Special Report: NCPO places great emphasis on tackling corruption

[webfact]

Special Report: NCPO places great emphasis on tackling corruption

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has increased the budget allocation for the National Counter Corruption Commission (NACC) to tackle existing frauds and corruption in the country.

Head of the NCPO General Prayuth Chan-ocha said that the NACC, which is an independent public agency, is facing a problem of insufficient personnel to deal with the large number of pending cases. The NCPO, therefore, approved more than 700 additional personnel for the NACC. The addition will involve a budget of over 300 million baht.

He said that the NCPO places great importance on anti-corruption efforts. Importance is also given to the promotion of innovation, which serves as a basis for the sustainable creation of wealth for the country.

Concerning claims by some groups of people who cited familiarity with the NCPO in order to gain government procurement projects, such as water management, canal dredging, and other issues, General Prayuth reiterated that the NCPO had never assigned any individual to implement any of these projects on its behalf. He called on people to inform the NCPO for investigation immediately if anyone claims a personal interest in these matters.

As for the prevention and suppression of corruption in the cases where legal action has already been taken, he said, the NCPO will proceed according to the normal course of justice. Because there is a high backlog of pending cases, the NCPO has assigned relevant agencies to move ahead with the judicial process before the cases are barred by prescription, in order to prevent wrongdoers from escaping the judicial process.

Regarding guidelines to tackle corruption in procurement, the NCPO has assigned the Committee on the Inspection of Public Expenditures and the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, to consider using international measures for investigation into corruption cases applying to government or state enterprise mega-projects, starting with the Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Project – Phase II.

Moreover, the Committee on the Inspection of Public Expenditures has checked various projects and reviewed their cost-effectiveness and the necessity to spend funds that come from taxpayers. Among the issues raised for consideration were the meeting allowances of parliamentary committees and commissions and the construction of government buildings that may not be necessary. The prevention and suppression of corruption is one of the agenda items that will be brought up for consideration by the Reform Council, in a continuing effort to free Thailand from corruption.

On excessive disbursement of expenditures to support populist policies, General Prayuth said that the system needs to be totally revised. He cited the fight against corruption as the next phase of reform, together with good governance to bring about transparency, with an appropriate, effective, and efficient system of checks-and-balances.

-- NNT 2014-07-22

[Gsxrnz]

It would make more sense to spend the budget and allocate the human resource to develop robust systems for procurement and government expenditure into the future rather than chase past wrongdoers.

I'm not saying they should get off scott free, but if time and energy is wasted investigating the past rather than plugging up the holes that exist in the system, the leakage will continue.

Extend the period of "prescription" to unlimited and then they can retrospectively catch/prosecute the past wrongdoers at their leisure. In the meantime, fix the system so any future corruption is minimised - it will never be eradicated.

And why not bring in some international advisers to offer a different perspective on how to develop more robust systems. If they fix it the Thai way, it will just get a quick coat of paint that will look like a million dollars on day one, but peel off on the next sunny day.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Gsxrnz

[TimCM]

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement

[Snig27]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Snig27

[ginjag]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

[lostsoul49]

At a time when the word 'amnesty' is slowly being bled into the equation.

How can you tackle corruption by handing out an amnesty and hiding the reasons behind a smokescreen of 'reunification'?

If you really have a desire to tackle corruption, you need to make examples and the higher they are, the better the effect.

Come on, this might work with the stupid and gullible majority of Thais, but it don't work with me.

Not a single mention of the 'A' word since the takeover and now it sort of creeps in the back door.

Amnesty unlikely to be in provisional charter : Reform Center chief

BANGKOK: -- Amnesty is unlikely to be included in the provisional charter, as detailed discussions would be required within the National Reform Council, Reconciliation for Reform Centre director Lt Gen Kampanart Ruddi said on Tuesday.

However he declined to say whether the provisional charter would be delivered when junta chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha is granted an audience with HM the King on Tuesday afternoon.

Kampanart said Gen Prayuth had assigned a legal and justice team to check and compile the legislation pending in Parliament prior to the junta taking power. Any pending legislation would be looked into by the National Council for Peace and Order.

Referring to reports that the amnesty will be included in the provisional charter, Kampanart said the issue should first be discussed by the National Reform Council to see if it is needed and acceptable to the public.

"The National Reform Council will consider whether it is time for the amnesty and if so, who should be covered," he said.

The amnesty law has four steps; fact finding, legal and healing processes and amnesty, he added.

Before an election, politicians and society will be invited to enter into a social contract that they will continue national reform.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744884-thailand-live-tuesday-22-jul-2014/page-2#entry8135591

I think everyone can expect to be debating this one in the near future, and I wonder who will be given an amnesty?.... as if I even have to think to know the answer to that one.

