Corruption is 'part of Thai mindset'

[webfact]

Corruption is 'part of Thai mindset'
Takayuki Kanaboshi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Corruption has become a part of people's mindset here in Thailand, where "cheating" is tolerated, Chalermchai Boonyaleepun, president of Srinakharinwirot University, told a seminar on Wednesday.

In the discussion on combating corruption, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) member Vicha Mahakun and Sompol Kiatphaibool, chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand and vice chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, placed their hopes on the media.

They were speaking at the 59th anniversary celebration of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA).

Chalermchai said that according to a survey he conducted on more than 640,000 students, 47.9 per cent said they had copied assignments and only 43 per cent found this "slightly wrong". Upon seeing another student cheating, only 7.2 per cent said they would inform the teacher, while 30.7 per cent would pretend it never happened.

The survey also found that 3 per cent did not find anything wrong with not payin g back their student loans, as "they need the money and there's nothing wrong with giving money to those who need it".

This attitude was also found in working adults as well, with 29.5 per cent of public servants saying they spend some of their time at work doing personal jobs.

Chalermchai calculated that if one teacher wasted 20 per cent of their working hours over the course of their career, it would cost the public Bt1.7 million.

Judging from the number of teachers in the state system, they could cost Bt2 trillion for the hours wasted, he said.

Chalermchai blamed this mindset on external influences such as family, friends and news sources, adding that parents should make their children understand that cheating will not be tolerated.

Sompol admitted that corruption was the biggest problem in Thailand. This was highlighted by the fact that all the awards handed out by the TJA were related to reports on corruption scandals.

Vicha said graft was so rife in Thailand that it would take the NACC more than a lifetime to handle all the cases.

He added that corruption was so deeply ingrained, that those who do not work within the system will be "kicked out".

Citing the fact that some countries have managed to curb corruption in a relatively short period of time, Sompol suggested that transparency, a strong investigation systems and strict punishments were necessary.

Vicha said investigative journalism was important in the fight against corruption as he cited the case of young Brazilian journalists relying on social media to effectively report on graft.

He went on to say that one should not rely on politicians to fight graft, but put their hopes on civil society. For instance, he said, South Korea had thousands of organisations that monitor and investigate corruption in both the public and private sector.

The ideal, he says, is the Singaporean approach to transparency, where the government practices an open and transparent approach to all business matters, which makes corruption impossible.

Thailand is ranked 102 out of 177 countries listed in the corruption perception index.


-- The Nation 2014-03-07

[Thai at Heart]

If it "has become", this presumes a time when it wasn't.

How many decades ago was this wonderful time in thailand?

[MaxLee]

Corruption is 'part of Thai mindset'

It's more like, corruption is the agenda in which Most Thai people are brainwashed into from the day they were born, brainwashed into buying into the concept that FACE comes first before TRUTH...

[arthurboy]

Why is this news?

sent from my hippo phone

[femi fan]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

[sam sen]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

corruption here is not limited to the business world it permeates all levels and sections of society.

if cheating is condoned in schools and universities it creates a mindset that it is acceptable to be dishonest that forms part of that individuals character and behaviour.

[ManofReason]

I don't think anyone could possibly begin to imagine the level of utter shock and surprise that washed over me as I read this headline.

I was mistakenly under the belief that corruption in Thailand began with Thaksin and will cease to exist once he is gone.

How silly of me to have listened to the fairytales.

My eyes are now open

[plachon]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

corruption here is not limited to the business world it permeates all levels and sections of society.

if cheating is condoned in schools and universities it creates a mindset that it is acceptable to be dishonest that forms part of that individuals character and behaviour.

Who can forget the incident when Thaksin's son, Nong Oak, got caught red-handed cheating in his final exams at Ramkhamhaeng Uni, the Dean reasoned that it was not that serious as Oak was just a youth and "everyone did it", so why single him out as the son of a rich and aspiring politician? Needless to say, Oak was granted his degree and learned the valuable life lesson that a Thai education provides - cheating pays! Just ask his Dad!

[millwall_fan]

Thailand is ranked 102 out of 177 countries listed in the corruption perception index.

Thats only because there's corruption in reporting the level of corruption. Everyone's in denial. Thailand must be more corrupt than those figures illustrate.

[binjalin]

weak law = corruption

[pitrevie]

The ideal, he says, is the Singaporean approach to transparency, where the government practices an open and transparent approach to all business matters, which makes corruption impossible.

Well at least we know why Chalerm has gone to Singapore. I do hope he is going to come back and tells us what he has learnt.

