Legal system needs a revamp: NACC's Vicha

[Lite Beer]

Legal system needs a revamp: NACC's Vicha
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Sunday Nation

Vicha

BANGKOK: -- Anti-graft agency member warns of links with international crime syndicates, severe problems and limits on fighting graft

Thailand's entire legal system should be revamped as its corruption problems have links to international crime networks and the laws limit the ability to eradicate graft, National Anti-Corruption Commission member Vicha Mahakun said yesterday.

He said the problems are so severe that they could affect the country's survival.

He was speaking at Thammasat University, at a function to mark Sanya Dharmasakti Day.

Vicha, who was appointed to the position by the coup-makers in 2006, said that he did not realise initially how severe the problem was.

"There are many cases where I have found connections outside the country. Assets were transferred and linked to international crime networks. This is the most serious, but governments so far have not been able to deal with them due to the limitations of our laws. We need to revamp the whole legal system," he said.

Vicha cited comments by foreigners that Thailand's international ranking is low because of the patronage system, which influences the selection of administrators, including government officials. He said reforms are not only for Thailand but should be for the whole world, which now agrees that bad people must be eradicated from the system.

"You can't say that [a bad government] will stay for four years only. It won't go as it has already put its men in the system," he said.

Vicha, who heads an NACC committee investigating the government's rice-pledging scheme, said Thailand Development Research Institute had done a research into the scheme two years ago and had warned the government to stop the programme to prevent further loss.

"The research said [the rice-pledging scheme] would bring to an end [development of] rice production. Farmers will be stuck and short of money because the Bt200 billion revolving fund from the government's annual budget would be turned into the hands of companies or businessmen with deliberate plans. Only a small budget would reach the farmers," he said.

He said that instead of focusing on production of good rice and rice breed development, farmers would focus on getting Bt15,000 per tonne, the highest price set for the pledged rice, as the government accepted rice in any condition under the scheme. This meant that the quality of the rice paddy might be overlooked. He also pointed to the missing 2 million tonnes of rice from the government's silo since 2012 as another problem in the scheme.

-- The Nation 2014-04-06

[Tatsujin]

And he's 100% correct. The entire system needs scrapping and doing over properly.

The last 3 paragraphs are very telling if any of the reds can be bothered to read/listen/comprehend.

[NongKhaiKid]

Yes the legal system needs to be revamped and so does a long list of other issues BUT there's little or no chance because the status quo suits those and such as those and they are the people who make the rules or at least can influence them.

[Fryslan boppe]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

[noitom]

Links to international crime syndicates. Laundering, drugs, human trafficking, sex trade, counterfeit goods, corruption, bribery, securities fraud, Thailand.

[Thailand]

If the judiciary achieve Sutheps objectives then the ones who are likely to be in charge will certainly not want judicial reform and will ensure that does not happen. Too much going for them as it stands.

More important to install the peoples council and "fix" the political reform to make sure the illiterate unwashed masses are not allowed to influence the final solution.

What a sick ailing country. So sad!

[PatOngo]

The entire national mentality needs a revamp.

[PaullyW]

Legal system Entire society needs a revamp: NACC's Vicha

Fixed that right up for you guys.

[DirtFarmer]

Why in the world would a graft buster be out stumping a pending case in the public anyway...? His bias is obvious,, not veiled..and he's begging off responsibility...?

Months into Abhisit’s $42-billion three-year government stimulus program, two government ministers resigned in scandals linked to abuse of the funds. Allegations ranged from irregularities in the procurement of hospital equipment and school supplies to rigged bidding process on construction projects....Corruption allegations shadowed the $42-billion government-spending plan to rescue Thailand from recession. Questions were raised over procurement projects involving security forces, while abuse-of-power complaints against police and provincial officials. The Thai military, whose more than 1,000 active generals outnumber those in the U.S. military which is at least three times its size, is also a perennial source of cost overruns and corruption allegations.

So where is the law applied..? and equally applied...Nothing has been moved forward with regards to the Abhiset cases several of them expire next year..but all that is just covered over in the kitty litter box hoping no one will smell it.....

yer dern tootin' it needs a revamp..and new people .....not hand picked by the 2006 coup leaders...but I am asking way too much here... too deeply engrained too many connections...and Suthep out blatantly claiming sovereignty ...Caveat Emptor... the Emperor has no clothes...

