Surin warns of grave impact on country and region if Thailand fails to tackle corruption

[Lite Beer]

CORRUPTION
Surin warns of grave impact on country and region if Thailand fails to tackle corruption
The Sunday Nation October 13, 2013 1:00 am

Surin

BANGKOK: -- Former Asean secretary general Surin Pitsuwan warned yesterday that Thailand's worsening corruption problem is a cancer that could lead to the Kingdom's collapse and cause severe impacts on the region.

He called for increased awareness about the "crisis" and strict and straightforward enforcement of the anti-corruption law.

"I would like to warn that we are becoming a disaster for ourselves and for the region. If we collapse [due to the corruption problem], there will be impacts on this region," Surin said at the Democrat Party headquarters yesterday.

Surin is chairman of the Future Innovative Thailand Institute, which is connected to the Democrat Party.

A former foreign minister and key member of the opposition party, Surin said that in order to treat the worsening social threat, there was an urgent need to change the attitude of many Thais, particularly younger people, about corruption. He cited opinion surveys, which found that more than 70 per cent of respondents aged below 20 said they would accept corruption if they benefit from it.

Without a change in attitude, future generations of Thais would suffer severely from the negative consequences of graft, he said. "The people of today will be blamed for failing to get serious against corruption."

Surin said it was estimated that Thailand lost about Bt100 billion a year to corruption. "This is a severe tumour that is destroying the country's competitiveness and Thailand will be left behind by everyone else," he warned, adding that many foreign investors avoid Thailand due to rampant graft.

He said Thailand should abide by the anti-corruption agreement among Asean member countries, and the country should sign an international convention on bribe-taking in order to show it was serious about tackling corruption.

"Over the past decade, Thailand has been unable to get rid of corruption and the problem tends to get worse. Surveys by different organisations have found that political parties are the main cause of corruption. And the mass media have failed to reflect on the problem of corruption," he said.

Surin also called on the mass media to pay more heed to the problem so it was not a weak link in the fight against corruption.

Surin served as the 12th Asean secretary-general for five years from early 2008 to late 2013.

-- The Nation 2013-10-13

[clockman]

Well start at the top, and work down! never happen.

[patekatek]

As Thailand continues its' path towards financial hardships with the "pledging schemes" and now a multi-trillion baht infrastructure spending approval, the corruption will only get worse. As contracts are awarded for these future projects, the graft and corruption expectations will only grow larger. Stopping or even slowing down corruption here is like expecting the USA to close its' borders to immigrants. It just won't happen.

[NongKhaiKid]

AS a Thai political insider he knows his words, though completely correct, will have no effect and there's absolutely no chance of his concerns being acted upon.

[clockman]

They would have to build more jails!

[noitom]

Yet another grave impact of corruption story. These Thais are something else.

[BillyBobThai]

They do not need to build more jails. Public executions could help.

[Desert Rat]

I didn`t realize that any Thais were that intelligent,or honest.

Hats off to him.

[iancnx]

I disagree with the negativity of the posts here thus far.

Firstly I like to know who we are dealing with:

He attended Thammasat University for two years before winning a scholarship from Claremont Mens College, Claremont, California, to complete his B.A. in Political Science (cum laude) in 1972. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in 1974 and 1982 respectively, in the field of Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.

He is a western educated Democrat and could well be posturing for a place in future government. After 5 years as the ASEAN Sec Gen I could not think of a more able candidate to lead this country from the current quagmire. He also has the credentials to broker tangible agreements for the southern provinces.

There is no easy fix, and it will take time, but those of us who are living here for the rest of our lives will no doubt draw comfort in the knowledge that Thailand does have well qualified and highly respected politicians ready to step into the breech.

[EvilDrSomkid]

I disagree with the negativity of the posts here thus far.

Firstly I like to know who we are dealing with:

He attended Thammasat University for two years before winning a scholarship from Claremont Mens College, Claremont, California, to complete his B.A. in Political Science (cum laude) in 1972. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in 1974 and 1982 respectively, in the field of Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.

He is a western educated Democrat and could well be posturing for a place in future government. After 5 years as the ASEAN Sec Gen I could not think of a more able candidate to lead this country from the current quagmire. He also has the credentials to broker tangible agreements for the southern provinces.

