'Crackdown has curbed graft'

[webfact]

'Crackdown has curbed graft'
The Nation


Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday presides over the opening ceremony at Government House of a project designed to create anti-corruption awareness among Thais.

Top civil servant among 152 facing corruption probe

BANGKOK: -- STRICT enforcement of anti-corruption measures has helped reduce corrupt practices involving central government officials over the past year, according to Pramon Sutheewong, head of a network of anti-graft organisations. But provincial procurement has worsened - due to weak enforcement of local rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, at least one former or current permanent secretary is on the second list of 152 senior civil servants being investigated for alleged corrupt practices - as Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday kicked off a nationwide campaign to boost public awareness of the government's anti-corruption drive.

Prayut said corrupt practices happen in many forms and hurt the country drastically - so the public must have the courage to report such activities to authorities like the Damrongtham Centre if they do not trust police or soldiers.

Prayut said he had already received the second list of 152 allegedly corrupt senior government officials. This was in addition to the first list of 100 senior officials - and internal investigation is underway to check the evidence pertinent to their alleged wrongdoing.

Prayong Preeyajit, secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), said he could not elaborate on these cases but there would be a public announcement when all internal checks were done and final decisions made by the prime minister, who would exercise his authority under Article 44 of the interim charter in some cases.

He said it would take some time to ensure that action taken against the wrongdoers was fair and transparent, adding that the second list included senior officials with the highest rank of permanent secretary.

The PACC chief said the Justice Ministry would not rule out the possibility of submitting a third list of allegedly corrupt civil servants to Prayut after identifying a total of 252 persons in the first and second lists handed over to the premier.

Pramon, head of the anti-graft organisations’ network, said corrupt practices appeared to have slowed because some civil servants and businessmen expected a change of government soon - but provincial procurement had become more graft-prone because the central government could not yet enforce stricter rules on local authorities’ projects.

Tortrakul Yomnak, president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, said e-auction and e-bidding procurement had not worked in Thailand in terms of curbing corrupt practices so they should be reviewed to prevent further public damage. Over the past nine years, he said electronic methods had resulted in damage estimated at over Bt50 billion because there had been bidders' collusion prior to the start of e-bidding and e-auction.

"There was no real competition in the bidding process even though we'd switched to the electronic method. We found that the price differences among the highest and second highest bids were very small, maybe, Bt500 or Bt100."

"Actually, there ought to be a much more significant difference, like 5 per cent over or below the median price to reflect genuine competition among bidders. Sometimes, we also found that the highest and second highest bids had addresses in the same building [so they were actually the same persons or business groups]," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Crackdown-has-curbed-graft-30261887.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-09

[ChrisY1]

The govt. should get international companies on their tender lists.......the only way to put a stop to bidding collusion within Thailand.......never happen of course!

[Pimay1]

Sometimes, we also found that the highest and second highest bids had addresses in the same building [so they were actually the same persons or business groups]," he said.

Now that is rich. This should result in immediate disqualification of the bidders.

[noitom]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

[Bannum opinions]

The premise of this article is well placed.

Most times corruption related stuff ostensibly rails against Politicians as a class.

But it is general knowledge that such focus is primarily ideological and generated by self-serving anti-Democrats.

And why wouldn't they....After all, Politicians are the result of elections they so abhor and dis-advantages them.

It is easy to throw brickbats at Politicians and lawyers in a knee-jerk way. Anti-democrats are easy to spot through their espousal of the anti-politician mantra

This article gets to the essence I think...At the "corrupt practices involving central government officials", quoting from the article.

This is true...Govt. linked Corruption occurs "where the rubber hits the road"

This focus is reality...not ideology.

Edited June 9, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[Ricardo]

Better to make further efforts to reduce corruption, than to divert energy to making the voters more aware, of those efforts.

The results, or lack of them, will speak for themselves !

[smedly]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

it seems the only time heavy hitters are caught is when there is a non elected government in the driving seat, there have been several high profile cases these last few months along with an alleged 252 high ranking civil servants, my guess is there are a lot of people (deleted) themselves right now, I have also noticed a few that have taken early retirement ........

[tbthailand]

He said it would take some time to ensure that action taken against the wrongdoers was fair and transparent,

hmmm, I don't see anything that resembles transparency in this process...

[tbthailand]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

it seems the only time heavy hitters are caught is when there is a non elected government in the driving seat, there have been several high profile cases these last few months along with an alleged 252 high ranking civil servants, my guess is there are a lot of people (deleted) themselves right now, I have also noticed a few that have taken early retirement ........

The heavy hitters aren't going to get caught - they are currently the ones doing the catching...

[PatOngo]

'Crackdown has curbed graft'..............................to more managable proportions!

[rubl]

Curbed ... for now, but eagerly awaiting the time and chance to raise it's ugly head again.

Change of mindset takes a bit longer.

[cracker1]

Prayut said corrupt practices happen in many forms and hurt the country drastically - so the public must have the courage to report such activities to authorities like the Damrongtham Centre if they do not trust police or soldiers.