[noitom]

When crime abducts the government, you have a failed state. Thailand.

[mikemac]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

I believe you have lost the plot, completely.

You have spent far too much time reading the garbage found on sites like "Political Prisoners in Thailand" (it is a well known fact you have been padding your longwinded posts with rubbish you copied and pasted from this toxic website) and another treasure trove of Thai Rouge propaganda, "Uglytruth-Thailand" where you will find juicy titbits like this beauty -

"The idiots in the NACC are even trying to link Natawut’s behaviour to Yingluk. They are accusing her of allowing such a speech happen and not taking measures against Nattawut.

I listened to Nattawut’s speech. There was nothing new in his speech, but it was very powerful because he highlighted human dignity and equality and confirmed that Thailand belongs to people. He attacked the myth that people needed to be highly educated in order to have a say in society. He spoke the words that people wanted to hear.

There were two demands that came out from his speech:

First, the Prime Minister must not resign. This is in order to protect democracy. Second, the Prime Minister has no need to respect the NACC and other “independent” bodies. If they make a judgement based upon undemocratic methods or a lack of justice, then the government should be resist."

................................"the Prime Minister has no need to respect the NACC and other “independent” bodies".................................?????????

No wonder you think the way you do, ferwert.

[robblok]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

I believe you have lost the plot, completely.

You have spent far too much time reading the garbage found on sites like "Political Prisoners in Thailand" (it is a well known fact you have been padding your longwinded posts with rubbish you copied and pasted from this toxic website) and another treasure trove of Thai Rouge propaganda, "Uglytruth-Thailand" where you will find juicy titbits like this beauty -

"The idiots in the NACC are even trying to link Natawut’s behaviour to Yingluk. They are accusing her of allowing such a speech happen and not taking measures against Nattawut.

I listened to Nattawut’s speech. There was nothing new in his speech, but it was very powerful because he highlighted human dignity and equality and confirmed that Thailand belongs to people. He attacked the myth that people needed to be highly educated in order to have a say in society. He spoke the words that people wanted to hear.

There were two demands that came out from his speech:

First, the Prime Minister must not resign. This is in order to protect democracy. Second, the Prime Minister has no need to respect the NACC and other “independent” bodies. If they make a judgement based upon undemocratic methods or a lack of justice, then the government should be resist."

................................"the Prime Minister has no need to respect the NACC and other “independent” bodies".................................?????????

No wonder you think the way you do, ferwert.

I am actually happy that you found out that it was not him who wrote all that garbage. I was so ashamed as having the same roots as a guy like him. Even though he came from the less educated part of my country. Thank you so much for clearing that up.

Some people really lost the plot, everyone should be against corruption but unfortunately the reds in general are not.

[WhizBang]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Let me get this straight. You are in full support of the current system that is rife with corruption. You are against any reforms whatsoever, lest it upset your gravytrain.

Glad to know where you stand, as if there was any doubt.

[jpeg]

The gist of this article is that it is once again the foreigners' fault 'international crime syndicates' and 'reforms are not only for Thailand but should be for the whole world', not much about Thailand's greed and sloth then.

[michaelscottfan]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Let me get this straight. You are in full support of the current system that is rife with corruption. You are against any reforms whatsoever, lest it upset your gravytrain.

Glad to know where you stand, as if there was any doubt.

It's ironic that you make the claim of wanting reform, and yet you see nothing wrong with the seemingly unlimited power the judiciary have in shaping both legislation and the actual legislature, along with a lack of any sort of transparency in how they actually receive their positions. Once the military took over they appointed people who would cowtow to their interests and removed any form of accountability. This is the pinnacle of corruption, certainly far worse than anything PTP has been accused of.

Thailand is in many ways even less of a Democracy than China is.

[bulekee]

Links to international crime syndicates. Laundering, drugs, human trafficking, sex trade, counterfeit goods, corruption, bribery, securities fraud, Thailand.

Excellent CV,now please list the negatives

[tezzainoz]

Yes the legal system needs to be revamped and so does a long list of other issues BUT there's little or no chance because the status quo suits those and such as those and they are the people who make the rules or at least can influence them.

If you had not noticed the Thai people are protesting against the Status Quo

so why not be positive and support them rather than pull down every thing that many here on TVF try to do

[wilcopops]

"Legal system needs a revamp: NACC's Vicha" - ????

