EDITORIAL
Thawil's case exhibits another flaw in the system
The Nation

Nepotism in high places is undermining democratic principles and the effectiveness of our bureaucracy

BANGKOK: -- Democracy affords us the right to change almost anything, its advocates say. Which is why, when Thawil Pliensri was removed as secretary-general of the National Security Council in 2011, those who disagreed gritted their teeth and bore it. When the Supreme Administrative Court ruled last week that his transfer was unjust, the cracks in his papered-over bureaucratic fate suddenly showed. What was initially defended as a democratic exercise was questioned, scrutinised and made to seem anything but.

To cut to the chase, Thawil was bumped off the NSC to make way for then-police chief Wichien Pojphosri, who had in his turn been forced to make way for political favourite Priewphan Damapong. Priewphan got the police top job and Wichien saved "face" by taking over at the NSC. Thawil ended up the victim in this high-level case of seeming nepotism.

Democratic governments can chop and change. They can replace an experienced senior bureaucrat with one less experienced or less qualified. When someone who benefits from a reshuffle is related to the prime minister, such an exercise not only weakens the bureaucracy, it weakens democracy itself.

Of course, democratically elected politicians are entitled to work alongside those with whom they feel most comfortable, but this flexibility has its limits. There is a clear line when it comes to official appointments, and crossing that line invites nepotism. And whether it's practised under democracy or dictatorship, nepotism equates to corruption, inefficiency, demoralisation and the degradation of ethical standards.

Thawil's case was just one high-level example among many. There have been several questionable transfers and promotions at the Finance Ministry in recent years. Some officials were reportedly owed favours by political big names and "rewarded" accordingly. Good reshuffles by politicians spur complacent bureaucrats into action; bad reshuffles discourage good bureaucrats, even turning them into bad ones.

Thawil's effectiveness as NSC chief might be debatable, but the manner in which he was removed so that Wichien could shuffle across and be replaced by Priewphan is contentious. Priewphan, who was approaching mandatory retirement age at the time, was anything but highly qualified for the top police job. That so much fuss had to be created by the Yingluck government so that Priewphan could retire with "honour" spoke volumes about how deep-rooted nepotism has become in Thai politics.

It's fair to say that nepotism has plagued all Thai administrations. This is why our much-discussed political-reform process must tackle the issue. A line must be drawn between the legitimate democratic right of politicians to decide which people work for them and the self-serving abuse of that right to reward family and friends. Thawil has received reparations in court, but not all bureaucrats who fall victim to nepotism have the opportunity or determination to fight injustice all the way.

With no sign of an end to the political warring, the will to tackle nepotism could suffer the same fate as the campaign against other types of corruption. Accusations of graft are flying, but government supporters are counter-attacking by claiming the Yingluck government is being made the scapegoat for a problem that permeates society. And, as with other forms of corruption, nepotism has a tendency to evade efforts to control it, strengthening its grip thanks to the mentality of "If others can do it, why can't we?"


-- The Nation 2014-03-15

I'm not sure it's a flaw in the system more it is the actual system where patronage, reward for loyalty, looking after family and friends are the norm and expected.

Remember how Mr. T promoted half of his old classmates at the military academy and the remainder complained " what about us ? "

Thailand is by no means a meritocracy and unlikely to become so as that's not how those and such as those operate.

As a prime example the annual military re-shuffle exercise is underway and where senior officers and their backers duck and weave to get the most sought after posts.

I will leave the expression ' most sought after ' open to individual interpretation.

I'm not sure it's a flaw in the system more it is the actual system where patronage, reward for loyalty, looking after family and friends are the norm and expected.

Remember how Mr. T promoted half of his old classmates at the military academy and the remainder complained " what about us ? "

Thailand is by no means a meritocracy and unlikely to become so as that's not how those and such as those operate.

As a prime example the annual military re-shuffle exercise is underway and where senior officers and their backers duck and weave to get the most sought after posts.

I will leave the expression ' most sought after ' open to individual interpretation.

yes but both sides are 'at it' de-politicize appointments and reform the LAW to make it non-political

No offense, but the true flaw in the system is Thai culture. End of.

This is no different than anywhere else...remember Bush's mate ole Brownie who was a horse trainer picked to become head of the disaster agency because of his excellent track record of fund raising for the Bush campaign. Brownie was the chap who was praised by GWB for doing a 'heckuva job' in managing the federal response to Katrina in New Orleans.

Senior people want to work with people they trust...it is the same in every large corporation...after a certain organizational level pretty much all have similar competence, but you have to pick people who will not stab you in the back....it's human nature

No offense, but the true flaw in the system is Thai culture. End of.

