PM to preside over “Anti-Corruption Day”

[Gringogazzer]

So it's dawned on him that driving corruption out of Thai society is a non starter so realistically making it a kind of festival day where no-one will be corrupt for one day a year.

Maybe they'll put decorated trees in their houses to celebrate it.

On a serious note, I applaud him for getting the ball rolling with the issue but tough laws & measures need to be put in place while the power to do so is there.

If the country goes back to an elected government, after a first term all this will be swept under the carpet & history will be repeating.

[Plutojames88]

Comedy right?

Strangely , it's insidious and audacious to witness westerners , even Americans side with the ironically called democrats and/ or the righteous Junta one dare not disagree with.

All the hall marks of feeble elitist rhetoric are their along with trademark twists to truths.

It's rather disgusting to see these people delude not just themselves but try pathetically to deceive others

Reforms ( read rigging elections so no reds run)

Fair and balanced Thailand?

Returning happiness ?

Tourists rejoicing ?

Anti corruption ? ....like I said comedy .

[rubl]

Well, for one PM Yingluck stated clearly she was in charge. She was chairwoman of the NRC. She was part of the 'democratic' system.

The junta is not part of a democratic system I'm told. They control activities and punish as needed even if one of them would be guilty. Novel concept, I must admit.

So, let's get this straight. The more people here 'demand' or only slightly 'suggest' that the junta, NCPO, Gen Prayuth and his behave like a government would behave, the more some seem to want the current situation to become more acceptable. "look, apart from the preference for green they are almost like the previous government, almost like real politicians, but they get things done. Why not ask them to stay on a wee bit longer. Doesn't really matter much, now does it?"

Anyway with the previous government "really taking care of corruption" allegedly the wrong way, I find it refreshing to have someone being pragmatic and really work against corruption.

"look, apart from the preference for green they are almost like the previous government, almost like real politicians, but they get things done. Why not ask them to stay on a wee bit longer. Doesn't really matter much, now does it?"

Now I know you're joking. You are, aren't you?

No, just trying to point out that you should be aware of what you wish for. The more the NCPO is 'pressured' to behave as if they were an elected government full of politicians under a faulty democratic system, the more they will become acceptable in the eyes of Thais and many outsiders.

What sets them apart will also be the pressure to 'finish' by October 2015 with new elections.

[wandasloan]

So it's dawned on him that driving corruption out of Thai society is a non starter so realistically making it a kind of festival day where no-one will be corrupt for one day a year.

Maybe they'll put decorated trees in their houses to celebrate it.

On a serious note, I applaud him for getting the ball rolling with the issue but tough laws & measures need to be put in place while the power to do so is there.

If the country goes back to an elected government, after a first term all this will be swept under the carpet & history will be repeating.

Actually, as the photos above show, this day was declared by Yingluck in 2012 as a permanent celebration of the traditional sport. It won't be after an election that it is rolled under the carpet. The eagle-eyed Thai media have already caught the pious and righteous regime's hands in the cookie jar with the purchase of more than 200 "multimedia systems" for the newly refurbished Government House, all painted in Himself's favourite colour - each microphone at 145,000 baht. They reportedly blend right in with the 200 clocks at 40,000-baht apiece because how else could you tell time?

What sets them apart will also be the pressure to 'finish' by October 2015 with new elections.

What pressure is that?

I will stay in office for quite some time.

- General Prime Minister NCPO chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, on Friday.

I would point out, however, that it is the General Prime Minister who says and insists that Thailand has a government, and who appointed the ministers and grabbed.... sorry, was deservedly convinced to take the post as prime minister to prove it. Are you convinced that General Prime Minister Prayuth is so weak that he didn't think up and institute this by himself, but was pressured by outsiders and caved in to them?

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[rubl]

...

long post on anti-corruption campaigns under Yingluck

...

I would be just as much convinced they were fair dinkum if it were a mob of hooded KKK scum standing in front of an anti-racism banner.

