The leadership and the moral compass that Thailand so sadly lacks is exemplified nowhere more so than in this story. These are the people you need to drag Thailand out of the deepening abyss of corruption that it further descends into with each passing day, just not going to happen though is it ? And then I think of Robert Kennedy's speech in an apartheid ridden South Africa.

."'Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29673120

Edited October 18, 201411 yr by roamer

Manit Pianthiong, Takua Pa's local district chief, is determined to end trafficking

This man is a hero and exemplifies all the best qualities of an ideal Thai leader. He has much to overcome and richly deserves the fullest support. Ler's hope many will rally around him. I wish him nothing but success and good fortune.

The more stories that come out like this the better. Thailand will remain on the lowest rung of the 'trafficking index' until they make a real effort to clean up their act.

I would wager that the district chief would be very well aware of this lucrative activity going on in his district. It could not go on without the co-operation and approval of at least law enforcement body, be that the Navy, the Harbour Master's Dept., or the Police.

As always in Thailand, the story presented to the press is not usually even 50% of the truth. I imagine the district chief's motives may be one of the following:-

1. There is the possibility he is trying to push it elsewhere. (somewhat laudable)

2. He hasn't been getting his cut (cynical).

3. He is covering his arse pre-empting any very negative repercussions, in full denial mode. (most likely)

And its journalism from outside Thailand which takes on the "corruption" issue. Thai investigative journalism on anything that exposes the cancer in Thailand is benign and one step away from its North Korean Equivalent

Despite the seriousness of this crime, the story does not report any arrests.

Why am I not surprised?

If someone is arrested it is admitting there is a problem, why would the Police Farce want to arrest anybody as it essentially tells the public and the pondlife further up the food chain that they don't have control of the situation especially after the spotlight has been on them before for the same subject. No much much easier to make the victims into illegals so they can be locked away and forgotten no loss of face then......

Where are all the apologists? there's usually one or two about to tell us this happens all over the world and it is no big deal...

Good investigative reporting from the much maligned Mr Head. Hopefully he will keep following up the story and sad to see it not being followed up by other media sources.