Thai editorial: Fight against corruption is halfway up the mountain

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Fight against corruption is halfway up the mountain
The Nation

There are encouraging signs that Thailand is weaning itself off a damaging habit, and worrying indications of how far we have to go

BANGKOK: -- Uprooting the graft that has long been second nature to Thais in positions of authority will be a daunting endeavour, but we can take heart in signs that the effort is at least underway.

At the moment there is a temporary exhibition of sculptures called "The Museum of Thai Corruption" at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Each of its 10 pieces symbolises a major case in our recent history. Organised by the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT), it's on view through Sunday.

Mana Nimitmongkol of the ACT points out that generations upon generations of Thais have lived under the thumb of graft and we've simply become used to it. Apathy prevails. His group has other ideas. "We want to tell the cheaters that what they do is evil. Their behaviour will be recorded by history and the people will never forget nor forgive them."

A grim reminder in palpable form of how woeful the situation is, the exhibition in some ways is more effective than current statistics, as disturbing as they are too.

Thailand was ranked 85th among 175 countries surveyed in the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index, the latest numbers available. The survey was conducted by Transparency International, a non-governmental organisation that monitors and publicises corporate and political graft. Somehow being midway down the list offered reason for optimism: Thailand had been in 102nd place a year earlier.

Now we have an annual National Anti-Corruption Day too, and, in his speech marking that occasion on September 6, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government has made much progress in tackling the problem. But he also called for more cooperation between government agencies and the business community, civic organisations and the general public to fight what he called a "social cancer".

The government has declared war on corruption and made it a national priority - a good start, to be sure. Now we need to see action backing up the rhetoric.

To win this war, the authorities involved must first and foremost enforce existing laws so that corrupt officials are punished regardless of their political affiliation or social status.

When the Corruption Perceptions Index rankings were announced in December, our Anti-Corruption Commission was satisfied enough with Thailand's improvement that it voiced confidence in the country's ability to reach 50th place on the list by 2017.

It will take an enormous communal effort to achieve that. For now we can only dream of entering the top 20 and, even as we gaze aloft, warnings trickle down from the summit.

New Zealand - assessed as the world's least-corrupt nation for several consecutive years - last year tumbled into second place. A group of accountants there recently warned that financial graft is on the rise (as it is around the globe) and poses a serious threat to the country. If a land that's never been outside the top five on the corruption index is having a problem, Thailand appears to be swimming against a ferocious current.

Certainly, an entirely corruption-free society might not even be possible. But there are all sorts of benefits to be gained by minimising the appalling practice.

Every citizen can help improve Thailand's ranking by refusing to participate in any behaviour that encourages corruption. As Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said recently, without genuine public awareness, the fight against corruption will never succeed. "There are still brazen-faced people - it's not just officials," he said, sharing the blame around. "If the private sector doesn't offer bribes, officials will have no bribes to accept."

Tea money and other forms of under-the-table payments - so long an accepted part of life in Thailand - will have to go. From the viewpoint today it looks like a mountain to climb. We should get started right away, one step at a time.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Fight-against-corruption-is-halfway-up-the-mountai-30269510.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-25

[PatOngo]

Fight against corruption is halfway up the mountain

.............yeah right!.............not even halfway up the molehill.

[jaywalker]

They are trying to climb Everest & are wondering how many packs of Krong-Thips they can smoke on their way to 27,000 feet.

Sherpas are all around them, but they are ignored.

[Reigntax]

No, they know a mountain exists and are trying to justify not climbing it and how to circumvent it, end up at the other side without climbing it at all.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Reigntax

[eliotness]

They should start at the top and work down, after all a "fish rots from the head first".

[Broken Record]

To set a good example the Police chief and The PM are going to come forward and explain just how they became multi USD millionaires on a Thai government salary, they are going to explain the miraculous powers bestowed upon those reaching certain levels of the food chain in Thai society, the powers that allow them to be so insanely rich yet still keep their position when all around can see the corruption.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

[clockman]

They have not scratched the surface yet, Customs, Immigration! Come back in 50 years time.

[selftaopath]

I love the adage:

"When the pain outweighs the pleasure then you'll change."

I think this applies everywhere; maybe Thailand ought to try it IF it really wants change. Severely punish the offenders, and see corruption diminish before your very eyes.

I suspect The Thai people can not live without corruption e.g. legal operators licenses, pay taxes, drive on the legal side of the road etc.

[ramrod711]

To set a good example the Police chief and The PM are going to come forward and explain just how they became multi USD millionaires on a Thai government salary, they are going to explain the miraculous powers bestowed upon those reaching certain levels of the food chain in Thai society, the powers that allow them to be so insanely rich yet still keep their position when all around can see the corruption.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

Every country in the world has an "elite", the poor will never enjoy their privileges. In America, the Walton family have more money than the bottom 150,000,000 Americans, do you think they don't use their influence to change labor laws? I appreciate your idealism and indignation, but let's remember, the poor, repressed peoples of the world were not created by the current PM.

