Why corruption always wins in Thailand

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME
Why corruption always wins in Thailand
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- The overriding, albeit subtle, idea used to be that politicians, especially those in power, needed some protection against graft charges, or their rivals would play games and allegations would cripple the entire system to the point that nothing else would matter.

Parliament would be totally overwhelmed by corruption charges, which would be the only thing the media talked about, and government would be brought to a standstill.

That led to Parliament's corruption-related censure becoming something seasonal, despite the fact that graft is anything but. But even that was just a tiny part of what was wrong with Thailand's fight against corruption. We have had a dilemma of whether to criminalise this evil entirely or "politicise" it at least partly. On the one hand, corruption is supposed to be a criminal offence, which is why the courts were empowered to play a big role. On the other hand, we had corruption cases decided by Parliament, a situation where "evidence" was not as important as who commanded more votes in the national assembly.

It's no surprise, then, that the Thai crisis has always featured clashes between Parliament and the courts. With democracy espousing the values of what the majority think, a glaring spotlight was always on what a bunch of judges considered to be right or wrong. Also under scrutiny were the elected politicians themselves, who were accused of using the popular mandate to whitewash what was, when all masks were removed, undeniably fraud. And this was compounded by the next problem.

In our campaigns against corruption, prejudice and bias have infected all sides. In Thailand, the term "justice" is not used to proclaim innocence. Here, "justice" is used to point out that "Other people are doing it, so why pick on me?" This attitude is worrisome, but it stems from the laws or measures not being applied indiscriminately.

To sum it up, practically everyone is to blame for the failure of Thailand's fight against corruption. Anti-graft enforcement has been selective. Politicians have used democracy as a shield to protect their crimes rather than as a weapon to eradicate the problem. And the last thing that should be politicised became heavily politicised.

It has become a chicken-and-egg situation. For example, the fact that enforcement has been selective has encouraged politicians to hide behind democracy even more.

And the fact that politicians were hiding behind the results of the ballot has galvanised their rivals, leading to legal bias and prejudice.

Entrust courts with the anti-graft battle and we face the question, where's the indiscriminate application of the law? If Parliament should decide who cheated the country and who did not, who was the last minister who was voted out of office by elected representatives? So, who should "shape up" - the judges, or members of Parliament?

The problems don't end there, though. And now we come to what is arguably the biggest issue - "the fans". The fight against corruption has become largely a game. It isn't supposed to be so, not least because it has spawned hypocrisy, and wherever hypocrisy thrives, so does corruption. Thais should have a common standard on what constitutes corruption, and we can take things from there. But as things stand, we are like football supporters, cheering our team's harsh tackles or "clever" theatrics while dubbing the other team shameless aggressors or cheats when they do the same.

Divided Thais do have one thing in common, though. We believe that "only others are corrupt". Meanwhile we can find hundreds of excuses to defend our own actions against charges of graft. You only need one hand to count how many politicians have quit their posts over corruption scandals in the past 30 years.

Again, Thailand is attempting to write new rules that, hopefully, can keep corruption at bay. The problem is, we have tried it all before. We used to entrust Parliament with the anti-graft job, but our hopes of seeing corrupt heads roll regularly off the blocks were never fulfilled. We brought in the judiciary, but it was accused of prejudice and conspiracies. We tried to balance the power of the courts with that of Parliament, and look where that got us. We experimented with "independent bodies", and they were accused of either being abused by the powers-that-be to silence opponents, or using "undemocratic" means to overthrow the powers-that-be.

To add to our headaches, any new anti-corruption system (if they can come up with something really new) will be deemed by one half of the national divide as favouring the other half. And this future problem is related to all the problems mentioned above. It's a vicious, seemingly never-ending vortex from which it will require extraordinary strength to extract ourselves.

Unless Thailand comes up with a wholesale change in the collective public mentality and law enforcement, corruption will still win. We will still be left with the unfavourable options of having either absolute power that corrupts absolutely or democratic power that corrupts neatly and perhaps massively. Take your pick of which is the lesser evil, because corruption couldn't care less and will be grinning triumphantly either way.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Why-corruption-always-wins-in-Thailand-30256213.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-18

[NongKhaiKid]

Yet another article re-hashing the same old facts and stating the obvious.

Exposure to corruption starts at an early age and the introduction comes from family and teachers and depending on a family's status and wealth youngsters grow up in a cocoon where everything can be bought or arranged for them, including justice.

An absolute sea change in the attitude of Thai society is needed and that's not going to happen as there are too many vested interests and the current govt is no exception. Govt after govt will go through the sham of fine words, promises and assurances but little else except in handpicked cases which serve the self same vested interests.

[lildragon]

Yet another article re-hashing the same old facts and stating the obvious.

Exposure to corruption starts at an early age and the introduction comes from family and teachers and depending on a family's status and wealth youngsters grow up in a cocoon where everything can be bought or arranged for them, including justice.

An absolute sea change in the attitude of Thai society is needed and that's not going to happen as there are too many vested interests and the current govt is no exception. Govt after govt will go through the sham of fine words, promises and assurances but little else except in handpicked cases which serve the self same vested interests.

