Assets declaration a foundation of reforms: Thai editorial

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EDITORIAL
Assets declaration a foundation of reforms
The Nation

Without initial commitment to transparency, the process faces a shaky future

BANGKOK: -- They arrived at the scene of one of the country's worst-ever conflicts. They vowed to restore peace, order and harmony and launch much-needed political reforms. And the ride has, up to now, been rather smooth for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). But the military junta is now facing growing public demand for members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to disclose their personal assets.

The honeymoon for the NCPO could soon be over. Initial public support for a military regime that stepped in and brought peace after months of bloody political conflict is likely to be tested as expectations for national reform run high. The newly appointed NLA members are not obliged by law to declare assets and debts, but many think they should do so voluntarily to ensure transparency and good governance.

Likewise, the lawmakers are not required by the interim charter to submit financial statements to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. However, members of the junta itself are ready to submit statements, according to NCPO deputy chief General Paiboon Koomchaya, in charge of legal affairs.

National Anti-Corruption Commission secretary-general Sansern Poljak has welcomed Paiboon's pledge, saying the junta members can submit asset declarations on a voluntary basis if they want to demonstrate sincerity in working for the national interest.

The anti-graft body has been less ambiguous when it comes to NLA members, though, enforcing the 1999 Act that demands lawmakers declare their wealth to the NACC.

Such a move toward transparency is not designed primarily to prevent corruption, but rather to encourage responsibility and accountability among those who are running the country and spearheading reform. They are not bound by law to disclose their assets to the public, but they will certainly earn our praise by doing so.

The stated mission of the NCPO is to solve problems and lead by example. By revealing its members' assets and liabilities, the junta would set a guide and standard for the future. And doing so voluntarily would add weight to its claim that power was seized in order to create a fresh, healthy environment in politics.

Officially, national reform has not yet started, but the junta could be a pioneer regarding the changes to come. The NCPO will not be able to create a good-governance system for others if its members don't believe in it themselves. The public has voiced opinions on the issue. Expectations of a positive outcome are even higher now that the NACC has called on NCPO members to publicly declare personal holdings.

The military is now involved in all three branches of government and generals are set to become Cabinet members. Its role in Thai politics is about to become even greater. The generals must carefully consider just how important is the issue of assets declaration - not to them, but for the country. Their decision on this matter could form the foundation of upcoming reform.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Assets-declaration-a-foundation-of-reforms-30241304.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-20

[terryp]

there are 3 main corrupt organisations in thailand ...1. the government sector workers (inc politicians) 2. the police 3. the MILITARY ........of course they dont want subordinates looking into their financials it would become very embarrassing ...but what is so idiotic the general population of thailand already know this

[siampolee]

Well being as certain classes of visa's require asset statements why are these N.L.A. and the N.P.C.O. members getting so hot under the collar regarding the publishing of their current financial status?

Surely that which is law for one who is in no way able to be involved in the governance of Thailand should also apply equally those who will and can influence Thailand and its people futures.

[NongKhaiKid]

This is a potential minefield and as usual isn't helped by conflicting statements with, probably, more to come from those who feel obliged to speak and get their ' 15 minutes '.

The NCPO, NLA must avoid the usual political ' we make the rules ' attitude.

A lot of necessary trees are currently being shaken in many fields but all the good could be undone in the public eye if asset declarations are mishandled.

[Suriya4]

Army don't pay much hence general don't have much asset, hence no need to waste time declare the very little they have. Move on. Stop bugging gen Prayuth the great leader.

[BSJ]

Transparency is key to the public knowing the serving politician is not using his position to feather his own nest unfairly, but the important step is to have the wife and siblings finances open to scrutiny. It's not uncommon for funds to be transferred to other people in the family or, as we saw with Taksin, the parlour maid.

[ramrod711]

The newly appointed NLA members are not obliged by law to declare assets and debts, but many think they should do so voluntarily to ensure transparency and good governance.

The junta hasn't had any qualms about making their own rules so far, make it mandatory to declare assets.

[chainarong]

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This is a potential minefield and as usual isn't helped by conflicting statements with, probably, more to come from those who feel obliged to speak and get their ' 15 minutes '.

The NCPO, NLA must avoid the usual political ' we make the rules ' attitude.

A lot of necessary trees are currently being shaken in many fields but all the good could be undone in the public eye if asset declarations are mishandled.

Seems to be like previous administrations don't do what I do , Just do as I say, I have for sometime thought that the junta would go into the same, same mode, lately it is looking that way, Thainess.

[Just1Voice]

Army don't pay much hence general don't have much asset, hence no need to waste time declare the very little they have. Move on. Stop bugging gen Prayuth the great leader.

Generals don't have much. 5555555. If that is true, why do military generals all live in multi-million baht mansions and drive Benz, BMW and Lexus?

[lifeincnx]

there are 3 main corrupt organisations in thailand ...1. the government sector workers (inc politicians) 2. the police 3. the MILITARY ........of course they dont want subordinates looking into their financials it would become very embarrassing ...but what is so idiotic the general population of thailand already know this

You left out an important fourth - the judiciary. Just ask the Red Bull heir.

[nong38]

It is part of the culture in this part of the world.