There is no easy fix, and it will take time, but those of us who are living here for the rest of our lives will no doubt draw comfort in the knowledge that Thailand does have well qualified and highly respected politicians ready to step into the breech.

Well said.

As to more jails, this will not be necessary. The best way to punish corrupt rich people is by taking their money.

However, I am skeptical that anything will change. It will have to get worse before it gets better.

Edited October 13, 2013 by EvilDrSomkid

[RickeyParkany]

No worse than anywhere else in ASEAN...the others' are just culturally tailored specifically for each; like everywhere else in the world, for that matter... ;-} rap.

[monkeycountry]

I think people are being too negative. Corruption is rife yes, and has been for as long as I can remember, but corruption also ensures that Thailand continues to be a third world country which has a lot of benefits such as no law enforcement, relatively cheap labour and a steady supply of bargirls :-)

[A1Str8]

I disagree with the negativity of the posts here thus far.

Firstly I like to know who we are dealing with:

He attended Thammasat University for two years before winning a scholarship from Claremont Mens College, Claremont, California, to complete his B.A. in Political Science (cum laude) in 1972. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in 1974 and 1982 respectively, in the field of Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.

He is a western educated Democrat and could well be posturing for a place in future government. After 5 years as the ASEAN Sec Gen I could not think of a more able candidate to lead this country from the current quagmire. He also has the credentials to broker tangible agreements for the southern provinces.

There is no easy fix, and it will take time, but those of us who are living here for the rest of our lives will no doubt draw comfort in the knowledge that Thailand does have well qualified and highly respected politicians ready to step into the breech.

 

 

Well said.

 

As to more jails, this will not be necessary. The best way to punish corrupt rich people is by taking their money.

 

However, I am skeptical that anything will change. It will have to get worse before it gets better.

I agree with both of you. He is an educated, experienced and smart man who knows what he talks about but his good intentions are against the fact that the system is corrupt and it is maintained by powerful people who insist to keep it that way.

[boomerangutang]

We all know there's corruption. A ten year old could have said the same, though perhaps less eloquently. In general, Thais just accept it as a fact of life, like they accept dogs barking all night, or loud noise and smoggy streets.

Next step: Name and Shame. ....and then possibly lawsuits, though it's tough to convict anyone, if neither party tells any truth, and the justice system is as firm in its resolve, as a sheet of wet newspaper. Social status is also a giant factor - re; whether particular classes of people get prosecuted.

[Patje]

Well, if the top would show they mean it and really do something about it, for instance take political rights away for 5 years, pay back corruption money : maybe they can start to give a sign to their country that not all is lost .

I'm living in good hopes .....

[GentlemanJim]

I think people are being too negative. Corruption is rife yes, and has been for as long as I can remember, but corruption also ensures that Thailand continues to be a third world country which has a lot of benefits such as no law enforcement, relatively cheap labour and a steady supply of bargirls :-)

Nice to see you have set your standards so high

[pisico]

Surin is indeed right in his ominous assessment. Corruption in Thailand will only be addressed when the country's pocketbook is lean.

Corruption is an institution solidly ingrained in the Thai Psyche. It is a system parallel to the Rule of Rule. It works for Thais because a bribe shortcuts all enforcement which means less work required from the enforcer and the alleged transgressor. For instance:

"Sir, you have broken the law. The transgression carries a fine of 2,000 Baht. You want to go to court?" We all know the rest of the conversation.

Thais do not like to abide by laws. Thai are not evil people, they are genetically unruly.

The Chinese (Dai-Thai), in the 12th century began foraying into what nowadays is Northern Thailand; Ubon Thani, Nan, Chiang Rai.

Dai/Tai people originated in Yunnan, Guangxi, province of China but migrated down into Southeast Asia because of the Mongolian invasion of China. Dai/Tai people also invaded Khmer people who were aboriginal of the land.

Thai/Dai/Tai people live and exist in Thailand as a cultural and ethnic group. In Nan, for instance, it is common the use of Chinese by the people and in some cases, many do not speak Thai: only Chinese.