Yep.

And as you said this government is no different. We have had multiple military governments and officers from there becoming politicians over the years and what has really changed? Little.

Up to their necks in it all of them, both sides of the divide. Thai politics is all a power play to get bigger slices of the pie.

[trogers]

It's those Bt1,000 fine.

[Strangebrew]

One way to counter corruption is to hold accountable those convicted of corruption.And face is so important after time in jail is served the convicted should be ordered to wear a bright colored jumpsuit for 5 years after serving time so people know who they are. Police, Politicians, Judges should be held to a higher standard and judgement and jail time should be double that of citizens. That alone would make them think twice before doing something stupid.

[BSJ]

I read to about halfway through.....did I miss anything new???

[kaorop]

Why isnt the culture ministry sticking up for corruption?

I thought a part of thainess is corruption?

We all know its culturally ingrained and affects everybody and every part of Thai society.

So what the problem?

I call for "Corruption Day" a day to celebrate the innovative and successful acts of corruption.

[JOC]

One way to counter corruption is to hold accountable those convicted of corruption.And face is so important after time in jail is served the convicted should be ordered to wear a bright colored jumpsuit for 5 years after serving time so people know who they are. Police, Politicians, Judges should be held to a higher standard and judgement and jail time should be double that of citizens. That alone would make them think twice before doing something stupid.

Excellent idea, except there will be no civil servants left!!

[DannyS1951]

Yet another article re-hashing the same old facts and stating the obvious.

Exposure to corruption starts at an early age and the introduction comes from family and teachers and depending on a family's status and wealth youngsters grow up in a cocoon where everything can be bought or arranged for them, including justice.

An absolute sea change in the attitude of Thai society is needed and that's not going to happen as there are too many vested interests and the current govt is no exception. Govt after govt will go through the sham of fine words, promises and assurances but little else except in handpicked cases which serve the self same vested interests.

And yet it may be that rather than a "absolute sea change in attitude" what is needed are just small adjustments. Let me give a couple of examples. Already an extension of the period of the statute of limitations for corruption cases is being suggested. How about if a fast tracking of corruption cases is enabled allowing all three court stages to be concluded inside a year? Of course what would help would be a really free press not under threat of being bought by political billionaires and their buddies and not under threat from easily initiated libel charges.

[ezzra]

From the first day a Thai baby suckle on his mother's tits, he's being told that money

is everything in life and if you it that all things are possible... and that's how a Thai

youngster grows up knowing that money will buy and fix everything... really, everything.....

[alantheembalmer]

From the first day a Thai baby suckle on his mother's tits, he's being told that money

is everything in life and if you it that all things are possible... and that's how a Thai

youngster grows up knowing that money will buy and fix everything... really, everything.....

Isn't the same true anywhere on this earth; except the powers-that-be in the western world are just more sophisticated in their approach and implementation?

[Jimbo2014]

If the Prez doesnt think he should reveal his personal bank accounts in a position of supreme authority - what hope for the rest of the system?

[Laughing Gravy]

Another piece of drivel hinting at the need for an undemocratic government. The reason Thailand is corrupt is that people have poor moral values. It is that simple. the ruling elite have done a great job at indoctrinating the people to accept corruption at all levels.

Until you stop corruption at the core and root levels it will always be there. Stop corrupt business practices, often seen as the norm. Stop corruption everywhere. Taking over an elected government is a corrupt practice and until this accepted, as the wrong way, Thailand will never change.

[Chris Lawrence]

It starts right at the top and is embedded in the culture.

You can also buy your way out of it.

The higher you are up the ladder the less emphasis is placed on the action/crime. Just a good bloke having a hard day?

You can’t go after your relative, but you can hold them to a favour.

The elite look after themselves.

[Briggsy]

If the Prez doesnt think he should reveal his personal bank accounts in a position of supreme authority - what hope for the rest of the system?

Statements like that could land you with a conviction entailing a prison sentence of not less than 3 years and not more than 15 years.

[piersbeckett]

BSJ - No, you didn't miss anything - I'd say the dictum itself was erroneous - surely nothing can change before a well educated & well paid, unbiased judiciary are the last word in administering well made laws - so 'rule of law' - & top-down, public sector examples are seen to be made of people respected for being incorruptible or severely punished for being corrupt.

Edited March 18, 2015 by piersbeckett

[soalbundy]

From the first day a Thai baby suckle on his mother's tits, he's being told that money

is everything in life and if you it that all things are possible... and that's how a Thai

youngster grows up knowing that money will buy and fix everything... really, everything.....

Reminds me of that old adage, '' When i was young i thought money was everything, now that i am older i know it is''

Anyone who thinks money can't buy and fix everything anywhere has been living in an isolated cave all his life

[soalbundy]

BSJ - No, you didn't miss anything - I'd say the dictum itself was erroneous - surely nothing can change before a well educated & well paid, unbiased judiciary are the last word in administering well made laws - so 'rule of law' - & top-down, public sector examples are seen to be made of people respected for being incorruptible or severely punished for being corrupt.

and this happens where ? On the right hand side of God perhaps.