This coup is looking more and more twisted by the day..... looking like deals have been done and possibly a long time ago.... If I know politics and especially Thai politics.

Edited July 22, 2014 by lostsoul49

[TimCM]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

Yes I did. The military and pretty much all government agencies needed fixing then. I was living in Lampang and was constantly being told I was anti PTP.

I am anti dictatorship and corruption no matter who is in power. I just believe it should be up to the people of Thailand to choose their leaders. And that they should act in the interest of the people, not just line their pockets regardless of shirt colour

Are you (or you ilk) suggesting their is no corruption in the military procurement process?

Edited July 22, 2014 by TimCM

[ginjag]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

Yes I did. The military and pretty much all government agencies needed fixing then. I was living in Lampang and was constantly being told I was anti PTP.

I am anti dictatorship and corruption no matter who is in power. I just believe it should be up to the people of Thailand to choose their leaders. And that they should act in the interest of the people, not just line their pockets regardless of shirt colour

Are you (or you ilk) suggesting their is no corruption in the military procurement process?

Answering to your last sentence -- did I suggest that no corruption within the military ?? if proved on paper I would not condone it.

Why --Quote. "my ilk" something wrong with being anti bad government ?? At this moment (2 months ) it's too early to start slagging off the army.

I would not call this a dictatorship--as yet. until the clean up has taken place.

The clean up will show the Thai people through the television what actually happened over the last 3 years, this is a sort of education for them, as they would have never known otherwise. It would have been kept from them otherwise. Imagine the PTP on television telling the Thai people what the truth was about their governing----sick

You said you do not like dictatorship, wait and see if the army are true dictators or menders. I hope in the future we can see some inroads into military coffers.

[djjamie]

It is refreshing to see the Junta put an emphasis on corruption and like all their previous promises one can be assured they will follow through on it as well.

Adding 700 staff actually falls within the narrative that the good Dr Sitilaksana stated was required to effectively run the NACC as well. She stated here that “We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year”

Being anti dictatorship ergo anti thaksin I praise the Junta for showing Thailand how a coup as a tool in the right hands can bring reform, peace and stability. What we are witnessing here is the embryonic stages of democracy with a gestation period similar to an elephants. The birth of democracy will follow.

Corruption and abuse of power in Thailand is at the root cause of why coups happens. Of course the courts address the corruption and the abuse of power, but the opposition or in short the majority that oppose the both of these evils rise up and then the terrorist attacks start as was shown this year.

Thank you Chang Preyuth. Through your reform you are making coups in Thailand obsolete.

I oppose coups and that is why I support you.

Edited July 22, 2014 by djjamie

[GarryP]

If that budget were to go on salaries alone, you are only looking at average monthly salaries of nearly 36,000 Baht a head for those 700 people. You are not going to get the experience and skills you need for the NACC on salaries that low.

[Krataiboy]

It is refreshing to see the Junta put an emphasis on corruption and like all their previous promises one can be assured they will follow through on it as well.

Adding 700 staff actually falls within the narrative that the good Dr Sitilaksana stated was required to effectively run the NACC as well. She stated here that “We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year”

Being anti dictatorship ergo anti thaksin I praise the Junta for showing Thailand how a coup as a tool in the right hands can bring reform, peace and stability. What we are witnessing here is the embryonic stages of democracy with a gestation period similar to an elephants. The birth of democracy will follow.

Corruption and abuse of power in Thailand is at the root cause of why coups happens. Of course the courts address the corruption and the abuse of power, but the opposition or in short the majority that oppose the both of these evils rise up and then the terrorist attacks start as was shown this year.

Thank you Chang Preyuth. Through your reform you are making coups in Thailand obsolete.

I oppose coups and that is why I support you.

Boy, I bet that tasted good.

[gamini]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

And why do you think the NAAC needs reform . They are all good people. You should be charged with "contempt" and deported

[ginjag]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

And why do you think the NAAC needs reform . They are all good people. You should be charged with "contempt" and deported

Think you got mixed up mate---I did NOT mention NAAC who are they ??? Didn't snig mention them??

After 33 years here deport me --it's maybe my turn .

Please re read who posted what then apologize and buy me a coffee.

[Suriya4]

The army only select the best and honest people to join them. They are the role model of a corruption free organization, especially when come to military spending and arms procurement. GT200 is a perfect show case example.

[Snig27]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

Ah, yes I did. And criticising corrupt practices on the part of one organisation doesn't automatically make you a supporter of the other. Not a difficult concept but one you seem to struggle with badly.

[Snig27]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It is refreshing to see the Junta put an emphasis on corruption and like all their previous promises one can be assured they will follow through on it as well.