A line must be drawn underneath what has gone on in the past, from now on "officials" should have to declare their assets and how they came by them, if its looks "fishy" then a deeper look is required and if found guilty, they stand trial, if they found guilty. Banned from politics for life, police/military dismissed with all benefits to be denied, pensions etc. could through in the goal term as well pro rata for the size of the assets, then perhaps it might get peoples attention.

They need to be whiter than white and I dont mean being seen in the beauty shops look for polyfilla or the ladies equivalent.

[smutcakes]

It is part of the culture in this part of the world.

A line must be drawn underneath what has gone on in the past, from now on "officials" should have to declare their assets and how they came by them, if its looks "fishy" then a deeper look is required and if found guilty, they stand trial, if they found guilty. Banned from politics for life, police/military dismissed with all benefits to be denied, pensions etc. could through in the goal term as well pro rata for the size of the assets, then perhaps it might get peoples attention.

They need to be whiter than white and I dont mean being seen in the beauty shops look for polyfilla or the ladies equivalent.

And who is going to oversee the NACC officials, maybe a quick transfer to the NACC officials will reduce the chances of being caught. Nearly everything in Thailand is corrupt, why would the NACC people be any different. In fact I am sure they are in a particularly good place to umm collect.

Civil servants, military, police, judiciary, 'independent organizations' all bent. What chance does a country have when those who are there to uphold and police the law are the primary offenders.

[asdecas]

Events are beginning to follow a familiar and well-trodden trajectory. Around we go...

[Thai at Heart]

It is part of the culture in this part of the world.

A line must be drawn underneath what has gone on in the past, from now on "officials" should have to declare their assets and how they came by them, if its looks "fishy" then a deeper look is required and if found guilty, they stand trial, if they found guilty. Banned from politics for life, police/military dismissed with all benefits to be denied, pensions etc. could through in the goal term as well pro rata for the size of the assets, then perhaps it might get peoples attention.

They need to be whiter than white and I dont mean being seen in the beauty shops look for polyfilla or the ladies equivalent.

I've said it before.

Everyone's tax.declaration should be part of public record. Why not. Its public taxes

[Boxclever]

If people knew how rich these top military officials are they would be shocked!

They have their own bank for Christ sake, everything they own would be well laundered.

[Thai at Heart]

If people knew how rich these top military officials are they would be shocked!They have their own bank for Christ sake, everything they own would be well laundered.

Indeed ,its one thing to be an MP with a business and be worth millions

But an army guy? And believe me some of them are worth plenty.

[nong38]

Its a bit like playing pontoon/21 what has gone has gone on. If things are going to change officials now have to stick or end up in the chockey. The authorities need to come down hard on corruption wherever it rears its head, the culture has to change. I know this is easy to say and we are all very sceptical that it will happen, the only way it is likely to is to see some high profile folk hauled up and given a dressing down with very rude repercussions like confiscations, bannings and the ever popular stays at the state's expense.

[smutcakes]

Its a bit like playing pontoon/21 what has gone has gone on. If things are going to change officials now have to stick or end up in the chockey. The authorities need to come down hard on corruption wherever it rears its head, the culture has to change. I know this is easy to say and we are all very sceptical that it will happen, the only way it is likely to is to see some high profile folk hauled up and given a dressing down with very rude repercussions like confiscations, bannings and the ever popular stays at the state's expense.

And which high profile 'folk' is going to stick his neck out and go after a big wig when they to are up to their neck in it. They would not want anyone turning the tables on them. Much easier to just keep quiet about it and go through the motions.

[Strangebrew]

No big deal Thai's will do like the Rich in the US do form a corporation make themselves CEO pay themselves 1 baht a year then buy house through company, pay all bills through company, vacations booked through company,All food, maids, cooks, and poddy tat paid buy company at end of year company writes off expenses. No tax maybe even owed money back. all credit cards are company cards. get the picture?

[ratcatcher]

Army don't pay much hence general don't have much asset, hence no need to waste time declare the very little they have. Move on. Stop bugging gen Prayuth the great leader.

Generals don't have much. 5555555. If that is true, why do military generals all live in multi-million baht mansions and drive Benz, BMW and Lexus?

[Maggusoil]

there are 3 main corrupt organisations in thailand ...1. the government sector workers (inc politicians) 2. the police 3. the MILITARY ........of course they dont want subordinates looking into their financials it would become very embarrassing ...but what is so idiotic the general population of thailand already know this

You left out an important fourth - the judiciary. Just ask the Red Bull heir.

Is "general" population a double entendre?

Let's for the sake of the exercise put the judiciary in at the place of 3 and let the military slip down a little in this guilt index.

I get the feeling that posts here are suggesting that people can be judged not so much by their wealth but for it.

I see no error that an Army general can acquire some wealth in his lifetime without being found suspicious. Stupendous wealth is another thing.

I would like to put forward the idea that when we talk of corruption being associated with unnatural wealth for that individual’s position, from the highest to the lowest, the opportunities would fall to the people who are in a better position to play the system.

An Army general is not normally involved in the running of the country, from a commercial, legal, constitutional or functional point of view. Not the way that the politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary or police are, and therefore not in a position to glean wealth from graft in the way some in those professions have.

It is hoped that they are not too shy of their wealth or assets to expose them if necessary, but the way that is being equated with guilt, might be a disincentive.