You and your Thai Wife of 20 years.

[webfact]

NRC acts to boost fight against "rife" corruption
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Council (NRC) yesterday voted to accept amendments to three bills that seek to combat corruption.

NRC member Pramon Sutivong said the NRC would establish a committee to oversee state enterprise operations, requiring them to disclose official information by providing the same information listed companies must report to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET.)

The legislation also stated that education institutions embrace "grow up and not corrupt" as part of their curriculum.

The NRC member Pracha Taerat said corruption was rife because the country's education system failed to instill morality in our children and stressed only academic merit.

He said there was a dire need to ensure an anti corruption mechanism in the education system.

The country should follow other developed nations in getting public participation to help combat corruption. "It is a pity that the current charter does not include a check mechanism by the civic sector which is most efficient in combating corruption,'' he said.

The NRC also sought an amendment to the Official Information Act stipulating that state agencies must clearly indicate procedures and time needed to access official information. Information that must be disclosed included any involving finance or state budget which affected human rights, community and environment.

The council also required in a draft bill on state advertisements that a committee be established to control use of state funds for advertisements to prevent nepotism, media interference and state propaganda.

The council also adjusted the definition of the word 'state officials' to be in line with that of the United Nation Convention against Corruption and the Criminal Code. It also bans political office holders and their family members from accepting gifts, souvenirs and any benefits that can be converted in terms of money value.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-acts-to-boost-fight-against-rife-corruption-30264872.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-21

[Srikcir]

"The council also required in a draft bill on state advertisements that a committee be established to control use of state funds for advertisements to prevent nepotism, media interference and state propaganda."

Can they begin with removing Channel 5 from military control?

[halloween]

"The council also required in a draft bill on state advertisements that a committee be established to control use of state funds for advertisements to prevent nepotism, media interference and state propaganda."

Can they begin with removing Channel 5 from military control?

Why? It is run as as a commercial operation that provides funding for the military rather than taxpayers. My reddish g/f watches it without being offended by "state propaganda".

Doesn't your TV come with a channel selector? Or is free speech only for those who don't offend your sensibilities merely by existing?

[Seastallion]

Still not enough, and still being selective where anti-corruption measures take place. The measures need to be put in place to cover ALL government sectors.

Transparency in finances is only ONE measure, and also should cover ALL government departments.

Education is right, but not the weak-wristed proposal mentioned....no doubt designed to look like an attempt, but knowing full-well that it will do absolutely nothing.

1. Do not take into account the "face" of ANY government employee when he/she is accused of corruption. Consider it this way; Thailand and the government lose face when a representative of Thailand's government commits a crime. The criminal is just an individual putting shame on the country. Disregard their feelings. They have dishonoured the King by breaking the laws of his kingdom.

2. Equal justice for ALL. Movie stars, policemen, ranked officers, rich people...they all have to face exactly the same consequences as a poor person with no special surname.

3. Don't just educate, encourage everyone on how to battle corruption. Assist them. In fact, make it a small offense to NOT report corruption.

4. Do it now, don't leave it to the next generation.

[NongKhaiKid]

Still not enough, and still being selective where anti-corruption measures take place. The measures need to be put in place to cover ALL government sectors.

Transparency in finances is only ONE measure, and also should cover ALL government departments.

Education is right, but not the weak-wristed proposal mentioned....no doubt designed to look like an attempt, but knowing full-well that it will do absolutely nothing.

1. Do not take into account the "face" of ANY government employee when he/she is accused of corruption. Consider it this way; Thailand and the government lose face when a representative of Thailand's government commits a crime. The criminal is just an individual putting shame on the country. Disregard their feelings. They have dishonoured the King by breaking the laws of his kingdom.

2. Equal justice for ALL. Movie stars, policemen, ranked officers, rich people...they all have to face exactly the same consequences as a poor person with no special surname.

3. Don't just educate, encourage everyone on how to battle corruption. Assist them. In fact, make it a small offense to NOT report corruption.

4. Do it now, don't leave it to the next generation.

To a fanfare a list of 100 corrupt civil servants was produced and some on the list were moved sideways then a second list was supposedly produced but it's all gone quiet.

Headline grabbing initiatives over the years coupled with inaction and this govt is no better and no doubt this will continue no matter who is in power.

No real crackdown will ever take place because for those supposedly wielding the axe it's too often a case of ' there but for the grace of God go I ( and family, friends and cronies ) ' so you don't stick it to anyone in case one day you are on the receiving end and need the same consideration extended to you.

[Orac]

With all the new rules and committees they need to set up anyone would think that corruption here is actually legal at the moment.

[avocadowangnamkeouw]

I think it's hopeful more Mr Pramon Sutivong is doing this kind of public statements which seem to address the core of the problems.

'The country should follow other developed nations in getting public participation to help combat corruption. "It is a pity that the current charter does not include a check mechanism by the civic sector which is most efficient in combating corruption,'' he said.

The NRC also sought an amendment to the Official Information Act stipulating that state agencies must clearly indicate procedures and time needed to access official information. Information that must be disclosed included any involving finance or state budget which affected human rights, community and environment.'

and

'The council also adjusted the definition of the word 'state officials' to be in line with that of the United Nation Convention against Corruption and the Criminal Code. It also bans political office holders and their family members from accepting gifts, souvenirs and any benefits that can be converted in terms of money value.'

[halloween]

"It also bans political office holders and their family members from accepting gifts, souvenirs and any benefits that can be converted in terms of money value."

There we have the death knell of Thaksin as a political force. When he is no longer able to bribe people to join his party, and make regular payments to buy their loyalty and votes, he is finished. Next, the party list scam used to foist unelectable scum like Chalerm on the populace.

Edited July 21, 2015 by halloween

[seajae]

hard to teach them about corruption being bad for the country when the teachers themselves demand the students pay them extra to teach them, they see their parents demand backhanders for whatever they can, they see the police do it and every other govt department as well when they think they can get away with it. This country is so entrenched in corruption they ones doing dont want it to stop or they lose their extra cash benefits. The only way is to make the same rules apply to every single person in Thailand, no more "no breathe testing the police chief because he is too important", no more get out of jail free cards to rich kids with connected parents after killing people etc, no more protection due to being a politician/high govt person etc, everyone has to be made to face the law if they commit any form of crime or offence with equal punishment for all but it will never happen, too big a loss of face and self importance to the ones concerned.

[Thai at Heart]

Public court cases with media scrutiny and long sentences would be my starting point. Naming shaming and punishment. They could probably devote a 24 hour channel to it all. They have to start punishing ALL corruption at all levels. How does one blow the whistle with these current defamation laws?