[chainarong]

Lost on a mountain in a country that once was called paradise , how the mighty have fallen , a sad reflection on the leaders of Thailand and their priorities and just where will it all end , not on any mountain that's for sure.

[Lovekorat]

How on earth can they make such a statement?

Because they've cleared a few dodgy jet ski operators of a beach?

Corruption in a Thailand us endemic.

It is part of the culture.

It is unlikely to be removed because the people that can do something have all got or had their own fingers in the pie.

[Hawk]

Halfway? I didn't know that they had even started.

[Hawk]

Halfway? I didn't know that they had even started.

[craigt3365]

To set a good example the Police chief and The PM are going to come forward and explain just how they became multi USD millionaires on a Thai government salary, they are going to explain the miraculous powers bestowed upon those reaching certain levels of the food chain in Thai society, the powers that allow them to be so insanely rich yet still keep their position when all around can see the corruption.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

Every country in the world has an "elite", the poor will never enjoy their privileges. In America, the Walton family have more money than the bottom 150,000,000 Americans, do you think they don't use their influence to change labor laws? I appreciate your idealism and indignation, but let's remember, the poor, repressed peoples of the world were not created by the current PM.

That is true, but in the "Western" world, for the most part, you have to abide by the laws. If Walmart broke laws, they'll pay the price. Sure, they can influence these laws. But can't just ignore laws already in place.

The first thing Thailand needs to do is reform the police and judiciary. Hard to enforce laws when they are easily skirted with a bit of tea money.

[bamnutsak]

See also Sisyphus.

[Emster23]

"First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is" (Donovan)

Like climbing out of the Grand Canyon and then thinking on top of Everest.... but thy haven't even started up the footpath, let alone found it.

[soalbundy]

They don't mention the mountain ranges behind the first mountain.

[reptile91602]

Thailand was ranked 85th among 175 countries surveyed in the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index.

It's amazing that there are somany countries worse than Thailand in corruption. pretty amazing!!!

[FangFerang]

"we can take heart in signs that the effort is at least underway"

Another sycophantic explanation for kissing the juntas bottom by declaring another step in the right direction is being considered for a new committee that will decide if the issue can be resolved by a panel of experts who will vote on a referendum to decide if a feasibility study is in order.

[ETatBKK]

anyone reading what happens in China today ? hardhanded as usual in China, hope this is a good movement that lasts for couple of political generations.

but I don't think this could be applied in Thailand.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

So if everything is that rosy, maybe the new RTP boss can explain were his Billion THB came from and General Happyness can show us all how to make 600 million from a government salary?

[Surasak]

All well and good sorting out those in government office, but what about those on the front line who wear the brown uniforms? These are seen by the general public every day during daylight hours and should be the ones to set the example. Fat chance but we can live in hope!

[slapout]

The get out of jail issued to ehe rice warehouse 0wner issued yesterday sho0ul cause heads to rolol and additional charges to be filloed against a host of people involved.

A great chance for the present government to step up and hit a home run in bringingt the bad guys to justice.

[WhizBang]

Halfway up the mountain? Seriously? What a joke. As far as I can tell, they are still sitting at the starting line awaiting the starter's orders (which will not be coming).

[fred Kubasa]

Hell, they haven't even laced up their boots yet !

[Usernames]

This. Ain't. Gonna. Happen.

[heybruce]

Halfway up the mountain would be the point when laws mandating transparency in government and clearly forbidding conflict of interests are in place. The second half of the trip would come with effectively enforcing these laws.

Thailand hasn't taken the first step on the mountain. With unelected people in charge who used the proceeds of corruption to advance their careers, I don't expect any movement towards the mountain.

[Usernames]

"Half way up the mountain" essentially means that they have turned their mountain into a molehill.

[Bakseeda]

To set a good example the Police chief and The PM are going to come forward and explain just how they became multi USD millionaires on a Thai government salary, they are going to explain the miraculous powers bestowed upon those reaching certain levels of the food chain in Thai society, the powers that allow them to be so insanely rich yet still keep their position when all around can see the corruption.

Anybody would think they are allowed to get away with it because they protect the few Elite at the very top of Thai society from the majority poor in what should be a wealthy country where all benefit, not just a few.

Broken Record..... Please , words are cheap.... where is your proof that these guys are $$$ multi-millionaires.

There will always be more Indians than Chiefs...... Be happy for them and lose that chip off your shoulder.

Karma has a strange way of working..!

[NCC1701A]

if i owned my own country this is exactly how i would run it.