Wanda only mentioned 2012, but seem to have forgotten the sequel

2013-07-03

"Yingluck Shinawatra launched a new campaign against corruption. The Prime Minister pledged transparency and good governance in her government."

http://thailandnewsworth.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/stop-corruption-campaign/

[halloween]

Yingluk's anti-corruption day should be re-named Hypocrite's Day in her (dis)honour. within 6 months of its launch the Democrats had uncovered the G2G scam, and further investigation shows direct links to her family.

[wandasloan]

Yingluk's anti-corruption day should be re-named Hypocrite's Day in her (dis)honour. within 6 months of its launch the Democrats had uncovered the G2G scam, and further investigation shows direct links to her family.

Yes. The Democrats are about as incompetent an opposition as Thailand ever has had. On the other hand, their leadership record is worse.

That said, the book they FINALLY came up with last week is a very good, concise and dis-confusion narrative of the rice-purchase boondoggle. There is a lot missing, but what is there is quite excellent. Too bad it took them three years and hiding behind jack-booted thugs to get the guts to do it, but they did do it.

Raising awareness about corruption is a non-starter, not pragmatic, and a bit of showmanship. Nonetheless, I like the General -- he can keep a lid on it, but unfortunately never take the pot off the stove.

Well, you say that, and it's just Ascii. But tell me, then, why Government House was repainted in his favourite colour and why it was outfitted with 200 microphones at 140,000 baht apiece. It is his "house" and it seems there is no lid at all.

.

[rubl]

Yingluk's anti-corruption day should be re-named Hypocrite's Day in her (dis)honour. within 6 months of its launch the Democrats had uncovered the G2G scam, and further investigation shows direct links to her family.

Yes. The Democrats are about as incompetent an opposition as Thailand ever has had. On the other hand, their leadership record is worse.

That said, the book they FINALLY came up with last week is a very good, concise and dis-confusion narrative of the rice-purchase boondoggle. There is a lot missing, but what is there is quite excellent. Too bad it took them three years and hiding behind jack-booted thugs to get the guts to do it, but they did do it.

Maybe the deliberate obstruction of the "we have a mandate" Pheu Thai led government had something to do with it. Plus the sorry state of democracy in Thailand ?

Anyway, too bad writing good books with truthful information takes so long when the information is kept as if it refers to State Secrets. I would almost suggest that finding reliable data on the colour of Ms. Yingluck undergarments would have been easier than on the RPPS.

As for the jack-booted thugs, please spare us theatrics Wanda dear.

[rubl]

Raising awareness about corruption is a non-starter, not pragmatic, and a bit of showmanship. Nonetheless, I like the General -- he can keep a lid on it, but unfortunately never take the pot off the stove.

Well, you say that, and it's just Ascii. But tell me, then, why Government House was repainted in his favourite colour and why it was outfitted with 200 microphones at 140,000 baht apiece. It is his "house" and it seems there is no lid at all.

With so much going on I must have missed this. Could you please provide a pointer, my dear

[Keesters]

While the PMs efforts are appreciated I feel he is wasting his time on the adults. Efforts should be made to indoctrinate 'anti-corruption' into the Thai youth at schools, colleges, universities. For it is there that Thailand's future lays.

[wandasloan]

With so much going on I must have missed this. Could you please provide a pointer, my dear

Why not give this ridiculous diversionary dodge a rest? It's way too tired. Plus, no one here is stupid enough to believe that in 2014 you are too challenged to find a top story of the day in Thai newspapers.

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[spidermike007]

They should call it jawboning day. Let us talk, and distract ourselves from the task at hand. Unless all the anti corruption talk is followed up by real action, it is more meaningless jibberish. Fines of a million baht of more, that follow a man and his family for as long as it is unpaid. Those fines are attached to all the real assets, so it becomes impossible to even sell a car without satisfying the debt. And prison time. Years of prison time, where the offender can find out what it is like to be a local gangsters girlfriend. Get serious. Stop talking about the problem, and do something about it.

