EDITORIAL
It's our duty to get rid of bad politicians
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Just as MPs and senators have a responsibility to those they represent, voters have a reponsibility to reject corrupt and inferior representatives.

During the just-completed parliamentary debate on proposed constitutional amendments, viewers of the live broadcast heard MPs mention "the people" on numerous occasions. Proposals for this amendment or that motion are aimed at benefiting "the people". And this political party or that particular group only has the people in mind when saying or advocating this or that.

Some of these politicians (both MPs and senators) might be sincerely performing their duty to "serve the people". But others, with prior record and behaviour taken into consideration, are subject to doubt even among their own colleagues in Parliament. During the debate, some MPs and senators questioned the sincerity of counterparts' claims to be acting in the public interest.

Politicians often refer to the public collectively as "the people". Their words imply that they act for the benefit of the public and the national interest. But how many of them genuinely have the public interest in mind when they submit parliamentary motions and push certain laws while ignoring other, more worthy bills that are proposed by civic groups?

Who are "the people" these politicians have in mind when they serve as lawmakers or Cabinet members? Do they act for the benefit of members of the general public, their own constituents, their political supporters, or just their cohorts and cronies?

Different groups of people in Parliament have different interests that are sometimes conflicting. Lawmakers and Cabinet members in theory are required to strike a balance between conflicting interests and to fairly allocate the country's resources for the benefit of the majority. But with such deeply vested interests at play, how many lawmakers would support a law that would raise taxes for land ownership or inheritance? Many of them - or their relatives or associates - are among the wealthiest people in this country, and many of them own vast amounts of land and sizeable estates.

A general perception, both in Thailand and more developed democracies in the West, is that politicians are simply not trustworthy. Many of them attempt to convince people with half-truths, if not blatant lies.

Actions speak louder than words. Our politicians have to prove that they really want to see a better Thailand and not use "the people" as a shield to protect them from criticism, or as an excuse to achieve their hidden agenda.

They should start by keeping election promises that were made to benefit the public. Now that they have become lawmakers or Cabinet members, they should push for their promises to be realised - or at least show that they are serious about trying to keep those promises, even if it might not be possible to do so in the end. They must prove that they are not just paying lip service to the idea of working for the public interest.

Moreover, it is the job of politicians to help empower the people, particularly the less privileged and less fortunate, to create a more developed and equal society. But the fact is that many politicians take advantage of the poorer and less-educated people through the patronage system in order to get elected and re-elected. This is the case in rural areas more than in Bangkok or other urban constituencies.

More funding should be allocated to projects that "give power to the people", particularly in education - both formal and informal - that encourages critical thinking, and in projects that can create sustainable livelihoods.

An electorate that is less dependent on politicians' patronage has more choices. Hopefully, we will see a day when voters vote with their conscience for the overall benefit of the country, and not for personal benefits that low-quality politicians offer them.

Only in this way will politicians of poor quality be eliminated from the legislature and the administration. And that will really be in the public interest.


-- The Nation 2013-04-04

If voters got rid of "corrupt and inferior representatives" then the Parliament House would be an empty rattling shell.

They could start by disallowing anyone with a previous conviction from being a politician. Then secondary to that, anyone subject to criminal investigations. Thirdly, anyone with unexplained wealth... etc but all this is wishful thinking to be sure and nothing will change. And of course, remove the impunity for politicians against prosecution. This is a lip-service article from the spin doctors.

The problem is that it is impossible to obtain these jobs without being a lying crook. Not just in Thailand, but in most countries honest people have trouble getting into office let alone getting anything done. Thats why any county that is serious on corruption should

1) induce term limits

2) politicians need live by the rules they set for others

3) personal finances should be under constant scrutiny

I have met many struggling business people but have yet to meet a poor politician.

They could start by disallowing anyone with a previous conviction from being a politician. Then secondary to that, anyone subject to criminal investigations. Thirdly, anyone with unexplained wealth... etc but all this is wishful thinking to be sure and nothing will change. And of course, remove the impunity for politicians against prosecution. This is a lip-service article from the spin doctors.

You're going like a pro there LT.

The problem is that it is impossible to obtain these jobs without being a lying crook. Not just in Thailand, but in most countries honest people have trouble getting into office let alone getting anything done. Thats why any county that is serious on corruption should

1) induce term limits

2) politicians need live by the rules they set for others

3) personal finances should be under constant scrutiny

I have met many struggling business people but have yet to meet a poor politician.

Good first steps yourauntbob. Culture is slow to change, & the feudal patronage system is so ingrained into Thai society that it would be very difficult to vote against, openly criticize, or heavon forbid turn into authorities a corrupt patron. Term limits might be a good first step. But politicians won't make a law that hurts themselves (look at the lack of a property tax).

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Voter responsibility! What a great concept!

So far, all posters have pointed out many of the obvious but necessary steps to clean up Thai politics.

Unfortunately, while vast amounts of money are to be had and the pervasive stink of sakdina remains in Thai society, absolutely nothing will ever change.

So, the Nation, back to you.

Keep pressing, keep lobbying, organize countrywide public meetings and use the media to get the people involved and informed.

Above all, don't give up hope, ever.

Define "bad".

The parliamentary constituency system is the best way.

The norm in Thailand is that the poor sods vote for the politicians that pay them the most. That is the civil duty in Thailand

Define "bad".

Bad (political): those not willing to put the interests of those they are elected to represent before their own.

see also: Shinawatra, PTP

Note to voters: those bad politicians will get rid of you before you can get rid of them.

