It's common for anti-graft bodies to face threats: TI

[Lite Beer]

REDS
It's common for anti-graft bodies to face threats: TI
Anuphan Chantana
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Transparency International (TI) supports the work of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and asks pro-government groups to stop intimidation over investigations by these independent bodies, NACC member Pakdee Pothisiri said yesterday.

NACC officials say they have been verbally intimidated by pro-government protesters. The agency's building was also targeted with M79 and other kinds of grenades a few times in March.

After discussion by TI members from 120 countries, they said that anti-corruption agencies all over the world were often threatened when investigating prominent politicians. To address this, they drew up a Bangkok Declaration, which insists that all anti-corruption commissions should have protection so they can operate independently from political influence.

The TI also condemned groups that interfere with the NACC and criticised the government for not protecting the commission.

This was the first time that Transparency International had made a statement about the NACC in Thailand, Pakdee said. But he did not expect the group to intervene further unless the situation becomes more severe.

"This type of case has happened before, with the Anti-Corruption Commission in Indonesia that investigated a politician in the ruling party. The problem is similar to what is happening with the Thai NACC and it also happens in many other countries," Pakdee said.

"This is unacceptable behaviour and it shows that all politicians are alike, since they value themselves more than their country. It also shows that politicians are unlikely to help fight corruption."

-- The Nation 2014-05-03

[Thait Spot]

Agree 100%

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[mijan24]

"This is unacceptable behaviour and it shows that all politicians are alike, since they value themselves more than their country.

Yes but why let them get away with it? - Start arresting them place them on work details (sweeping the streets) they are supposed to represent the people - thuggery is a violation of my rights so have the law intervene and clean out these crooks and take the Pattaya Russian mafia with them - Crime & Corruption is rampant in Thailand and we have labourers asking for a payrise whilst those in charge dig their snouts further into the "public purse"

[ChrisY1]

Good article....spot on about politicians.....

The intimidation that the NACC has recieved over the past few months is incredible.....no-one arrested....and seemingly condoned by the police and PTP....even the PM, Yingluck, has not condemned anything....nor her lawyers......even the people don't seem to care.....a bloody disgrace!

[moonao]

Problem is, that the post 2006 coup installed NACC aren't actually independent at all. They work for elite interests, not the law, constitution or the people. Cases against Abhisit have been pending for years while with Yingluck, as soon as the opportunity for a judical coup comes up, they spring into action.

They might have a case, i don't know, but one thing i do know is that they are most certainly not independent, and when reforms are started post election, this group in particular needs to be investigated.

[chainarong]

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Problem is, that the post 2006 coup installed NACC aren't actually independent at all. They work for elite interests, not the law, constitution or the people. Cases against Abhisit have been pending for years while with Yingluck, as soon as the opportunity for a judical coup comes up, they spring into action.

They might have a case, i don't know, but one thing i do know is that they are most certainly not independent, and when reforms are started post election, this group in particular needs to be investigated.

I think you will find that to work outside of the law frame work would have the people of Thailand up in arms, including the academic's that monitor these cases and the press. it seems you have a limited memory and a altered history syndrome when it comes to your support for your team, I support neither ,I do favour the democrats only because they don't continue to intimidate and thumb their nose at the law and are not as radical as the PTP supporters ,don't buy votes are not corrupt , and will you give me just one program instigated by the PTP in the last four years , that has been a success, further more I can see glaring examples lately where the sitting PTP members have been in contempt of court, or would have been in a democratic run country.

[WoopyDoo]

It's laughable that Surapong has worked himself into a sweat for the first time in his life sending out letters to the international community to get support and condemnation for his enemies.

Now that Transparency International have come out to criticize the ruling party, I suppose the attitude is going to be along the lines of ......

'TI is not my father'.

[Piichai]

Tis but another snowflake in Thaksin's blizzard of shame.

[h90]

Problem is, that the post 2006 coup installed NACC aren't actually independent at all. They work for elite interests, not the law, constitution or the people. Cases against Abhisit have been pending for years while with Yingluck, as soon as the opportunity for a judical coup comes up, they spring into action.

They might have a case, i don't know, but one thing i do know is that they are most certainly not independent, and when reforms are started post election, this group in particular needs to be investigated.

So which corruption cases against Abhisit have been pending for years?

And even if it would be true what argument is that: Let Yingluck be corrupt because Abhisit is also corrupt????

[Scamper]

For those that defend the intimidation of independent agencies - intimidation that has, by the way, included very real physical threats in the form of grenade attacks - with " well, they're not really independent, you see " - congratulations - you've just earned the Thida diploma. It's all she requires. No other line required. It's a line Jatuporn and Nattawut utter again and again. It's also a line used the world over again and again when local independent agencies are threatened, as Transparency International would be quick to inform you.

There's no justification for the threatening of anyone, under any pretext, let alone constitutionally empowered institutions. Period.

Edited May 3, 2014 by Scamper

[Bluespunk]

"It's common for anti-graft bodies to face threats: TI"

Not in law abiding countries it's not.

[Thaddeus]

How long before someone from PTP files a lawsuit against Transparency International for defamation?

[Baerboxer]

Problem is, that the post 2006 coup installed NACC aren't actually independent at all. They work for elite interests, not the law, constitution or the people. Cases against Abhisit have been pending for years while with Yingluck, as soon as the opportunity for a judical coup comes up, they spring into action.

They might have a case, i don't know, but one thing i do know is that they are most certainly not independent, and when reforms are started post election, this group in particular needs to be investigated.

Grow up.

[Baerboxer]

It's laughable that Surapong has worked himself into a sweat for the first time in his life sending out letters to the international community to get support and condemnation for his enemies.

Now that Transparency International have come out to criticize the ruling party, I suppose the attitude is going to be along the lines of ......

'TI is not my father'.

I'm sure number 1 cousin will explain to the international community that all this intimidation is being carried out by the mysterious "third hand" working in conjunction with the fascist thug leader Suthep to discredit the democratically caretaker government who have the true people's mandate. The PTP, UDD, Thakisn, Yingluck and all the Shin clan simply want to be treated fairly and advocate peace. Then return to running the country their way and only their way.

He knows this because the DG of CAPO personally told him. He knows who is behind all the intimidation but can't reveal it yet. Begins with the letter...................

He'll be confident the international community will believe him.

[billzant]

I agree with Moonao about the functioning of the NACC in Thailand.

It therefore surprised me that an organisation with the name of "Transparency" International would issue such a politically-biassed statement. However whilst TI is an NGO, it is token and establishment. It was founded by the World Bank, and its board of directors are all establishment figures - http://www.transparency.org/whoweare/organisation/board_of_directors/1/.

Whilst any in-roads into corruption is helpful TI in Thailand is only making token efforts - check their website - http://www.transparency-thailand.org/eng/

[than]

Problem is, that the post 2006 coup installed NACC aren't actually independent at all. They work for elite interests, not the law, constitution or the people. Cases against Abhisit have been pending for years while with Yingluck, as soon as the opportunity for a judical coup comes up, they spring into action.

They might have a case, i don't know, but one thing i do know is that they are most certainly not independent, and when reforms are started post election, this group in particular needs to be investigated.

IT think contrary NACC is the official anti-graft agency in Thailand and recognize by United Nations Convention Against Corruption

For World community is an independent body

[tingtongteesood]

Absolutely spot on. Now we wait for Thaksin to announce angrily 'TI is not my father'. The PTP detritus deserve to be banged up for a long time for many reasons, but this just adds yet more to their long list of misdeeds...