How does one contact this place and what sort of place is it ?

Anyone know ?

[BigBadGeordie]

Anyone got an update on the microphones and multimedia systems for Government House? Or is that a bit close to home?

[NongKhaiKid]

Yes the much vaunted lists of suspect officials is well known but doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Presumably there was evidence enough to include them on these lists but now the process has slowed because more investigation is needed which is convenient to make believe something is actually happening.

When all of this is completed, if ever, one man decides on action and we may never know the basis of his decisions to proceed or otherwise and we have already seen his protective attitude towards the NCPO, the army etc.

To date the only major conviction for corruption etc was for reasons that can't be discussed and nothing to do with any anti-corruption drive by the junta.

[Robby nz]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

It is a complete fallacy that the general Thai population like corruption, only the corrupt like corruption the vast majority have in the past put up with it because there is nothing they could do about it. It has been for many years a part of life they have been forced to accept to their detriment.

In the past attempting to report or fight against corruption could only bring grief to anyone who complained however now there are ways that anyone can report anonymously (with proof) and it will be taken seriously. This is a big step in the right direction.

However it is not going to be an easy thing to clean up as there will always be those who think they are above the law and can do as they please.

Oh and you seem to have forgotten about this gent the former head of the police CSD General Pongpat Chayapan whose jail time is now up to 31 years. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Ex-crimebuster-has-more-assets-seized-30258636.html.

With many more arrests, dismissals and investigations underway into the conduct of high ranking officers and civil servants.

[jerojero]

And who is generating these accusatory lists? All so secretive and without any kind of public oversight or media review. Witch hunt anyone? Dark Ages makes its way to Thailand 600 years late.

[Robby nz]

Prayut said corrupt practices happen in many forms and hurt the country drastically - so the public must have the courage to report such activities to authorities like the Damrongtham Centre if they do not trust police or soldiers.

How does one contact this place and what sort of place is it ?

Anyone know ?

After a quick Google

This is the answer to the same question posed on a Phuket web site :

Praphan Khanprasang of Phuket Damrongtham Center replies:

Complaints about government officials can be made at municipal Damrongtham centers (Ombudsman’s offices). There is one centre for every municipality so just find the one nearest to you.

You can lodge complaints in person or by having the complaint passed through government offices.

Letters of complaint can be posted by mail or you can make contact via the Damrongtham website (http://123.242.171.10/Damrongtham/w_index.php), or by calling your local Damrongtham centre.

Complaints lodged at the centre are then passed on to the Governor, who decides whether the issue warrants further investigation.

As well as handling complaints, Damrongtham offices also accept tip-offs, complaints about land issues and requests for help.

We prioritize urgent matters and try to take action on all issues within 15 days but that time frame also depends on the complexity of the issue.

Results of investigations are then returned to the governor so a conclusion or further investigations can be authorized.

Foreigners are welcome to report issues to Damrongtham centers and we are working on making English-language services available in the near future. However, for the time being, it’s best to have any complaint letters that are written in a foreign language translated to Thai.

If you lodge a complaint we will require a copy of your passport and your address in Thailand in case we have more questions or need to give you updates on the investigation process.

Small issues can usually be resolved directly by the local municipality but we should be contacted directly concerning larger issues.

The main Phuket Damrongtham office is located at Phuket Provincial Hall, on the first floor, and is open 8:30am – 4:00pm.

- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/how-to-complain-in-english-49870.php#sthash.hKIPe3ZQ.dpuf

[phoenixdoglover]

"Pramon, head of the anti-graft organisations’ network, said corrupt practices appeared to have slowed because some civil servants and businessmen expected a change of government soon - but provincial procurement had become more graft-prone because the central government could not yet enforce stricter rules on local authorities’ projects."

In other words: Local Governments are Still Corrupt

And perhaps local governments simply have not been structured to empower anti-corruption efforts. Systemic changes, such as decentralization of anti-corruption investigation and prosecution functions could have a lasting effect, whereas the current centrally managed "purge" may be beneficial, but temporary.

[Rogergreybeard]

Oh really, well done

[Robby nz]

And who is generating these accusatory lists? All so secretive and without any kind of public oversight or media review. Witch hunt anyone? Dark Ages makes its way to Thailand 600 years late.

If you took the time to read the OP you would probably be able to work that out for yourself.

[SOTIRIOS]

....judging by my wife and her gang....just scaled down.....so more difficult to detect....unless pursued.....

...but multiply that by the number of people that survey said 'It's okay to cheat'......

....still colossal............

[Banzai99]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

Oh and you seem to have forgotten about this gent the former head of the police CSD General Pongpat Chayapan whose jail time is now up to 31 years. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Ex-crimebuster-has-more-assets-seized-30258636.html.

With many more arrests, dismissals and investigations underway into the conduct of high ranking officers and civil servants.

You do realise why Pongpat was investigated don't you, c'mon Robby you can't be that blind.