I'm not qualified or educated enough to determine if a flaw exists in Thai culture. The end will come when I take my last breath, which is determined by a force other than myself.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

It is the very system and it use due to inadequate checks and balances that allow for the proliferation of this cancerous corruption. There us no democracy in this country, never has been,just a lot of hot air.

I'm not sure it's a flaw in the system more it is the actual system where patronage, reward for loyalty, looking after family and friends are the norm and expected.

Remember how Mr. T promoted half of his old classmates at the military academy and the remainder complained " what about us ? "

Thailand is by no means a meritocracy and unlikely to become so as that's not how those and such as those operate.

As a prime example the annual military re-shuffle exercise is underway and where senior officers and their backers duck and weave to get the most sought after posts.

I will leave the expression ' most sought after ' open to individual interpretation.

yes but both sides are 'at it' de-politicize appointments and reform the LAW to make it non-political

You constantly moan on and on about.... 'yes but the Dems did it', or 'yes but...Suthep did it'.

I am getting to the point where it is difficult to find a post of yours that doesn't contain the same old same old.

If this annoys you so much, then you should be supporting Suthep who is actually trying to stamp out the future possibility of ANYONE doing it..... including people from every side of politics.

Suthep's reforms idea has no one side in particular consideration.... it covers EVERYONE.

Also stop looking backwards all the time, this country will never get better if they can't leave the past behind and focus on the future.

History is history, not the future.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

I'm not sure it's a flaw in the system more it is the actual system where patronage, reward for loyalty, looking after family and friends are the norm and expected.

Remember how Mr. T promoted half of his old classmates at the military academy and the remainder complained " what about us ? "

Thailand is by no means a meritocracy and unlikely to become so as that's not how those and such as those operate.

As a prime example the annual military re-shuffle exercise is underway and where senior officers and their backers duck and weave to get the most sought after posts.

I will leave the expression ' most sought after ' open to individual interpretation.

yes but both sides are 'at it' de-politicize appointments and reform the LAW to make it non-political

........through implementing reforms before a free and fair election!!! By jove, I think you've got it!!

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

Thaksin, free, fair, election.

Four little words that don't quite fit together with any meaning except a negative one.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

AFAIR the prime minister is chosen by all the members of the winning party or ist it just by the actual MPs themselves. Before the election a PM elect is chosen but should that person not win a seat there could be a problem.

Along comes the good old party MP list where the number of party MPs allowed is a proportion of the votes so if the new PM is chosen from the party list MPs then that person cannot lose the MP seat.

Therefore if the party choose the #1 party list MP to be PM no one can argue as it is in the rules.

All right there is a vote for the sake of "democracy" but if the owner of the party decides that he wants his little sister to become PM who would DARE argue with him.

Hence the party owners little sister, Yingluck was given control over the destiny of 66 million Thais without ever being a politician in her life.

There is NO better reason thatn this to abolish party list MPs. If you want to be an MP get out into the country and EARN that right.

" They can replace an experienced senior bureaucrat with one less experienced or less qualified."

How is that a "flaw"? It works really well for THAI Airways, doesn't it?

No offense, but the true flaw in the system is Thai culture. End of.

I'm not qualified or educated enough to determine if a flaw exists in Thai culture. The end will come when I take my last breath, which is determined by a force other than myself.

Or maybe you just have a car accident with a car with no tread on the tyres, no mot, no insurance, driven by a bloke who's been.let out on bail for murder the day before, 100 m from the police checkpoint where he was breathalysed and paid 200 baht.

And u say thainess isn't part of the problem

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

AFAIR the prime minister is chosen by all the members of the winning party or ist it just by the actual MPs themselves. Before the election a PM elect is chosen but should that person not win a seat there could be a problem.

Along comes the good old party MP list where the number of party MPs allowed is a proportion of the votes so if the new PM is chosen from the party list MPs then that person cannot lose the MP seat.

Therefore if the party choose the #1 party list MP to be PM no one can argue as it is in the rules.

All right there is a vote for the sake of "democracy" but if the owner of the party decides that he wants his little sister to become PM who would DARE argue with him.

Hence the party owners little sister, Yingluck was given control over the destiny of 66 million Thais without ever being a politician in her life.

There is NO better reason thatn this to abolish party list MPs. If you want to be an MP get out into the country and EARN that right.

Abhisit is a party list MP, or was.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

AFAIR the prime minister is chosen by all the members of the winning party or ist it just by the actual MPs themselves. Before the election a PM elect is chosen but should that person not win a seat there could be a problem.

Along comes the good old party MP list where the number of party MPs allowed is a proportion of the votes so if the new PM is chosen from the party list MPs then that person cannot lose the MP seat.

Therefore if the party choose the #1 party list MP to be PM no one can argue as it is in the rules.

All right there is a vote for the sake of "democracy" but if the owner of the party decides that he wants his little sister to become PM who would DARE argue with him.