From the onset of their migration, the Chinese found the inhabitants of Northern Thailand difficult to rule or control: that was the first meaning of the Chinese word used to describe Thais.

In the 20th. Century, around 1912, when slavery was officially abolished in Thailand, the meaning evolved to Free people.

Hence the reluctance of Thais to adhere to conventions or laws. They act first instinctively and when forced by higher authority, they resort to circumvent the law. The way corruption became a strong institution nearly impossible to stamp out.

Corruption: less work required from everybody involved in legal or enforcement matters.

[casindonet]

Will anything change? NO. Why? Because it involves every government that ever governs Thailand.

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[AbuBacon]

Whiter than though.... Always the same rubbish here. Corruption is bad bla bla bla. And institutional corruption back home ? Alright is it? It's human nature, and will never be completely eradicated . How many of you are happy to somchai policeman a quick bung for traffic infringements. Rather than go to the station and pay a fine? All of you right? To say Dr Pit isn't part of the problem suggests to me you have not been round here long. His past isn't all roses and smiles. As far as him being a PM candidate, very little chance. Why? Because the Dems don't like him much. And exactly what has he accomplished in recent years ? Not a lot. Corruption is here to stay, and most foreigners do and will take advantage when they can.

[Bakseeda]

Only one way to tackle corruption here... A very severe bout of The Black Plague.. and start again. Thank God we are westerners and can just sit back and watch them choke this country to death.. we can leave whenever we want.. A mighty good time was had by all.... We welcome the Grim Reaper and Dr Doom...

[smutcakes]

He says the young need to change their attitude to corruption, i would say it would be far more beneficial for politicians etc to lead from the front by setting an example- will never happen. I doubt he is whiter than white himself anyway.

[Businessman]

I wish every citizen could understand that if they stood up against corruption, then it would stop. Stop paying and the cycle is broken. I wish every citizen could understand that without corruption, they would get 30% more of everything... 30% health care, 30% more schooling, 30% better air ports, 30% better roads,.... Business would flourish, jobs would multiply, futures of the next generations would be bright. Why cannot the citizens understand and stop. Its all education, isn't it?

[Baerboxer]

Whiter than though.... Always the same rubbish here. Corruption is bad bla bla bla. And institutional corruption back home ? Alright is it? It's human nature, and will never be completely eradicated . How many of you are happy to somchai policeman a quick bung for traffic infringements. Rather than go to the station and pay a fine? All of you right? To say Dr Pit isn't part of the problem suggests to me you have not been round here long. His past isn't all roses and smiles. As far as him being a PM candidate, very little chance. Why? Because the Dems don't like him much. And exactly what has he accomplished in recent years ? Not a lot. Corruption is here to stay, and most foreigners do and will take advantage when they can.

I don't think the current PM/DM had accomplished anything prior to being placed in her current position by her brother. And, appears to have accomplished very little in the last 2 years based on the report eventually given to parliament of the first year's "achievements". At least this guy has qualifications from one of the top universities in the world and considerable international political experience.

Corruption is indeed an unfortunate human trait that seems to spread and grow during times of financial depression. The international bankers who escaped any kind of retribution for screwing the world's economy and ruining the lives of millions, whilst lining their own pockets with outrageous and unwarranted bonuses are an example of the untouchables. Same here, whether its the Dems or Shin clan - totally untouchable. The fish always rots from the head!

Corruption exists in all countries - some much worse than others. And, of course some are much better at hiding it.

[Benmart]

Well start at the top, and work down! never happen.

My crystal ball is in the shop. Can anyone loan me one?

[Lite Beer]

Corruption turning Thailand into a black hole – Asean leader

BANGKOK: Corruption threatens to turn Thailand into an investment “black hole” of Asean as it makes doing business in the country far too costly, former Asean secretary-general and former Thai foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan has said.

Mr Surin said the corruption problem has reached crisis point and must be tackled with urgency.

The former Democrat Party politician, who is now also chair of the Future Innovation Thailand Institute, insisted graft was scaring away investors.

The cost of corruption adds a prohibitive 30-35 per cent to any investment, he said.

Thailand is Asean’s second-largest economy after Indonesia, with diverse economic sectors. It should be one of the leading countries in the region to attract foreign investments but the reality is starkly different, he said.

