Special court and public participation proposed for anti-corruption mechanism

BANGKOK, 7 February 2015 (NNT) – Several ideas have been proposed to suppress corruption and misconducts, including the establishment of a court specialised for corruption cases, improvement of independent agencies, and the encouragement of public participation.

The Political Reform Council of the National Reform Council (NRC), along with the Thailand Reform Institute, today held a seminar open to the public’s opinions on the topic ‘10 Issues of Thai Political Innovation’.

In this event, the President of the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Reform Commission, Pramon Sutivong, has emphasised aspects concerning anti-corruption mechanisms, which would consist of calling for public participation against corruption, the government’s disclosure of information and the establishment of funds dedicated to anti-corruption.

He said that the public should be instilled with morals and ethics, while the justice system should be reformed by establishing a court specialised in corruption matters. Improvements would also need to be made to independent organisations related to anti-corruption and integrate the efforts of the agencies together.

He made a statement that the reform guideline will be more visible in 4-5 months and will be presented for the NRC’s consideration.

Meanwhile, the National Council for Peace and Order’s Anti-Corruption Commission member, Tortrakul Yomnak, commented that the essential ingredients for a successful suppression of corruption would have to consist of the public’s involvement, knowledge, and the influence of political leaders.

He also pointed out that corruption is a large obstacle that would hinder the nation’s economic development.

On this matter, Nualnoi Treerat, an academic, has voiced her agreement that individuals holding a position in the justice system should not hold another position in the government’s enterprise board, and the government should disclose its information to the public, especially regarding procurement matters.

She suggested that the economic reform should be done in parallel with the anti-corruption reform as it is an issue that affects the economy.

She also said that there should be a policy or mechanism to reduce monopoly to avoid giving business benefits to only one group.

-- NNT 2015-02-07

"...encouragement of public participation."

That should create a giant windfall for the corrupt individuals suing for defamation. How can one expect any progress on anti-corruption when anything said, whether true or not, can be labeled as "defamation", and the person exposing the corruption loses in the present court system.? More BS in order to look good among the international community that doesn't have a handle on how Thai "justice" works.

I do wish the Bangkok Post would end its irritating practice (in these fraught times of endless clampdowns and purges on corruption) of sticking an "s" on the uncountable noun "misconduct" in an attempt to produce a plural. Don't they have sub-editors with a grasp of basic English grammar? Or is this yet another job restricted only to people with English as a second language - with laughably predictable results?

It must be me. This place "boggles my mind." Things are not as difficult as Thais seem to act. Punishment is a great teacher. If there is NO punishment there is NO crime. Enforce the laws of the land and see the change. GEEZUS. Don't need "special courts" etc. or anything other than plane old RULE OF LAW (ENFORCEMENT). Are the "brains" of this outfit now claiming the onus is on the public to decrease corruption? Well in moral societies parents TEACH this too.

While I'm at it. Who encourages monopolies - those in power and already rich? Let the market free/stop all tinkering w/ things most officials are not qualified to indulge in and start positive and negative reinforcement in all walks of life. Thailand deserves a place in Guinness World Book under several categories, but 1st - in my mind - is being inept.

PHEW. Bloody hell.

I do wish the Bangkok Post would end its irritating practice (in these fraught times of endless clampdowns and purges on corruption) of sticking an "s" on the uncountable noun "misconduct" in an attempt to produce a plural. Don't they have sub-editors with a grasp of basic English grammar? Or is this yet another job restricted only to people with English as a second language - with laughably predictable results?

maybe but this is NOT the Bangkok Post? I do wish readers would end their irritating practice of NOT READING carefully

Public participation? Hahaha! Without mentioning the removal of the defamation laws, the proposals come across as little more than hollow chitchat.

sounds like a good plan up to when they expose the wrong persons far up the food chain. then there will be bloodshed