[chainarong]

Corruption is a part of life, depending on the level of rules , what you can do is up to the individual and the country you are in, there is a corruption case in Oz, the pollie got caught, through whistle blowers and checks and balances, it all depends on the persons character, it all depends on the leaders in the community , they set the example people follow, in Thailand that example is sorely lacking , how can you expect the community to respect , when you have politician's out on parole, been in jail , suspended from and then reinstated back in parliament, hence the reforms and rules.

[culicine]

weak law = corruption

The laws are fine....enforcement is the problem. Even prostitution is illegal here. You wouldn't think so though.

[Curt1591]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

An ABAC poll found that "Sixty-five percent of respondents surveyed this week said government corruption was acceptable if they also benefited from such activity."

[PatOngo]

Pay me some money and I'll totally disagree with this article.

[noitom]

Thais live in a constant state of denial about many things. Denial feeds hypocrisy and corruption. Corruption eliminates character. Thais need to reckon their denial and hypocrisy and their negative impact on Thailand for the future. No reform or election will ever reverse Thailand's course until they reconcile first the true basis of their fragmentation, frustration and conflict.

[trainman34014]

Corruption is a choice and this article makes it sound as if it isn't. Just another load of bullshit to make it sound like it's acceptable because it's ''part of the Thai mindset''.

Education is the key starting in the home but leadership from Teachers and more importantly the country's Government is vital to turning things around. No good expecting 'civil society' to sort out the country's worst problems, politicians are paid handsomely to do that.

Singapore's Government has the right and only attitude to this problem, full transparency and root out the corrupt. China is also realising it has to be sorted, they have different methods but they are doing something about it. As always the biggest hurdle here is Thai's reluctance to change things they feel comfortable with, so don't expect any dramatic changes soon....like in your complete lifetime !

[willyumiii]

There is corruption in every country.

Some are better at denying it and covering it up than others.

In some countries, like the one I come from ( USA) it only benefits the wealthy.

I find it refreshing that Thailand and Thai people are so open about corruption and except it.

Even the "little guy" is able donate tea money from time to time!

[willyumiii]

weak law = corruption

The laws are fine....enforcement is the problem. Even prostitution is illegal here. You wouldn't think so though.

Slow down now!

Let's not be unreasonable!

Let's hope they only enforce the laws that we expats agree with!

No more cash for gash??

No way!

[smileydude]

In the past it was mostly petty corruption. You wanted your documents processed faster you slipped a few bills at the amphur, customs, land registration department or to the police if you wanted to avoid a traffic fine. You could even bypass the driver's license test for 500 baht.
Nowadays petty corruption has pretty much decreased due to streamlining of the bureaucratic processes (except for the police).
Problem is high-level/national level corruption has increased dramatically.
It is evident everywhere and is costing the country billions of baht in taxpayer money lost.

Think concessions in the telecommunications business, energy (oil refining, drilling etc.).
Rice pledging scheme
One tablet per student
Medical supply purchasing scandal
Steyr fire truck purchase

I could go on and on.

You could compare the span of corruption nowadays to a lake as opposed to a few drops before.
Most people are NOT AWARE of high level corruption because as in its name, its high level, you don't come into direct contact with it nor can you understand the complexity as corruption has been fine tuned so much to avoid the radar and the law at times.

The light at the end of the tunnel is that people have become more aware since the rice pledging scheme came up.
But the solution rests on whether the voters want to do anything about it.

[JRinPDX]

weak law = corruption

I don't see how any progress can be made as long as the anti-defamation laws allow people to avoid accountability.

[soundman]

A overly negative comment directed at all Thais has been removed from view. Don't tar all with the same brush.

[smileydude]

In the past it was mostly petty corruption. You wanted your documents processed faster you slipped a few bills at the amphur, customs, land registration department or to the police if you wanted to avoid a traffic fine. You could even bypass the driver's license test for 500 baht.

Nowadays petty corruption has pretty much decreased due to streamlining of the bureaucratic processes (except for the police).

Problem is high-level/national level corruption has increased dramatically.

It is evident everywhere and is costing the country billions of baht in taxpayer money lost.

Think concessions in the telecommunications business, energy (oil refining, drilling etc.).

Rice pledging scheme

One tablet per student

Medical supply purchasing scandal

Steyr fire truck purchase

I could go on and on.

You could compare the span of corruption nowadays to a lake as opposed to a few drops before.