Lastly, no amount of action will help, unless the prosecutors and judges are replaced, nationwide. Nearly all of them are compromised. Anyone with enough money can buy their way out of criminal charges, currently.

[smutcakes]

Interesting article in the other paper today with regards the procurement of this Govt!

I presume we will see thr Democrats file a complaint to the NACC as they did with the PTP clock purchase!..... The bloody things are half installed and apparently they have not got a quote yet! but its okay he asked the supplier to quote high so he can negotiate. Perhaps someone should have told them you are supposed to negotiate down not up!

Same same, always the same in Thailand!!! blah blah blah this time its different..

[wandasloan]

Interesting article in the other paper today with regards the procurement of this Govt!

I presume we will see thr Democrats file a complaint to the NACC as they did with the PTP clock purchase!..... The bloody things are half installed and apparently they have not got a quote yet! but its okay he asked the supplier to quote high so he can negotiate. Perhaps someone should have told them you are supposed to negotiate down not up!

Same same, always the same in Thailand!!! blah blah blah this time its different..

A slight correction and addition.

It wasn' "the PTP clock purchase". It was made by the independent public-works department, which has control of what goes into Government House and other places, without government "interference".

One of the very first acts by General Sarit when he took over was to fire the head of that department - no reason publicly given but "sources" told the media it was spurred by that clock purchase and the horrible publicity. So the head of the department who was hand-picked by General Sarit has decided to paint Government House Prayuellow for Himself's good luck - and to install a million-dollar conference sound system so Himself can hear the sibilance of the unanimous "YES SIR"s that emanate every time he asks for input, advice and votes from his talented cabinet.

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[jpeg]

Those who are corrupt in their nature will NEVER change, it's just like the tale of the frog and the scorpion.

They would if severe penalties including jailtime forced them to. But that won't happen as the Thais consider jailing people other than the poor OR non Thais, rude

[willyumiii]

5555!

I think this may be one of those "only in Thailand" things!

One whole " anti-corruption day"???

Shouldn't anti corruption be an everyday thing?

I love the Thais for admitting and being open about the rapid in their country.

Much better than countries like mine who covers it up and denies it has corruption.

But only one day??

I wonder if someone was bribed to keep it down to only one day?

555!

[rubl]

With so much going on I must have missed this. Could you please provide a pointer, my dear

Why not give this ridiculous diversionary dodge a rest? It's way too tired. Plus, no one here is stupid enough to believe that in 2014 you are too challenged to find a top story of the day in Thai newspapers.

Wanda dear, I spent too much time behind computer screens as it is. I do miss interesting stories at times because I don't around to check on all 'top stories in Thai newspapers' or any other newspapers for what it matters.

Luckily checking your reply I also noticed a post from dear smutty. now that's more like it, now I know where to look.

Have a nice Sunday, at least here in Bangkok it's still sunny and not raining like most of yesterday afternoon till night,

uncle rubl

[rubl]

Raising awareness about corruption is a non-starter, not pragmatic, and a bit of showmanship. Nonetheless, I like the General -- he can keep a lid on it, but unfortunately never take the pot off the stove.

Well, you say that, and it's just Ascii. But tell me, then, why Government House was repainted in his favourite colour and why it was outfitted with 200 microphones at 140,000 baht apiece. It is his "house" and it seems there is no lid at all.

So, having read the BangkokPost article, it would seem that the 140,000 Baht microphones are actually 145,000 Baht state-of-the-art multimedia equipment. 181 installed and 11 more to go.

The article also mentions possible prices varying from 99,000 to 199,000, including/excluding installation, possibly 15-20% discount,.

What isn't clear is how all this fits together as there is a 55" video wall, most likely some (tightly) secured WiFi hotspots, a bit of cabling and the like.

