Drastic steps offered to fight graft: Thai politics

[Emster23]

Case of pot calling the kettle black. "Corruption" if other side does it, "patronage" (and part of unique Thai cultural heritage that is admired world wide) when my side does it. 25 year sentence? Has any government stayed in power that long? Cycle of pardons even if it went that far, which has a snowballs chance in hell, imho.

[smedly]

Half the people in Thailand would be on death row if this became law.

you start at the top - the rest will get the message very quickly

[smedly]

Any group promoting the death penalty shows their true fascist colors. Its a terrible solution to a real problem, and do not address the real problem in Thailand where corruption is not just about money but also about positions and connections. As long as not everyone is treated equally by the law there is no way to stop corruption. The so called reforms is just more tools for the corrupt to the core pdrc movement.

I think the message is stiff penalties for corruption, the people are sick of it and the current level is simply outrageous - billions upon billions of baht going missing

To implement the changes the constitution would have to be suspended, then once complete the proposed changes /reforms would be presented to all the people to vote in a referendum with an election to follow

The only losers in this are those that are currently at the trough which includes the current government - ranking ministerial workers - red shirt leaders - DSI etc. it's always easy to identify them - they will protest and shout the loudest against such new laws

[Cuchulainn]

Here we go.

Any news on punishment for anyone involved in land misappropriation? Death penalty for corruption? That takes out 90% of ptp and 50% of the democrats.

No one's saying the Dems are squeaky clean; of course they're not. If you believe they are, you are a dullard and a moron.

However, serious/death sentences for corruption would clean the Thaksin junta and hangers-on out overnight and hopefully young ones today would think twice about taking up politics as a career.

Edited March 13, 2014 by Cuchulainn

[MunterHunter]

Here we go.

Any news on punishment for anyone involved in land misappropriation? Death penalty for corruption? That takes out 90% of ptp and 50% of the democrats.

Then it would be an excellent first step...

[Smokemachine]

I think death sentence for corruption charges depend on case to case basis. The severity level and any causing innocent deaths like the rice scheme. Innocent farmers are dead, death sentence may consider for the culprits.

As for normal graft charges, 10-20 years in prison is consider long time for 1 human being's lifetime. I meant in prison is really in the damn prison.

[pisico]

Here we go.

Any news on punishment for anyone involved in land misappropriation? Death penalty for corruption? That takes out 90% of ptp and 50% of the democrats.

That is the evidence that this uprising is a fight for justice, for transparency, and for the future of all the people of the country. Not for the personal benefit of any particular group or person.

Cut down on the amount of Koo-aid and you may get to see some of the light.

[pisico]

Here we go.

Any news on punishment for anyone involved in land misappropriation? Death penalty for corruption? That takes out 90% of ptp and 50% of the democrats.

No one's saying the Dems are squeaky clean; of course they're not. If you believe they are, you are a dullard and a moron.

However, serious/death sentences for corruption would clean the Thaksin junta and hangers-on out overnight and hopefully young ones today would think twice about taking up politics as a career.

Lucky for Suthep he is the one leading the lemmings of the PDRC.

Read on:

Suthep had four family members in politics, this was before they resigned to protest, and he is the most powerful man in the Democrat Party as he controls the southern MPs.

In 1995, Suthep’s Sor Por Kor 4-01 land scheme scandal led to the downfall of the Democrat-led Chuan Leekpai government.

As a Miniser of Agriculture he resigned under threat of being indicted....Which miraculously made him the owner of choice land in Phuket. Of course. there’s the rubber shenanigans during the Abhisit Vejjajiva-led government... and the Palm Oil Scheme.

That is a partial background of a man who “claims” he does not want to be PM.

If that law and punishment are applied retroactively, Suthep's head and Thaksin's will be side by side on the chopping block.

[PepperMe]

Ahhh. The Chinese communist model. Death. Quick trial, out back, up against the wall. Death.

That was Thaksin's policy remember.... At least the Chinese got a swift trial, Thaksin's death squads were allowed to execute immediately on the side of the road. Others disappeared into thin air (especially those who openly opposed him).

Just because a death sentence is the highest punishment for a certain crime does not necessarily mean they would get that sentence. It is more of a symbolic deterrent. Hwever, life in prison for those in the highest levels of office and thus responsibility should definitely face life in prison with no opportunity to buy themselves out or a royal pardon. That is sufficient to stop all corruption at the top.

I also definitely agree with swift action by having a specialist department of investigation for political graft, corruption and fraud for all levels of political office including provincial governors, officials and state officials, police etc.... So a case can be completed with say 60 to 90 days, not the current 8 to 10 years.

Swift action with harsh penalties and a symbolic death sentence I am totally comfortable and agreeable with.

Maybe a public bureau where the public can directly report incidents of corruption which can result in an investigation, say.... the police on the streets.... Or employees reporting their bosses for corruption, so long as there is evidence there can be a case.

Those at the upper levels will make sure that everyone below them can't be corrupt if they themselves can't be, and that will roll down the levels right to the bottom (If I can't do it, then neither can you)... Should throw a huge spanner in the works and start changing the Thai attitude to all forms of corruption.... I think it will work. I really do.

Imagine all the money siphoned off from public coffers in the past 20 years.... Imagine how much it would amount to.

It would probably be upwards of 10 trillion, they could have had 5 mega projects by now and a great national health service.

Police more active in crime prevention rather than being too busy collecting cash from the road for their boss.

Better people in top jobs, under 'best man for the job' not the unqualified parachuted into their jobs by under the table deals and nepotism....

This place would be a much better place to live for all of us.

Don't tell me the Thais won't go for it..... Don't insult them.

[Thai at Heart]

Assets seizure and death penalty, now you are talking! But who in their right mind would enter a politics then?

I await them checking how much tax these esteemed acadmics paid last year. Public speaking, expenses, trips, benefit in kind.

No one in Thailand really understands how few people comply with 100% of the tax laws.