Hence the party owners little sister, Yingluck was given control over the destiny of 66 million Thais without ever being a politician in her life.

There is NO better reason thatn this to abolish party list MPs. If you want to be an MP get out into the country and EARN that right.

Abhisit is a party list MP, or was.

Maybe, but the key difference between him and Yingluck is that he has a brain and is highly qualified and experienced in politics!!

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

AFAIR the prime minister is chosen by all the members of the winning party or ist it just by the actual MPs themselves. Before the election a PM elect is chosen but should that person not win a seat there could be a problem.

Along comes the good old party MP list where the number of party MPs allowed is a proportion of the votes so if the new PM is chosen from the party list MPs then that person cannot lose the MP seat.

Therefore if the party choose the #1 party list MP to be PM no one can argue as it is in the rules.

All right there is a vote for the sake of "democracy" but if the owner of the party decides that he wants his little sister to become PM who would DARE argue with him.

Hence the party owners little sister, Yingluck was given control over the destiny of 66 million Thais without ever being a politician in her life.

There is NO better reason thatn this to abolish party list MPs. If you want to be an MP get out into the country and EARN that right.

Abhisit is a party list MP, or was.

Maybe, but the key difference between him and Yingluck is that he has a brain and is highly qualified and experienced in politics!!

The fact he can't win must be because .........?

He's obviously thinking too mutt.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

So Thaksin is better at nepotism and Thaksin is better at corruption and Thaksin is better at vote buying.... yada yada yada

The fact that whatever the particular misdeed being discussed, Thaksin always has to be portrayed as being some sort of cartoonish super terrific fantastical over the top extreme evil perpetrator tells me something.

To me it is an explicit acceptance that the accusers are in fact guilty of the same misdeeds. Normally it would be enough to say that corruption is bad, but the Suthepsta's have to qualify it by saying a particular level of corruption is bad lest their claims be taken as a confession.

We do it- but it's O.K. because we don't do it on the same scale as you.

How about - the fact that you did it and did it for so many decades has created a system where corruption flourishes. Thaksin didn't create the current system, he inherited it from you and like everything else, including winning elections and governing the nation - HE IS JUST BETTER AT IT THAN YOU.

Nepotism is the one and only reason why the PTP has failed so miserably on so many counts. Even Thaksin is quoted as saying that his sister should have selected experts to advise and guide her in her various endeavors.

As an engineer (retired) I have to say that all the contracts it has been my privilege to secure have been gained through my skills and knowledge. No company in their right mind would rely on the expertize of an idiot relative to bring, in a timely manner, a new product to market. It is through the activities of weak management that companies and governments fall.

Nepotism is by far the easiest form of corruption to tackle. A simple law would take care of it, and it would apply to all. Having said that, whoever is in power will be the least likely to want to give it up ( particularly in this case ). For that very reason, a period of reform is the appropriate time to replace this practice with something quite novel - people who are actually qualified getting the appointments. Even given the strong cultural underpinnings of nepotism, it must be acknowledge that Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ? And he has a large family. That sort of thing is far beyond what this country has experienced at the grassroots level, and only the Shinawatra family thinks it's a great idea. The very reason why the protest movement exists is because of Thaksin and his influence, and nepotism is the tool by which it is all allowed to happen. Of all the people who have a vested interest in nepotism, Thaksin has - by far - the greatest vested interest.

Ah, the old demon, Thaksin.

Thaksin has taken nepotism to new heights. He gets to choose whatever prime minister he wants. How ridiculous is that ?

Well as a statement of fact, about as ridiculous as it gets.

I suppose you regard the little matter of a national Election being held and a political party winning that election with enough seats to vote in a PM a pre-requisite not worth considering.

No wonder you hold suthep in awe.

AFAIR the prime minister is chosen by all the members of the winning party or ist it just by the actual MPs themselves. Before the election a PM elect is chosen but should that person not win a seat there could be a problem.

Along comes the good old party MP list where the number of party MPs allowed is a proportion of the votes so if the new PM is chosen from the party list MPs then that person cannot lose the MP seat.

Therefore if the party choose the #1 party list MP to be PM no one can argue as it is in the rules.

All right there is a vote for the sake of "democracy" but if the owner of the party decides that he wants his little sister to become PM who would DARE argue with him.

Hence the party owners little sister, Yingluck was given control over the destiny of 66 million Thais without ever being a politician in her life.

There is NO better reason thatn this to abolish party list MPs. If you want to be an MP get out into the country and EARN that right.

Abhisit is a party list MP, or was.

Maybe, but the key difference between him and Yingluck is that he has a brain and is highly qualified and experienced in politics!!

The fact he can't win must be because .........?

He's obviously thinking too mutt.

Nothing to do with cheating at the elections then!!