Most people are NOT AWARE of high level corruption because as in its name, its high level, you don't come into direct contact with it nor can you understand the complexity as corruption has been fine tuned so much to avoid the radar and the law at times.

The light at the end of the tunnel is that people have become more aware since the rice pledging scheme came up.

But the solution rests on whether the voters want to do anything about it as it originates from the maggots we vote into office.

Edited March 7, 2014 by smileydude

[Trentham]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

What a load of rubbish

[umbanda]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

Probably you are from the US, and believing that is not corruption in your country.....

[expat888]

As others have stated above, this is not news. Thais know what they are doing. They know Thailand is corrupt.

IMO, the problem is the defamation law and the extent it is enforced. A Thai can do anything they want and no one can say anything. Another Thai cannot "defame" them even if it's true.

In actual defamation laws, you cannot say anything untrue, but here it doesn't matter. That keeps Thais under control. They can't speak out against anyone or anything or "policeman will take your money". And a BiB is another story acting as judge and jury.

Edited March 7, 2014 by expat888

[umbanda]

What is a "CORRUPTED" country?

A country where you do not need to pass few $$$ to any government official, police officer, customs inspector,etc, etc, etc, and everybody pay taxes, but politicians, banks owners, insurance companies, monopolies, big corporations, military, and few individuals in power, do not pay taxes and make BILLIONS in corrupted business and schemes....A corrupted country where you cannot protest, say, or manifest your ideas without facing problems in your life or discrimination, and you need to WASH YOUR BRAIN to live and work under the rules of the people in power. A RICH country where MISERY cannot be vanish, and ideas are imposed by VIOLENCE AND EXTORTION..

OR

A country where you have to pay small bribes to low pay employees, you pay taxes knowing that few individual in power do not pay taxes and makes MILLIONS with corruption.....A "POOR" country where most people live in POVERTY, but having the choice to live and work with DIGNITY to avoid MISERY.

Where is GREED and AMBITIONS for power, will be CORRUPTION. Unfortunately is the HUMAN NATURE. Our WORLD is not perfect and never will, just because WE are not perfect.

Our world is corrupted, in every way, and more and more every day.....

I do not have the solution for that...

Do you?

[northernjohn]

What a load of rubbish. Corruption is the mindset of business, not this or that nationality. Some nations have managed to pretty much root it out of the business mindset, but i assume that is through decent political governence and exemplary leadership. In general, the more business there is the more corruption there is. The big difference between say a thailand and an america is that here it is more obvious, but in america corruption is still rife in the business and political world.

As for students 'cheating' on assignments, hardly corruption is it! In fact if teachers continue to teach in a top-down structure while giving out utterly boring assignments which are too difficult, then copying will naturally continue. Don't blame the student, blame the appalling system and education.

And just 3% said they'd not repay their student loans? Not bad at all, but again, hardly corruption.

The most disappointing thing in this news is that this is being spouted by the president of a university. They should be the first ones to look for real causes of student (or citizen) behaviour, rather than just coming out with tired cliches that offer no solutions. The whole eductional structure is a top-down structure, everybogy higher 'telling' everybody lower, with the students at the bottom. When it's boring and difficult, why not copy?? Get creative and set assigments that can't be copied.

Well I like a lot of what you say. But I believe that corruption is in a way a bottom up thing here in Thailand.

The people look at corruption as a cheap way to avoid paying a large fine on not wearing a helmet and other such minor things. For the most part they have no idea of the size of it at the government level. They have no idea of how much each person on an average has put into the rice scam. It is a inconceivable amount to them so forget it and pretend like it is not happening.

As for the students well consider that it was just a teacher talking and naturally he was not going to say any thing about the lack of teachers with the ability to teach in a way that would encourage learning. That would not look good on him. Best to blame it on the students. forget about his inability to teach and patrol the class rooms to eliminate cheating if the teachers even care.

[ppmacready]

[digibum]

Corruption is a part of life, depending on the level of rules , what you can do is up to the individual and the country you are in, there is a corruption case in Oz, the pollie got caught, through whistle blowers and checks and balances, it all depends on the persons character, it all depends on the leaders in the community , they set the example people follow, in Thailand that example is sorely lacking , how can you expect the community to respect , when you have politician's out on parole, been in jail , suspended from and then reinstated back in parliament, hence the reforms and rules.

The difference is:

a) The police got caught

People reported them

c) I'm assuming there were some negative consequences for the police

The problem in Thailand is that there are seldom any negative consequences. From the highest levels of the government down to the rice farmer, corruption is simply tolerated and accepted as a fact of life.