Thai editorial: First shot fired in battle against border corruption

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
First shot fired in battle against border corruption
The Nation

Immigration police have been given a warning but there's plenty more to do if we want to secure the gates of the country

BANGKOK: -- National police chief General Somyot Poompanmuang has made a surprise move worthy of praise barely three weeks before his mandatory retirement at the end of this month.

Speaking to a group of 250 senior immigration officers from around the country on Monday, he presented them with a damning report outlining six major misdeeds committed by members of their ranks. The police chief also warned the immigration police commissioner he would be punished if he failed to rein in his men, many of whom are suspected of being involved in illegal activities deemed a national threat.

Somyot's report, which is based on evidence collected over the past year, details how immigration officers have helped illegal migrants to enter and remain in Thailand without the necessary documentation in exchange for bribes. They were also accused of demanding under-the-table fees from tourists applying for visas on arrival at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in the capital.

The national police chief also ordered immigration police to intensify screening of foreigners at border checkpoints following news that suspects in last month's deadly bomb attack entered the country through a border point in Sa Kaew province. Somyot, who has ordered the transfers of Sa Kaew's senior immigration officers, said human traffickers and criminals were exploiting border-security loopholes to enter the country.

Foreign tourists and expatriates have long complained of inconsistent treatment at the hands of Thai immigration police. A frequently heard grumble concerns constant rule changes at border checkpoints - which are often resolved by the offer of a small bribe.

Immigration police serve as "sentries" at the gates to the country. Their core task is to secure those gateways against anyone who may pose a threat to national security if allowed to enter. If they can be persuaded by a bribe to look the other way, the country is placed in peril.

As such, corrupt immigration officers in effect pose a security threat, helping facilitate the passage of criminals or even terrorists into the country.

Fortunately, the bombing of Bangkok's Erawan Shrine last month was an anomaly - Thailand has rarely been a target for foreign terrorists. However, security experts say that international terrorists have entered Thailand repeatedly in past years, but they consider the Kingdom a safe haven rather than a target.

A number of terrorist suspects wanted abroad have been arrested here and extradited. These include al-Qaeda-linked terrorist leader Riduan Isamuddin, better known by his nom de guerre, "Hambali", who was suspected of masterminding the fatal 2002 Bali bombing. He was arrested in Ayutthaya province in 2003 and later extradited to the United States.

The national police chief has done the right thing in rebuking immigration officials and warning their commander over problems of corruption and inefficiency. However, with less than a month left of his term in office, Somyot doesn't have enough time to tackle the serious level of corruption that seems to have infected the border guards.

His successor, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, will have to take up the task when he is sworn in as national police chief on October 1. Jakthip's challenge is a tough one - to change a work culture that has been far too tolerant of corruption in the Immigration service and other police agencies.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/First-shot-fired-in-battle-against-border-corrupti-30268493.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-10

[BSJ]

"His successor, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, will have to take up the task when he is sworn in as national police chief on October 1. Jakthip's challenge is a tough one - to change a work culture that has been far too tolerant of corruption in the Immigration service and other police agencies." Good luck with that!

[noitom]

After Somyot an his pep talk, it will be back to business as usual in Thailand.

[speedtripler]

"His successor, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, will have to take up the task when he is sworn in as national police chief on October 1. Jakthip's challenge is a tough one - to change a work culture that has been far too tolerant of corruption in the Immigration service and other police agencies." Good luck with that!

immigration is their own dept and also have their own police chiefs and generals

i dount somyots replacement guy would have much swing there

if these guys are pocketing circa 2 million a day from arrivals ,its not going to stop because a police commander whos retiring in 2 weeks says so

they might scale it down for a week or two but that will be all

to put an end to corruption you would need to cut out all the dead wood and these are influential and powerful people who also likely paid

a thick wedge of cash to get "on the team"

somyot hasnt even mentioned his own officers dirty dealings which makes the whole statement even more hypocritical

its even surrprising that he hasnt got a cut of some of this lucrative market during the last couple of years hes been on the top ....

[EricBerg]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

[Charlie Croker]

We live in hope.

Border immigration are a law unto themselves.

They charge border run agencies huge fees just to park in the car park.

Without which their businesses can't operate.

[Tatsujin]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

There'll be a "show" of doing something for a few weeks, then life goes back to normal, i.e. screwing over anyone they can for cash.

[baboon]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

A brave statement. Are you saying there have been no noises and changes made regarding border corruption since 1939?

[kowpot]

Will there be refunds?

