believe that this current government is any more corrupt than anything that came before?

IMO, they are more corrupt than the previous 4 governments (Dems, Somchai, Samak, Junta), but not more corrupt than the 2 before that (Thaksin's).

[Soi Dog]

Another obstacle to tackling this problem is the belief by some that it is entirely due to one party. Exhibit one for the other party would have to be their comrade in arms from Buri Ram.

[sangfroid]

Corruption is underpinned by the "culture" of paying for promotions. Not so long ago a few police officers carried out a robbery with AK47's. When arrested (which was a surprise) they stated they needed the cash to pay for a promotion. This story encapsulates the endemic corruption and impact on Thai society. You will also recall that police recruits were paying up to 300k baht for assistance to pass the entrance exam, so corrupt activity from the very start of their life as police officers. The investment has to be recouped to pay off the money lenders and for future payments for promotions, so never ending supply chain of corruption.

I read somewhere that if the government focuses on the endemic corruption it was forecast it would take 30 years for the changes to filter through and change Thai society.

An upcountry relative of my wife wants to be a policeman. He has been told it's going to cost him 200K Baht.

[khunken]

Another obstacle to tackling this problem is the belief by some that it is entirely due to one party. Exhibit one for the other party would have to be their comrade in arms from Buri Ram.

Yes you are right but that party has been on both sides. I'm sure no one believes that there is any non-corrupt party in Thailand. But the scale of corruption of any of Thaksin's parties is way beyond any other. It's almost a recruitment requirement to be either corrupt or family - preferably both.

[whybother]

Another obstacle to tackling this problem is the belief by some that it is entirely due to one party. Exhibit one for the other party would have to be their comrade in arms from Buri Ram.

Not their current comrade in arms.

[notime]

If they ranked places like Samui as a separate country she would easily be at 175 place. In addition, when will the government start to be serious about preventing corruption and start paying the public servants salaries that they can actually survive on without the need for kick-backs? I'm talking about 15-20 000 THB per month instead of 5-6 000 THB.

[MunterHunter]

But... But... But... the Democrats...!!??!?!

[tragickingdom]

Yes, the Thai government is to blame, and the former governments and newspapers including the Nation who write down what the joker of their political liking is saying without ever questioning anyone, and the police and the army and the royalists, and all the judges including all those idiots that pass rulings while the entire world have seen them caught red handed on youtube and the crooked lawyers and so on and so on. In the end the only one who are screwed are the poor. Their voices are not heard because if they win an election and vote for change some old chap figures out that a coup is best for the country

[whybother]

Another obstacle to tackling this problem is the belief by some that it is entirely due to one party. Exhibit one for the other party would have to be their comrade in arms from Buri Ram.

Yes you are right but that party has been on both sides. I'm sure no one believes that there is any non-corrupt party in Thailand. But the scale of corruption of any of Thaksin's parties is way beyond any other. It's almost a recruitment requirement to be either corrupt or family - preferably both.

The scale of corruption in Thaksin's parties is probably not way beyond any other. Some of the smaller ones that have been involved in most governments for the last 10-15 years probably puts Thaksin's parties to shame.