Call for NACC to look into nepotism at the NLA
THE NATION

Activist claims hiring relatives to work as assistants violates ethics, graft law

BANGKOK: -- ACTIVIST Srisuwan Janya will today call on the anti-corruption agency to investigate allegations of cronyism among National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members who have hired their relatives to help with their official duties.

Srisuwan, secretary-general of the Association of Organisations for the Protection of Thailand's Constitution, said yesterday that this was a serious matter as it violated the spirit of the amended version of the 2011 anti-corruption law. He argued that this law along with the Prime Minister's Office regulations on the ethics of political officials would set a clear benchmark for this issue.

He said he would submit a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in relation to the controversy, which has sparked criticism from media and non-governmental organisations over the NLA's transparency.

"NLA members can be considered political officials," Srisuwan said, adding that it was unethical of them to get their relatives involved in their official duties.

"We have always criticised such practices," he said, adding that the term "assembly of husbands and wives" was invented as a result of that.

"At a time like this, the reform body should not incorporate the practices and habits of politicians in the past," he reasoned.

The May 22 coup was staged to do away with practices like this and pave the way for reform and changes, but if the very people working on reform get their relatives involved, then their work will make no difference, he suggested.

The hiring of relatives or spouses by NLA members, including the secretary-general and deputy secretary-general of the Senate Secretariat, goes against the law and code of ethics for political officials.

Hence, he said, the Association of Organisations for the Protection of Thailand's Constitution has decided to take this matter to the NACC so it can punish those indulging in such cronyism.

When the matter first surfaced last week, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha reacted by saying there was no clause prohibiting relatives of politicians from playing a role in public affairs. However, he said it was crucial to refer to the regulations and he did not want to speak about this issue, other than that it should not be associated with the previous problem of "husband-and-wife assemblies".

Prayut is said to have ordered those responsible to be careful about the matter and verify the possibility of nominating relatives.

When asked about the possibility of establishing a commission to scrutinise relatives who have been working as assistants to NLA members, Prayut said he had told NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai to look into the matter. If any wrongdoing is discovered, then an investigation will be launched, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Call-for-NACC-to-look-into-nepotism-at-the-NLA-30255207.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-03

I presume Prayut and Prawit are on fairly shaky ground commenting on this given their siblings have all been given prime positions.

This kind of thing will probably never change and would probably not have even been raised as a serious issue had it not been for the court ruling on YS, and the promises to end nepotism/cronyism etc. Its just gross hypocrisy.

If they are going to ask the NACC to look into anything, i would prefer it to look into how a suspected murderer out on bail has been named as an adviser to the Justice Ministry, that for me is of far more concern.

The investigation to be conducted by the Commision chairman and his son.

Mirror mirror on the wall..................

This government is no different that any other government, just as corrupt and just unethical. How about the microphones at government house, how long does it take to investigate that? If you just wait long enough they will forget about it.

Edited March 3, 201511 yr by Mango Bob

"Association of Organisations for the protection of Thailand's Constitution".

What Constitution, didn't Uncle Too tear up the constitution and now uses it in his toilet.

Asking the NACC to investigate the NLA is a waste of time.

The NACC thinks it knows who the enemies of the state are .... and these foes are not the handpicked NLA.

The Govt certainly does not want any incidents of friendly fire.

So Thai compromise - NACC gives a cursory look, and declares an all-clear.

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

Asking the NACC to investigate the NLA is a waste of time.

The NACC thinks it knows who the enemies of the state are .... and these foes are not the handpicked NLA.

The Govt certainly does not want any incidents of friendly fire.

So Thai compromise - NACC gives a cursory look, and declares an all-clear.

Preliminary statement only days ago that there was nothing wrong with NLA members hiring family as ' aides ' as probably they're only ones they can trust. Wonderful situation and comment for all the wrong reasons.

The NACC may, only may, open an investigation, on paper, just for appearances but like so many other similar situations that's as far as it goes.

The NACC investigate the NLA...

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

In my experience, ANY Thai females are more trustworthy and hardworking than Thai males - regardless of their educational attainments!

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

Also rather Honest!

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

May be,but is it true?

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

Since when, is truth sexist?

Are you a "dyed in the wool" politically correct (non-thinking) person?

Discriminatory comment on my part? Depends on your point of view, not mine. Truth is NEVER discriminatory except for those who live in a world of fantasy and/or lies.

Edited March 3, 201511 yr by lvr181

Don't forget: nepotism does not exist under the Thainess umbrella. They call it "taking care" while "ethics" is just an invention of farrangs used in attempt to prevent any untouchable elites get their rightful share.

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

Since when, is truth sexist?

Are you a "dyed in the wool" politically correct (non-thinking) person?

Discriminatory comment on my part? Depends on your point of view, not mine. Truth is NEVER discriminatory except for those who live in a world of fantasy and/or lies.

For how long have you been a bigot (and a sexist)??

Edited March 3, 201511 yr by lucky11

Maybe they should try to let only well-educated Thai females run the country? In my opinion they are more trustworthy and hardworking compared to Thai males.

That is rather sexist!!!

Since when, is truth sexist?

Are you a "dyed in the wool" politically correct (non-thinking) person?

Discriminatory comment on my part? Depends on your point of view, not mine. Truth is NEVER discriminatory except for those who live in a world of fantasy and/or lies.

For how long have you been a bigot (and a sexist)??

The truth will set you free, but first it may p**s you off!

Edited March 3, 201511 yr by lvr181

It will be like the FBI investigating the CIA they'll end up with SFA.

wait, i tought there was no thai word for ethics

case closed