[craigt3365]

"His successor, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, will have to take up the task when he is sworn in as national police chief on October 1. Jakthip's challenge is a tough one - to change a work culture that has been far too tolerant of corruption in the Immigration service and other police agencies." Good luck with that!

immigration is their own dept and also have their own police chiefs and generals

i dount somyots replacement guy would have much swing there

if these guys are pocketing circa 2 million a day from arrivals ,its not going to stop because a police commander whos retiring in 2 weeks says so

they might scale it down for a week or two but that will be all

to put an end to corruption you would need to cut out all the dead wood and these are influential and powerful people who also likely paid

a thick wedge of cash to get "on the team"

somyot hasnt even mentioned his own officers dirty dealings which makes the whole statement even more hypocritical

its even surrprising that he hasnt got a cut of some of this lucrative market during the last couple of years hes been on the top ....

They are a separate department, but like the border police, marine police, etc, they all report to the chief of police.

[HerbalEd]

Re. "... corrupt immigration officers in effect pose a security threat, helping facilitate the passage of criminals or even terrorists into the country."

Immigration officials, police, etc. who facilitate the passage of terrorists into Thailand ... esp. ones who murder 20 people in cold blood ... should be hanged.

[klauskunkel]

The national police chief also ordered immigration police to intensify screening of foreigners at border checkpoints following news that suspects in last month's deadly bomb attack entered the country through a border point in Sa Kaew province. Somyot, who has ordered the transfers of Sa Kaew's senior immigration officers, said human traffickers and criminals were exploiting border-security loopholes to enter the country.

another transfer...

the bombing suspects said they bribed their way into Thailand at Sa Kaew, that would make the involved immigration officers an accessory to the bombing, having assisted (unknowingly) and profited, imo.

[steveyinasia]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

And the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting something different. If the chief identified these issues, which have been happening forever, why didn't he do something about it?

[comeondoit]

It is typical three weeks before retirement nothing can happen to him anymore, before he would not dare doing such a thing, dangering the money flow uphill

[FangFerang]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

Dead wrong again. It is quite tiresome to keep hearing the junta cheerleaders misrepresent facts with feelings, and decidedly incoherent. Look at before the junta (during Yingluk's admionistration) and after the junta took over...it speaks volumes.

Edited September 10, 2015 by FangFerang

[Thai at Heart]

So, he's known about this for a year and they wonder why they are in trouble for people trafficking?

[Thian]

Next shot is all Thai-language students really have to attend lessons.

[phoenixdoglover]

"His successor, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, will have to take up the task when he is sworn in as national police chief on October 1. Jakthip's challenge is a tough one - to change a work culture that has been far too tolerant of corruption in the Immigration service and other police agencies." Good luck with that!

immigration is their own dept and also have their own police chiefs and generals

i dount somyots replacement guy would have much swing there

if these guys are pocketing circa 2 million a day from arrivals ,its not going to stop because a police commander whos retiring in 2 weeks says so

they might scale it down for a week or two but that will be all

to put an end to corruption you would need to cut out all the dead wood and these are influential and powerful people who also likely paid

a thick wedge of cash to get "on the team"

somyot hasnt even mentioned his own officers dirty dealings which makes the whole statement even more hypocritical

its even surrprising that he hasnt got a cut of some of this lucrative market during the last couple of years hes been on the top ....

They are a separate department, but like the border police, marine police, etc, they all report to the chief of police.

And therein lies part of the problem.

As a system of policing, the RTP is too large (250,000 +) and too monolithic.

I am a firm believer in organizing the police so they are motivated and rewarded for policing each other in addition to policing the public.

That would mean, at a minimum, to make the border police independent of the overall RTP. In addition, I would split off a National Police Unit, with a focus on transnational crime and police corruption. Then set the National Police against the border police (and the district/local arms of the RTP).

I'm sure there would be issues even with these changes...but I am convinced the RTP is in need of "systemic" reform, which means a significant change in the organizational structure.

[phoenixdoglover]

Consider the (hypothetical) differences between Thailand and more developed countries:

- In Thailand, a lengthy investigation uncovers bribes and other specific forms of corruption at the country's borders. The national Chief of Police issues a strong rebuke and transfers some supervisors.

- In other countries, a lengthy investigation uncovers bribes and other specific forms of corruption at the country's borders. Corrupt officials and police are arrested, handcuffed and arraigned for prosecution. The Chief of Police holds a press conference announcing the actions taken against police who break the law, and confirms that police are not above the law..

Notice any differences?