I'd say it should read .....

"Thailand needs a legal system"

[noodle]

 

Links to international crime syndicates. Laundering, drugs, human trafficking, sex trade, counterfeit goods, corruption, bribery, securities fraud, Thailand.

Thailand is a minor player in most of those. Look to the west for the big players.

[mikemac]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Let me get this straight. You are in full support of the current system that is rife with corruption. You are against any reforms whatsoever, lest it upset your gravytrain.

Glad to know where you stand, as if there was any doubt.

It's ironic that you make the claim of wanting reform, and yet you see nothing wrong with the seemingly unlimited power the judiciary have in shaping both legislation and the actual legislature, along with a lack of any sort of transparency in how they actually receive their positions. Once the military took over they appointed people who would cowtow to their interests and removed any form of accountability. This is the pinnacle of corruption, certainly far worse than anything PTP has been accused of.

Thailand is in many ways even less of a Democracy than China is.

OK, give me a minute and I will work out what your "real" name is michael, but I may have to phone a friend.

[WoopyDoo]

Why in the world would a graft buster be out stumping a pending case in the public anyway...? His bias is obvious,, not veiled..and he's begging off responsibility...?

Months into Abhisit’s $42-billion three-year government stimulus program, two government ministers resigned in scandals linked to abuse of the funds. Allegations ranged from irregularities in the procurement of hospital equipment and school supplies to rigged bidding process on construction projects....Corruption allegations shadowed the $42-billion government-spending plan to rescue Thailand from recession. Questions were raised over procurement projects involving security forces, while abuse-of-power complaints against police and provincial officials. The Thai military, whose more than 1,000 active generals outnumber those in the U.S. military which is at least three times its size, is also a perennial source of cost overruns and corruption allegations.

So where is the law applied..? and equally applied...Nothing has been moved forward with regards to the Abhiset cases several of them expire next year..but all that is just covered over in the kitty litter box hoping no one will smell it.....

yer dern tootin' it needs a revamp..and new people .....not hand picked by the 2006 coup leaders...but I am asking way too much here... too deeply engrained too many connections...and Suthep out blatantly claiming sovereignty ...Caveat Emptor... the Emperor has no clothes...

You are talking boll-x again.

Yes during Abhisit's rice subsidy program MP's were forced to resign.

Meaning they were caught and basically expelled from the party. They are still under investigation and will be punished by law in due time.

This is the way it happens in a true democracy that abides by the rule of law.

The difference here is that the PTP and YL has actually supported the continuance of the scheme and not a single PTP MP has been forced to resign... They are in contrast to the Dems, encouraged to continue and are in fact protected by the administration.

So... thanks for bringing up the contrast for us... Because you have just highlighted the difference between a proper democratic government with values and a bunch of out and out criminals.

[Scamper]

" Vicha cited comments by foreigners that Thailand's international ranking is low because of the patronage system, which influences the selection of administrators, including government officials. "

Indeed. It is observant and to the point statements likes these that have earned Vicha special scorn from Pheu Thai.They want him removed from the committee. Why ? Because he sees what's happening. Because he's right, that's why. When family members are thrust into positions of authority just because they're there ( think Surapong ) so that they can keep power and influence within the family, you realize that Vicha has indeed connected the dots, as anyone else who has eyes can, as well. Vicha has been in the position of seeing just how pervasive this corruption can be. And with things like the rice scheme, it truly is massive. We know he's also correct in that the overseeing agencies must be given more - not less - power - because the pace of corruption has outstripped the capacity of the oversight agencies to deal with it. Thaksin doesn't want to see any of that, of course. He likes things exactly the way they are. And Pheu Thai supporters couldn't agree more. They say - " Corruption ? What corruption ? It's the elite, that's what it is. Corruption never existed and will never exist here. The elite simply want us to believe it does. Don't they see that we don't need independent agencies ? Why don't they just quote Jatuporn ? Doing that when waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night does it for me. "

[jaapfries]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Having lived in Thailand for 22 years and having had virtually continuous 'legal dealings' throughout that period, in addition to being married to a Thai' Lawyer; I believe that there's nothing "wrong" with the Legal System, apart from it being easily influenced by corrupt individuals/groups, which of course, is a major flaw. The laws of Thailand are probably as thorough and just as any 'developed nation', however; the BIG problem in Thailand is that nobody actually enforces them.