Between 2007 and last year, foreign direct investment (FDI) to Asean surged 30 per cent from US$85.61 billion (about B2.7 trillion baht) to US$111.29 billion. However, the amount of FDI to Thailand shrank from US$11.35 billion in 2007 to US$8.6 billion last year, a 24 per cent drop.

Mr Surin estimates the country has lost some US$6 billion worth of investment opportunities, due mainly to corruption, in the past six years.

He said a Global Corruption Barometer 2013 survey showed foreign investors were most concerned about corruption.

The survey, he added, also says that one in six Thais admits to having paid a bribe.

Mr Surin said the findings showed political parties are one of the root causes of corruption and that the media’s watchdog role is not strong enough.

He said two recent polls conducted by Abac and Suan Dusit also provided findings which confirm that more than 60 per cent of respondents, a lot of them young people, found corruption tolerable if they gain something from it.

Mr Surin said corruption has cost the country about B100 billion a year. The money could be spent on numerous useful projects for the people instead.

Foreign investors would rather invest in other countries where there may be less economic diversity but a lower cost of doing business, because of lower levels of corruption.

Mr Surin said concerns have been raised by many quarters that graft could derail the Asean Connectivity Master Plan, which calls for the building of a regional transport system.

If problems stemming from corruption force a suspension of the linkage in Thailand, which is the geographical centre of the region, the entire system will also fall.

National competitiveness has taken a beating as corruption drains away the budget and cripples the country’s ability to develop its human resources, he said.

The so-called leakage of the budget also prevents the education system from training people to be innovative and develop the minds needed for inventing new products.

Thailand is one of the world’s leading spenders on education, he said, but the result is disappointing.

The World Economic Forum has said in one of its reports that Thailand’s quality of higher education is “abnormally low” in comparison with other Asean countries, according to Mr Surin.

The government, he said, must be bold and straightforward in enforcing the law to fight graft. It should become a signatory of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Anti-Bribery Convention.

The ratification of the convention would provide a clear gauge of how well the country does to combat corruption.

Mr Surin stressed the mindset of many Thais who condone corruption must change.

If the problem is allowed to persist, the country will collapse and future generations will be left in dire straits, he said.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/corruption-turning-thailand-into-a-black-hole-asean-leader-42323.php

-- Phuket News 2013-10-13

[JoeThePoster]

Thailand is one of the worlds leading spenders on education

That include paying for degrees?

[mancub]

I disagree with the negativity of the posts here thus far.

Firstly I like to know who we are dealing with:

He attended Thammasat University for two years before winning a scholarship from Claremont Mens College, Claremont, California, to complete his B.A. in Political Science (cum laude) in 1972. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in 1974 and 1982 respectively, in the field of Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.

He is a western educated Democrat and could well be posturing for a place in future government. After 5 years as the ASEAN Sec Gen I could not think of a more able candidate to lead this country from the current quagmire. He also has the credentials to broker tangible agreements for the southern provinces.

There is no easy fix, and it will take time, but those of us who are living here for the rest of our lives will no doubt draw comfort in the knowledge that Thailand does have well qualified and highly respected politicians ready to step into the breech.

....And what's more, if he doesn't like it here and occasionally feels the urge to criticise ,then he can always leave !!!

[BuddyPinkham]

The survey, he added, also says that one in six Thais admits to having paid a bribe. I would guess the true figure would be at least 3 in 6 if hot higher!

The government, he said, must be bold and straightforward in enforcing the law to fight graft. It should become a signatory of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Anti-Bribery Convention.

[Jack007]

Yes, this man has the right vision.

Now somebody who can fight against corruption.

I think the amount of 100 billion is higher,
but you have to release the drugs-prisoners to make space for the corrupt-officers.

What is more dangerous for the country ?

Edited October 13, 2013 by metisdead
Large font reset to normal, please stop posting using overly large font.

[oldsailor35]

When Thailand gets a PM who declares war on corruption and then carries out that war, then Thailand will at last have a good PM. Corruption is endemic within this government and was probably worst when Khun Suthep was in power, although i don't think Khun Abhist had much say in that government as i am sure he is an honourable person.