Total budget for the "upgrade" seems 69 million Baht and there is an expectation to stay within budget.

As ML Pannada (PM's Office Minister and PermSec to the PM's Office) said that the "Public Works and Town&Country Planning Dept. and the Secr. of the Cabinet" deal with the project AND said the PM always stressed the importance of careful spending and sufficiency AND because the way this starts to look disturbing, I expect the PM has ordered someone to come see him at that someones earliest convenience and tell the person he has two days to sort out the possible mess and report back again.

Mind you, maybe PM Prayuth should have led more of the existing government bureaucracy go.

PS the titbit about painting Government House yellow wasn't in the article, but never mind. I'm only sorry you don't like the colour.

[Greg Nixon]

In a poor society letting someone cheat over $3 or even $100 occasionally tricks the fools into believing they have been enriched when in fact they have been impoverished by a society that rewards the very ones entrusted to protect the public. The ones at the top have billions of dollars much of it by corrupt means.

[Basil B]

For those who criticises the the military and their annual budget, the Thai population is nearly equal to the UK yet there budget is 1/10th, or the UK spends 2.5 of its GDP compared to Thailand's 1.5 of GDP on military expenditure.

As for Anti Corruption, today's a start but it will be a long road, let him get the message across, it is unacceptable and he is serious about reducing it.

[wandasloan]

For those who criticises the the military and their annual budget, the Thai population is nearly equal to the UK yet there budget is 1/10th, or the UK spends 2.5 of its GDP compared to Thailand's 1.5 of GDP on military expenditure.

Frugal is General Prime Minister Sarit's last name. The army has only a single airship, the navy has only one measly aircraft carrier, the armed forces are getting along with just a few hundred magic-stick bomb detectors. Careful, planned useful spending in the name of defending the national borders is the watchword of the budget-aware Thai military.

But in the interest of openness, it might be worth your while to look at the army/armed forces' other sources of income — "their" radio and TV stations, their fully-owned monopoly companies, their "protection" of market vendors throughout the country, their off-budget spending.... you might get just a tad more than 1.5% if you turned over a few more rocks.

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[Jeremy50]

They seem to have copied the crossed arm symbolism from Pink Floyd though - in The Flesh from The Wall movie.

Well, Thai kids need education, but they don't get it. They get plenty of thought control though.

[FangFerang]

Since the 40,000 baht clocks for government house joke, I am taking this as seriously as it deserves.

Many people keep saying "it's a start". It's a non-start. It's a sing-a-song have-a-parade non start. It's a brave new world non-start.

It's a stop made to look like a start. It is a superficial non-start..

Raising awareness changes nothing -- telling Thais about corruption is like explaining water to fish.'But only if the fish were more aware of the water, they could breathe better.'

Yeah. Right. Nonsense.

I will think it's a start when assets are seized from more than ten people on both sides of the divide. Right now, it's picking low lying fruit and declaring the orchard is cleaner. If I find one worm in an apple, does that make the orchard any better? No -- especially if it's half a worm after I had a bite.

It's a start in Lego land.

[BestBitterPhuket]

there should be public beheadings on the anti-corruption day.

(I am just joking, but an anti-corruption day, but letting the worst corrupt politicians run around unchallenged is just nonsense)

You are right. If they executed a handful of corrupt politicians in high profile cases, thousands would go clean.

[BestBitterPhuket]

Until Thailand supports the concept of "Naming and Shaming" the corrupt, instead of allowing the corrupt to hide behind the Defamation Laws there will be little progress on this important issue.

I know many Thais who know of corruption taking place right now, but not a single one would blow the whistle because of the repercussions.

Correct! The anti-corruption talk is nothing but cheap talk unless the defamation laws are scrapped and high profile cases are prosecuted and the culprits sentenced devastatingly.

However, talking about the problem is at least a first step. Next step is to use the media to create hatred towards corrupt behavior.