Then of course there's the rampant corruption, which wreaks havoc with the economy of Thailand, but that's a story for another day.

[aussieinthailand]

Yes the whole legal system needs to be revamped, those that are found with their fingers in the till should have their assets confiscated and put in jail...

reforms are well overdue and must be implemented, people must respect the right to vote and stop this northern unwashed, un-educated, should not be allowed to vote, buffalos, when people can get past this crap then maybe Thailand can grow to it's potential?

[Thai at Heart]

Says the man appointed by an illegal act.

At least he admits the system is shot. But he is the system.

[gabruce]

Why in the world would a graft buster be out stumping a pending case in the public anyway...? His bias is obvious,, not veiled..and he's begging off responsibility...?

Months into Abhisit’s $42-billion three-year government stimulus program, two government ministers resigned in scandals linked to abuse of the funds. Allegations ranged from irregularities in the procurement of hospital equipment and school supplies to rigged bidding process on construction projects....Corruption allegations shadowed the $42-billion government-spending plan to rescue Thailand from recession. Questions were raised over procurement projects involving security forces, while abuse-of-power complaints against police and provincial officials. The Thai military, whose more than 1,000 active generals outnumber those in the U.S. military which is at least three times its size, is also a perennial source of cost overruns and corruption allegations.

So where is the law applied..? and equally applied...Nothing has been moved forward with regards to the Abhiset cases several of them expire next year..but all that is just covered over in the kitty litter box hoping no one will smell it.....

yer dern tootin' it needs a revamp..and new people .....not hand picked by the 2006 coup leaders...but I am asking way too much here... too deeply engrained too many connections...and Suthep out blatantly claiming sovereignty ...Caveat Emptor... the Emperor has no clothes...

and your point is that the rice program has been so successful that corruption is not possible, so not worth talking about?

[timewilltell]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Let me get this straight. You are in full support of the current system that is rife with corruption. You are against any reforms whatsoever, lest it upset your gravytrain.

Glad to know where you stand, as if there was any doubt.

It's ironic that you make the claim of wanting reform, and yet you see nothing wrong with the seemingly unlimited power the judiciary have in shaping both legislation and the actual legislature, along with a lack of any sort of transparency in how they actually receive their positions. Once the military took over they appointed people who would cowtow to their interests and removed any form of accountability. This is the pinnacle of corruption, certainly far worse than anything PTP has been accused of.

Thailand is in many ways even less of a Democracy than China is.

The problem with most of the commenters here is that they side either with one side or the other. It seems that there is a deficit of thought, like it must be obe side or the other who is right. Yes the coup installed some people who were of a like mind to themselves butnot many hada web of family ties together.

They also rewrote the constitution to provide some checks and balances against the threat of Thaksin - actually not such a terrible thing but certainly not perfect. Yes it was to benefit 'their' side.

Then along comes the PTP who put in all their people, not only in government but through the military and police and slowly into the judiciary. What is the difference beyween them of the wrong? I think the PTP is far worse actually because it is so nepotistic and because the aim is to grab compkete power - exactly what you accuse the judiciary of being guilty of. So you abhor absolute power of the judiciary but it is OK for the

PTP ? A very strange point of view.

Actually the judiciary do not make the laws, they cannot change the constitution nor are they in control of what tax money is spent where - their power is a negative power - one to stop things more than make things happen.

I think the judiciary rate a D- on the report card, the police an F and the policians likewise. Thailand just need a revamp of the entire justice system but really it needs a change of mindset and move into the 21st century where the system of reward for who you know regardless of what you know will never compete with a system where merit is the controlling force. It can exist for a while at the expense of the mass of people under the top of the pyramid but you cannot keep going to dinner where soneone else always pays.

Thailand is going backwards very rapidly, there is a real chance of it becoming a dictatorship Cambodia style, and is surely becoming less and less competitive, A large number of Thais are laxy and dont want to work which is fine if you jyst want to ponder the meaning of life under a coconut tree but most want the trimmings of societies where people contribute together to improve the variety and quality if life. Though one does need that to ve tempered for the West has become obsessed with work and consumersm.

What the world needs now is balance and Thailand needs to have a set of people in power who hold the goid of society aka the good of the country beyond their personal riches. I fear because the society is such a selfish one and that affects the collective whole for society is a function of collective consciousness.