Adding 700 staff actually falls within the narrative that the good Dr Sitilaksana stated was required to effectively run the NACC as well. She stated here that “We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year”

Being anti dictatorship ergo anti thaksin I praise the Junta for showing Thailand how a coup as a tool in the right hands can bring reform, peace and stability. What we are witnessing here is the embryonic stages of democracy with a gestation period similar to an elephants. The birth of democracy will follow.

Corruption and abuse of power in Thailand is at the root cause of why coups happens. Of course the courts address the corruption and the abuse of power, but the opposition or in short the majority that oppose the both of these evils rise up and then the terrorist attacks start as was shown this year.

Thank you Chang Preyuth. Through your reform you are making coups in Thailand obsolete.

I oppose coups and that is why I support you.

That's an utterly surreal disconnect with reality. Have you read any Thai history? Your post would indicate strongly that you haven't. Still, I bet you are "happy", right? Corruption and abuse of power is why coups happen? Seriously?

[Chris Lawrence]

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement

Tim, Secret military budget, I think they call it? It was my first thought reading this post.

Nothing ever done about the +US$1 Million the buys from the Government tobacco conglomerate got by way of kick backs reported in the US Government?

And the military lads sitting on the company boards; their list of financial holdings to be disclosed?

Or is it just a red tackled junta emphasised witch-hunt?

[Chris Lawrence]

The army only select the best and honest people to join them. They are the role model of a corruption free organization, especially when come to military spending and arms procurement. GT200 is a perfect show case example.

The divining rods of bomb detection?

And of course the great humanitarian work played by the Navy in repatriating the lost seamen/refugees onto fishing boats, for a small fee?

I can hear the words echo in the corridors of power, "quick, quick we need more smoke and mirrors"?

[sticklee]

In the modern history of military coups worldwide ( say since WW2) , has there ever been any coup that has had a lasting positive impact on the poitical, social and economic condition with the related country? Despite the repeated attempts in Thailand, Why should this one be any different?

[spidermike007]

All the arrests will make not one iota of difference until they start arresting both prosecutors and judges. From what I am told, this is the source of the problem. Both are compromised, and very easily bought, like street whores. So, until they clean up that den of thieves, nothing will change. Anyone with cash will buy one or both of them off, and walk away Scot free.

[smutcakes]

All the arrests will make not one iota of difference until they start arresting both prosecutors and judges. From what I am told, this is the source of the problem. Both are compromised, and very easily bought, like street whores. So, until they clean up that den of thieves, nothing will change. Anyone with cash will buy one or both of them off, and walk away Scot free.

Quite right, there was a clear example of this a few years ago, where top judges were caught on microphone discussing rigging positions for family members/acquaintances. In most countries people would be all over this requesting explanation etc from the judges.

In Thailand there is a witch hunt for the person who released the tape........

Says it all really. The tape may have been released for malicious reasons, but that does not get away from the fact that it was being discussed. The fact they were discussing it openly with other people in earshot, probably goes some way to show how common and dare i say accepted it is.

[spidermike007]

Yes, there are $35 street whores in Boston, who have far, far more honesty, and integrity than Thai prosecutors and judges. True vermin. Men personally responsible for keeping their nation down. And all over a few sheckels. Very small, and Insignificant men, in powerful positions, who take advantage of their power to enrich themselves, and their corrupt families. Rats. Insects. Men of less honor than a three card monty player on the streets of NY. And what do the authorities do about it? Up until now, nothing. Absolutely nothing. Where will the Anne Harare of Thailand come from? When will the people stand up, and say enough is enough? It seems the first place to start, is by completely abolishing the defamation laws. They are a wall that cowards, and men of little honor stand behind, and hide. Perhaps, only when you can start calling these greedy, fat, little pigs out by name, will things really start to change.

Spidermike

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

Edited July 23, 2014 by spidermike007

[Maestro]

What is the URL of the web page where a member of the public can report an act of corruption? Nothing of the kind is mentioned in the news article.

[baboon]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I wonder if they will have the budget to look into military procurement alt=whistling.gif>

Indeed - if there is one branch of the government crying out for radical reform, it's the military.

The NACC could perhaps do with a thorough cleanout too, so they actually become an "independent public agency" rather than an agent of their masters. A look at the robust and (now) clean KPK in Indonesia, who have had huge successes, might help.

Typical of you 2.......................did you say these things when Yingluck/PTP were abusing the system, with all their all their adverts/photo sessions saying they will clean up corruption???

Attack anyone that isn't linked to the PTP. ?? we see it everyday on TVF this fragment of long winded pro PTP supporters---why not a bit of encouragement for a change ??? or will you lose face.-------I am saying go with the flow until anything is untoward then bash.

And why do you think the NAAC needs reform . They are all good people. You should be charged with "contempt" and deported

Yeah. Who needs laws or trials or any of that old nonsense? I say you should be deported so you should be deported - job done.

I despair at times.