[Banzai99]

And The Generals wealth and his Soldier Brothers wealth, will that be investigated. of course not, this Military Government is in power at this time for a very good reason, and its got nothing to do with the countries well being , it will keep the elite in their power bases when the transition takes place, this has nothing to do with anything else, it's all about power, money and keeping it all for the very few that now have it, to keep it you need guns, who better to have at the helm than the leader of the Army or his Brother, how they came by their massive fortunes is not for questioning, at this moment in Thailands history, they are needed to keep the poor, poor and the rich, rich.

Certain people are in for the chop, but certainly not all that deserve to get investigated, cherry picked people will be sacrificed for their alliegencies or non alliegaencies to the right or wrong people in the very small group of untouchables, those who are backing and are backed by the right people will be spared,

I don't know why so many Farangs argue amongst themselves on here, Red this Yellow that, as Farang we have and have never had, no say whatsoever in Thai Politics, even the Thai people have no say now.

All I know is this, to a poor man it don't matter who runs this country, he'll still be poor, it's the rich and powerful that position their people into positions that ensure they stay rich and powerful.

Everybody know the poor are always being screwed over by the rich. Always have, always will. ( Platoon)

Edited June 9, 2015 by Banzai99

[ChrisY1]

He said it would take some time to ensure that action taken against the wrongdoers was fair and transparent,

hmmm, I don't see anything that resembles transparency in this process...

"Transparent" is simply a new word in Thai rhetoric......it gets used so often, but nothing is ever close to being transparent.....and I'm sure they don't know the meaning of the word.

[ChrisY1]

Prayut said corrupt practices happen in many forms and hurt the country drastically - so the public must have the courage to report such activities to authorities like the Damrongtham Centre if they do not trust police or soldiers.

How does one contact this place and what sort of place is it ?

Anyone know ?

After a quick Google

This is the answer to the same question posed on a Phuket web site :

Praphan Khanprasang of Phuket Damrongtham Center replies:

Complaints about government officials can be made at municipal Damrongtham centers (Ombudsman’s offices). There is one centre for every municipality so just find the one nearest to you.

You can lodge complaints in person or by having the complaint passed through government offices.

Letters of complaint can be posted by mail or you can make contact via the Damrongtham website (http://123.242.171.10/Damrongtham/w_index.php), or by calling your local Damrongtham centre.

Complaints lodged at the centre are then passed on to the Governor, who decides whether the issue warrants further investigation.

As well as handling complaints, Damrongtham offices also accept tip-offs, complaints about land issues and requests for help.

We prioritize urgent matters and try to take action on all issues within 15 days but that time frame also depends on the complexity of the issue.

Results of investigations are then returned to the governor so a conclusion or further investigations can be authorized.

Foreigners are welcome to report issues to Damrongtham centers and we are working on making English-language services available in the near future. However, for the time being, it’s best to have any complaint letters that are written in a foreign language translated to Thai.

If you lodge a complaint we will require a copy of your passport and your address in Thailand in case we have more questions or need to give you updates on the investigation process.

Small issues can usually be resolved directly by the local municipality but we should be contacted directly concerning larger issues.

The main Phuket Damrongtham office is located at Phuket Provincial Hall, on the first floor, and is open 8:30am – 4:00pm.

- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/how-to-complain-in-english-49870.php#sthash.hKIPe3ZQ.dpuf

Thanks for this post.

However, I would be scepticle to pass my home address and PP information, should I wish to make a complaint.

[TheAppletons]

He said it would take some time to ensure that action taken against the wrongdoers was fair and transparent,

hmmm, I don't see anything that resembles transparency in this process...

"Transparent" is simply a new word in Thai rhetoric......it gets used so often, but nothing is ever close to being transparent.....and I'm sure they don't know the meaning of the word.

"Transparent" in Thailand is a ladyboy with children.

[CantSpell]

One picture on another thread with one arm, picture here with 2 arms...

They did a giant YMCA yesterday?

[Anon999]

They are attempting to create anti-coruption awareness. Thais are well aware of corruption and the government's shallow efforts to curb it. Thais are generally not interested in anti-corruption. They like things just the way they are. This can easily be illustrated by the number of Thai big men busts, convictions and jail sentences in Thailan. Non-existent.

Not true about busting the the high level government employees. However, to complete the whole job of bringing them to account takes more than 5 minutes. There are many cases that are currently being processed by the anti-corruption departments.

Edited June 9, 2015 by Anon999

[ldiablo]

I am still trying to figure out how a certain general could amass $18,000,000 in assests without himself being corrupt.

[heybruce]

Banks don't prevent bank robberies by attempting to catch thieves after the robbery, they have security systems in place to make robbing the bank difficult and dangerous.

Honest governments don't prevent corruption by attempting to catch and prosecute corrupt officials after the fact, they have rules requiring transparency that make corrupt practices difficult and risky.

Unfortunately for Thailand, neither the military nor any political party wants transparency--not only do they not know how to govern in a transparent system, it would cost them their fortunes.