Thai politics: Will 'do's' and 'don'ts' for politicians work in practice?

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Will "do's" and "don'ts" for politicians work in practice?
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- UNDER THE new constitution, now being written by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), politicians will find it more difficult to gain political power and to exercise that power. They will face tougher scrutiny before they attain political power and again when they are in power.

As part of the scrutiny process, there will also be checks on the "ethical standards of political leaders and state officials". Those who fail to meet the standards will be investigated by a new body called the National Ethics Assembly. Their risk is being banned from politics for five years. High-ranking state officials and ministers who don't meet the standards could face impeachment.

Many people may ask for a definition of "ethical standards". In some cases, the line is not clear between ethics of an individual and an office holder. The constitution drafters have set guidelines on "dos and don'ts" in order to answer this question.

The "five dos", as recommended by the CDC, are:

1 Work for the public interest, and not personal or group interest;

2 Promote political participation;

3 Express opinions, debate and give information correctly and completely, with no distortion;

4 Take political responsibility by resigning when office holders or persons under their supervision commit severe damage to the public or the country;

5 Oppose any violation of the law, constitution and code of ethics and inform the relevant agencies for further action.

The "six don'ts", as recommended by the charter drafters, are:

1 Abuse of office for personal benefit or for the interest of a political party or group, get involved in conflict of interest;

2 Violate moral, religious or cultural principles;

3 Use impolite words that could lead to hatred and social division;

4 Allow any individual or group to have control over them or guide them in an illegal way;

5 Use power with the goal of creating political popularity that may damage the country's economy in the long term;

6 Avoid or influence other people to avoid complying with the constitution and other laws.

Those are guidelines for politicians to follow. But the question is: Will the 11 guidelines work in practice? Some critics might suspect the guidelines could at times be subject to interpretation. And if the guidelines were unfairly interpreted, it could lead to political persecution.

Politicians, as representatives of the people, will find it more difficult to express their opinions. Their comments could be interpreted as "leading to hatred and social division" or "violating moral, religious or cultural principles". Even when they fail to report some legal violation, office holders could face "political capital punishment".

There is also the question as to who are members of the National Ethics Assembly. Those people will have the power to punish office holders who fail to meet their ethical standards.

The assembly consists of five "councillors" appointed by the Senate and 50 members appointed by the councillors. The fact the assembly's members are all appointed will negatively affect its credibility.

This body will have an important role in future Thai politics, in the same way as the Ombudsman's Office had in the past. However, for critics, this body is viewed as "another trap" that is to be included in the new constitution.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Will-dos-and-donts-for-politicians-work-in-practic-30254879.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-26

[NeverSure]

4 Allow any individual or group to have control over them or guide them in an illegal way;

[redandyellow]

Message to Yingluck: Please DON'T force the price of used cars in Thailand down almost 50% with a dumb Bill, please don't do that..

signed,

too f'ing late

[LuckyLew]

No they will not work

power money and greed will rule the day

[WhizBang]

As long as the same tired old faces continue in politics, nothing will change.

Might want to add an item about any state official who travels to seek an audience with a convicted fugitive on the run from justice will be charged with treason and jailed immediately upon return. Ditto for those who accept (or make) make phone calls, emails, skype, whatsapp or line communications.

Edited February 26, 2015 by WhizBang

[FangFerang]

"However, for critics, this body is viewed as "another trap" that is to be included in the new constitution."

Even for non-critics this seems like a form of "political lese majesty", vague and easily abused by any side for any reason. Excerpt those with this power are appointed....and no mention of their term limits, or their own vetting process.

I am all for stability, it is important. I am also against stagnation and anarchy.

A difficult balancing act, indeed, and I do not see this allowing a balance that is not a matter of a group always having their thumb on the scales of justice.

[wabothai]

No, it won't help but do it anyway. May be just a few abide.

[tomacht8]

6th do:

Make sure that your actual income and wealth matches with the declared assets in your yearly tax declaration.

7th do:

Make sure that yours sources of funding and income is understandable, clear and transparent without any doubt.

.

Edited February 26, 2015 by tomacht8

[Fiddlesticks]

Will "do's" and "don'ts" for politicians work in practice?

Dumb question, of course it will. For instance:

• Do take money for favors and turning a blind eye to unsavory activities.
• Don't do a damn thing unless it benefits your own personal bank account.
• Do promise whatever the people want but . . .
• . . . Don't deliver on your promises when elected.
• Do ensure that you keep the Thai police well taken care of since it is they that will allow you to get away with whatever crooked activities you wish to engage in.
• Don't say anything that will piss-off the military since they can override the police.
• Don't pay any attention the the plight, needs, or benefits of the poor and ignorant Thai since that is not what politicians in Thailand are about.
• Don't worry if you are accused of any act of corruption or malfeasance since you will be transferred to other areas where you can continue to build your nest egg.

So, what is so hard about getting politicians to practice the do's and don'ts. Seems like a natural to me!

[TheDiva]

If the Junta and its backers would only just come out and say that their plan is to neuter politics in this country and their wish is to return to their cosy feudal lifestyles, at least it would be honest and a whole lot of this BS could be avoided

[DM07]

Blah, blah, blah...and even more blah!

[Lupatria]

The "don't do anything that benefits the people and not personal gain" works pretty well already.

[elgordo38]

No they will not work

power money and greed will rule the day

Only the rich need apply

[Srikcir]

"politicians will find it more difficult to gain political power and to exercise that power. "

Pretty much sums this whole devisive reform - No elected official shall ever do more than serve the State as formulated by the Junta. That is a "don't" but no doubt a special exemption.

The Chinese will have more democarcy than Thailand by the day this reform is completed.