[sawadee1947]

Yet another article re-hashing the same old facts and stating the obvious.

Exposure to corruption starts at an early age and the introduction comes from family and teachers and depending on a family's status and wealth youngsters grow up in a cocoon where everything can be bought or arranged for them, including justice.

An absolute sea change in the attitude of Thai society is needed and that's not going to happen as there are too many vested interests and the current govt is no exception. Govt after govt will go through the sham of fine words, promises and assurances but little else except in handpicked cases which serve the self same vested interests.

Yep.

And as you said this government is no different. We have had multiple military governments and officers from there becoming politicians over the years and what has really changed? Little.

Up to their necks in it all of them, both sides of the divide. Thai politics is all a power play to get bigger slices of the pie.

you will NOT have ANY CHANGE in Thai attitudes if you'll not start at the beginning. In families and schools, that means change only if you invest in EDUCATION. Start with the Kindergarten and once you will succeed in having a change of whole society. Not from top but from the bottom even it will take ONE generation

[razer]

Corruption exists in every government in the world. What matters is the degree of corruption and its cost to the country's infrastructure and social well being.

[jpeg]

From the first day a Thai baby suckle on his mother's tits, he's being told that money

is everything in life and if you it that all things are possible... and that's how a Thai

youngster grows up knowing that money will buy and fix everything... really, everything.....

Isn't the same true anywhere on this earth; except the powers-that-be in the western world are just more sophisticated in their approach and implementation?

Name just one country in the West where someone can pay a police captain and a prosecutor to have criminal charges against him dropped, and then pay off an immigration officer to ignore his having been blacklisted at the airport. Name one.

I'm really getting tired of this constant 'yes but it happens in the West too' cr4p. News flash! Even the Thais are astonished at the level of corruption here.

Edited March 18, 2015 by jpeg

[off road pat]

I read to about halfway through.....did I miss anything new???

Me to I read it halfway through and ....changed to look for another subject.....!!

[gigman]

It is simple...

It's way of life ...and law is using so small punishment that practically nobody care's about law seriously.

[wprime]

One way to counter corruption is to hold accountable those convicted of corruption.And face is so important after time in jail is served the convicted should be ordered to wear a bright colored jumpsuit for 5 years after serving time so people know who they are. Police, Politicians, Judges should be held to a higher standard and judgement and jail time should be double that of citizens. That alone would make them think twice before doing something stupid.

Why would corrupt leaders ever vote in such a system?

[mango66]

Yes, the gvt acted with justice,

with the following results !

The Judges learned very quick about corruption

and got even more corrupt than the offenders on corruption;

They learned, where is the money !!

[dean008]

About 7 years ago I took a bus to Vietnam, there was a massive queue at the border, then a mass of tourists walked by guided by a thai/vietnamese (can't recall) saying $5 for express border entry (or something like that). I declined to join them on principle, the same principle that made me decline a "factory visit" and safari holiday from a South African supplier I used to deal with. I am not perfect and have indeed paid the police instead of a fine, but its a supply and demand situation, remove either and corruption ceases to exist. Removing demand or supply is the big problem

[mango66]

Another piece of drivel hinting at the need for an undemocratic government. The reason Thailand is corrupt is that people have poor moral values. It is that simple. the ruling elite have done a great job at indoctrinating the people to accept corruption at all levels.

Until you stop corruption at the core and root levels it will always be there. Stop corrupt business practices, often seen as the norm. Stop corruption everywhere. Taking over an elected government is a corrupt practice and until this accepted, as the wrong way, Thailand will never change.

please correct your mail:

it should sound: taking over an corrupt elected gvt, winning election by election fraud and vote bying !

is not an democratic elected gvt ,

such one you have to kick out by any force whats available in a country !!

Even if all is supported fron Dubai !!

[bikerbri]

Power corrupts.......Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Like a disease corruption is endemic,natural to and characteristic of a specific people or place. In other words corruption is every where as are the people who condone it. Instead of just talking about corruption, which we all know is endemic in Thailand, there needs to a proper investigation into the power the Royal Thai Police have,because this is where the corruption is endemic.

[techboy]

Corruption does NOT always win in Thailand. This is just a bunch of hot air from someone who submits personal speculations as though they are supportive facts.

[monkeycountry]

The problem for Thailand it that Thais are too proud to copy what others have already found a solution to, unless of course we are talking about illegal copies of goods.

As for corruption, simply take one of the countries who rank best on the corruption index list, such as the scandinavian countries, and go and ask one or all of them how they do it. How is their press freedom and freedom of expression, which is closely linked to exposing corruption in the first place, and how does their constitution and laws deal with corruption, something they have developed over centuries. Mext, hire a few experts from those countries as advisors for the new Thai constitution and laws. And by advisors I mean take their advice seriously.

Instead Thailand decides to invent a new constitution and new laws from scratch, or even worse, build it on previous Thai constitutions or laws, which clearly failed to do the job.

The same goes for almost every other major problem? What do we do with flood problems? Well, don't think too much, simply hire a dutch engineer for a few years, and do whatever he says. Thailand is at least 50 years behind the most developed countries in the world, why not take advantage of that?