Define "bad".

Bad (political): those not willing to put the interests of those they are elected to represent before their own.

see also: Shinawatra, PTP

Bad, is such a generic word, of course, if they said corrupt, incompetent or dishonest, there wouldn't be many left, on any sides.

Great article. It should be in the Thai news papers where it might make a difference.

That is a weak might.

The problem is that it is impossible to obtain these jobs without being a lying crook. Not just in Thailand, but in most countries honest people have trouble getting into office let alone getting anything done. Thats why any county that is serious on corruption should

1) induce term limits

2) politicians need live by the rules they set for others

3) personal finances should be under constant scrutiny

I have met many struggling business people but have yet to meet a poor politician.

The US and other western countries aren't enforcing this so I have strong doubts Thailand ever will.

The article makes good points, but it would be significantly better if the Nation practiced what it preaches and actually followed up stories of corruption and wrong doing aggressively and publicly.

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Absolutely.

And have run off elections for the top two vote getters in any and all races.

Damn the expense, this would allow all the voters to make a clearly observed choice,

between the two most popular choices from the huge mass of open election choices,

that water down the will of the people massively.

The problem is that it is impossible to obtain these jobs without being a lying crook. Not just in Thailand, but in most countries honest people have trouble getting into office let alone getting anything done. Thats why any county that is serious on corruption should

1) induce term limits

2) politicians need live by the rules they set for others

3) personal finances should be under constant scrutiny

I have met many struggling business people but have yet to meet a poor politician.

The US and other western countries aren't enforcing this so I have strong doubts Thailand ever will.

Sad but true

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Absolutely.

And have run off elections for the top two vote getters in any and all races.

Damn the expense, this would allow all the voters to make a clearly observed choice,

between the two most popular choices from the huge mass of open election choices,

that water down the will of the people massively.

Agree, then obviously reduce the parliamentary protection from prosecution for serious criminal wrongdoing.

The problem is that it is impossible to obtain these jobs without being a lying crook. Not just in Thailand, but in most countries honest people have trouble getting into office let alone getting anything done. Thats why any county that is serious on corruption should

1) induce term limits

2) politicians need live by the rules they set for others

3) personal finances should be under constant scrutiny

I have met many struggling business people but have yet to meet a poor politician.

The US and other western countries aren't enforcing this so I have strong doubts Thailand ever will.

So what is you point? To quit?

The Army and their high level backers (can't go into specifics) need to stop pretending they support democracy and let the vote stand until next election.

The Army and Democrats also need to agree to international election observers. (so they can stop claiming voter fraud every time they lose)

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Absolutely.

And have run off elections for the top two vote getters in any and all races.

Damn the expense, this would allow all the voters to make a clearly observed choice,

between the two most popular choices from the huge mass of open election choices,

that water down the will of the people massively.

Preferential voting, where candidates are numbered one to whatever in order of preference, would do the same thing much more cheaply - but the vote count is much slower. Might take some voter education here, where parties are given an identification number for each election, and some voters might not be able to count as high as the number of candidates.

The norm in Thailand is that the poor sods vote for the politicians that pay them the most. That is the civil duty in Thailand

The Democrats pay too. People take their money and voted for Mr T.

It's clear that the Thaksin side has a majority and his double standard message resonates with the poor majority.

I don't think he would buy a landslide though.

The Army and their high level backers (can't go into specifics) need to stop pretending they support democracy and let the vote stand until next election.

The Army and Democrats also need to agree to international election observers. (so they can stop claiming voter fraud every time they lose)

And the Red Shirts and Thaksin need to stop pretending they support democracy and let the vote stand until next election and not ocupy, soil and burn down the business centre of the capital until they got premature elections.

The Army and their high level backers (can't go into specifics) need to stop pretending they support democracy and let the vote stand until next election.

The Army and Democrats also need to agree to international election observers. (so they can stop claiming voter fraud every time they lose)

And the Red Shirts and Thaksin need to stop pretending they support democracy and let the vote stand until next election and not ocupy, soil and burn down the business centre of the capital until they got premature elections.

No point in trying to discuss with a red shirt their mind is closed and that is it.

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Absolutely.

And have run off elections for the top two vote getters in any and all races.

Damn the expense, this would allow all the voters to make a clearly observed choice,

between the two most popular choices from the huge mass of open election choices,

that water down the will of the people massively.

How ever if the top vote getter has a majority there would be no need for another vote.

Step #1 - get rid of the party list system.

Absolutely.

And have run off elections for the top two vote getters in any and all races.

Damn the expense, this would allow all the voters to make a clearly observed choice,

between the two most popular choices from the huge mass of open election choices,

that water down the will of the people massively.

How ever if the top vote getter has a majority there would be no need for another vote.

If they get just over 50% of the votes.

The norm in Thailand is that the poor sods vote for the politicians that pay them the most. That is the civil duty in Thailand

The Democrats pay too. People take their money and voted for Mr T.

It's clear that the Thaksin side has a majority and his double standard message resonates with the poor majority.

I don't think he would buy a landslide though.

True as proved in the last election where he only managed to get a minority vote.

If the Dems were backed by this mysterious group of wealthy families and the army they would now be in power as Thaksin could never combat that kind of wealth I am quite sure some of those families could buy Thaksin as easy as they buy a pair of shoes.

Kind of puts the vote buying in a different light. Who has the most money that is willing to spend it to create their own dictatorship concept of Democracy?