[NongKhaiKid]

Yes the legal system needs to be revamped and so does a long list of other issues BUT there's little or no chance because the status quo suits those and such as those and they are the people who make the rules or at least can influence them.

If you had not noticed the Thai people are protesting against the Status Quo

so why not be positive and support them rather than pull down every thing that many here on TVF try to do

So I am not allowed an opinion unless it suits ?

[Thaddeus]

Links to international crime syndicates. Laundering, drugs, human trafficking, sex trade, counterfeit goods, corruption, bribery, securities fraud, Thailand.

Sounds like an ad for PTP.

LipSmakinArseKissinBribeTakinRiceGrowinVoteBuyinDemBombinSandLivinNowtGivin....... Thaksin.

[Thai at Heart]

I see two articles this morning, quoting a speech from one of the NACC judges.

Not sure if the intent is merely to try and normaiize them, or to give them a venting outlet.

Regardless, the central role these judges have in expediting the judicial coup, render them effectively as "red flags walking" to the Electoral and Parliamentary majority.

Any musing by them about anything other than coup-intentioned stuff they are being used for currently, falls on deaf ears.

It in no way diverts attention away from the reality fo the day.

They are just digging their hole deeper, ruminating about reform stuff, legal or otherwise, unless they link it directly to Parliamentary procedures....I notice a lot of Suthep'isms in his thought process.....Even talking about the country's survival.....by implication, all because it has this dastardly elected Govt. in place.

Let me get this straight. You are in full support of the current system that is rife with corruption. You are against any reforms whatsoever, lest it upset your gravytrain.

Glad to know where you stand, as if there was any doubt.

It's ironic that you make the claim of wanting reform, and yet you see nothing wrong with the seemingly unlimited power the judiciary have in shaping both legislation and the actual legislature, along with a lack of any sort of transparency in how they actually receive their positions. Once the military took over they appointed people who would cowtow to their interests and removed any form of accountability. This is the pinnacle of corruption, certainly far worse than anything PTP has been accused of.

Thailand is in many ways even less of a Democracy than China is.

The problem with most of the commenters here is that they side either with one side or the other. It seems that there is a deficit of thought, like it must be obe side or the other who is right. Yes the coup installed some people who were of a like mind to themselves butnot many hada web of family ties together.

They also rewrote the constitution to provide some checks and balances against the threat of Thaksin - actually not such a terrible thing but certainly not perfect. Yes it was to benefit 'their' side.

Then along comes the PTP who put in all their people, not only in government but through the military and police and slowly into the judiciary. What is the difference beyween them of the wrong? I think the PTP is far worse actually because it is so nepotistic and because the aim is to grab compkete power - exactly what you accuse the judiciary of being guilty of. So you abhor absolute power of the judiciary but it is OK for the

PTP ? A very strange point of view.

Actually the judiciary do not make the laws, they cannot change the constitution nor are they in control of what tax money is spent where - their power is a negative power - one to stop things more than make things happen.

I think the judiciary rate a D- on the report card, the police an F and the policians likewise. Thailand just need a revamp of the entire justice system but really it needs a change of mindset and move into the 21st century where the system of reward for who you know regardless of what you know will never compete with a system where merit is the controlling force. It can exist for a while at the expense of the mass of people under the top of the pyramid but you cannot keep going to dinner where soneone else always pays.

Thailand is going backwards very rapidly, there is a real chance of it becoming a dictatorship Cambodia style, and is surely becoming less and less competitive, A large number of Thais are laxy and dont want to work which is fine if you jyst want to ponder the meaning of life under a coconut tree but most want the trimmings of societies where people contribute together to improve the variety and quality if life. Though one does need that to ve tempered for the West has become obsessed with work and consumersm.

What the world needs now is balance and Thailand needs to have a set of people in power who hold the goid of society aka the good of the country beyond their personal riches. I fear because the society is such a selfish one and that affects the collective whole for society is a function of collective consciousness.

The problem is when.people talk from a point of hypocrisy ,but believe that their supposed goodness.makes them above the discussion.

The head of the army talking about stopping corruption. An appointee discussing how having appointees devalues corruption, a corrupt politician discussing smashing corruption. We will bring more.democracy through an appointed committee.

They are ALL in it up to their ears and all hypocrites.