[elgordo38]

The national police chief also ordered immigration police to intensify screening of foreigners at border checkpoints following news that suspects in last month's deadly bomb attack entered the country through a border point in Sa Kaew province. Somyot, who has ordered the transfers of Sa Kaew's senior immigration officers, said human traffickers and criminals were exploiting border-security loopholes to enter the country.

another transfer...

the bombing suspects said they bribed their way into Thailand at Sa Kaew, that would make the involved immigration officers an accessory to the bombing, having assisted (unknowingly) and profited, imo.

They are doing a preemptive strike on this as they know the word is out on how the bombers entered the country. They definitely need a patsy on this one or it will not go away. Someone near the top of the food chain must commit hari-kari/take one for the team.

[baboon]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

Dead wrong again. It is quite tiresome to keep hearing the junta cheerleaders misrepresent facts with feelings, and decidedly incoherent. Look at before the junta (during Yingluk's admionistration) and after the junta took over...it speaks volumes.

'Damn... Aha! But the first car scheme... Did you know that Thaksin is a convicted criminal living in Dubai? I bet you didn't....'

[Ulic]

A lot of grumbling going on I am sure. They must be thinking how does skimming Chinese tourists

300 baht to help them fill in there tourist forms affect border security? How does charging

a nice fat bonus to change a tourist visa to a business visa affect border security? They, like

the other departments, and Phuket taxi mafia have already spent the money and now need

the extra income stream to pay off debts. It will not be easy to change well entrenched culture

and financial need.

[dageurreotype]

So, he's known about this for a year and they wonder why they are in trouble for people trafficking?

Only 'a year'?

Edited September 10, 2015 by dageurreotype

[dageurreotype]

Consider the (hypothetical) differences between Thailand and more developed countries:

- In Thailand, a lengthy investigation uncovers bribes and other specific forms of corruption at the country's borders. The national Chief of Police issues a strong rebuke and transfers some supervisors.

- In other countries, a lengthy investigation uncovers bribes and other specific forms of corruption at the country's borders. Corrupt officials and police are arrested, handcuffed and arraigned for prosecution. The Chief of Police holds a press conference announcing the actions taken against police who break the law, and confirms that police are not above the law..

Notice any differences?

Orrrr, the National Police Chief covers his subordinate's arse in order not to have his money boat rocked.

[robblok]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

Dead wrong again. It is quite tiresome to keep hearing the junta cheerleaders misrepresent facts with feelings, and decidedly incoherent. Look at before the junta (during Yingluk's admionistration) and after the junta took over...it speaks volumes.

'Damn... Aha! But the first car scheme... Did you know that Thaksin is a convicted criminal living in Dubai? I bet you didn't....'

But he is right..if you dont start nothing will change. Not that I expect them to give up their income without a fight or that it will go fast. But I do think that measures could be implemented that help at least a bit.

[dageurreotype]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

Dead wrong again. It is quite tiresome to keep hearing the junta cheerleaders misrepresent facts with feelings, and decidedly incoherent. Look at before the junta (during Yingluk's admionistration) and after the junta took over...it speaks volumes.

'Damn... Aha! But the first car scheme... Did you know that Thaksin is a convicted criminal living in Dubai? I bet you didn't....'

But he is right..if you dont start nothing will change. Not that I expect them to give up their income without a fight or that it will go fast. But I do think that measures could be implemented that help at least a bit.

What part of FangFerang's posted chart showing a steep decline in investigating incidents of trafficking since the junta seized power flew right over your head?

[elgordo38]

After Somyot an his pep talk, it will be back to business as usual in Thailand.

In the end I fear we the innocent will suffer because of a few greedy border officials. Yes this is a shot across the bow of greed at the border but I fear nothing will change. Its a message to cool your jets for a bit till things blow over. Its window dressing at best.

Edited September 10, 2015 by elgordo38

[EnglishJohn]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

A brave statement. Are you saying there have been no noises and changes made regarding border corruption since 1939?

What a pointless comment.

We all know you made it because what he really means is under Thaksin and his lackies and that irks you because you know it's true.

The only way to clean up the police is to get rid of all the rotten tomatoes. Trouble is, there would be nobody left.

[jaywalker]

Well there's a start. Didn't happen under previous governments. If you try nothing you get nowhere. Let's see where it leads us.

The sad part is, it takes something akin to the London or Madrid railway bombings to get them to wake up.

Give them 6 months though (at most) and it will be same same different day though.

[balo]

I will give them a chance to sort things out. All you do is criticize, lets wait and see.