What our corruption looks like

Published: 1 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Guru

Corruption this, corruption that! From the highest ranks of government to the lowest thugs on the streets, the "C" word is constantly cited as the reason our country will never flourish to its full potential. But don't look to the typical apathetic citizen for solutions, as a 2011 Abac poll found that 64.5 per cent of Thais find corruption acceptable if the government can make the country prosper. And even if you find this ethically degrading, I'm sure all these so-called morals go out the tinted window when you're in a situation where some purple or grey notes can easily get you out of a bind.

So how much can corruption actually affect us?

Well, a lot, if you believe recent statistics released by the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT), quoting a study by US-based Global Financial Integrity, which found that an average of 192.6 billion baht illegally flowed out of Thailand between 2001 and 2010. This absurd amount was income from corrupt practices such as crimes, the drug trade and tax evasion.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

BRRMBOB
Post : 22
Send message

Discussion 7 : 03 Feb 2013 at 12.387
Post this to my Facebook
The quoted figure only factors in money leaving Thailand. What about the corruption money that stays here? Double? Triple? You pointed out only the money but what about the safety issues? How about inspections that aren't done or are faked? How about construction materials and methods that are sub-standard in order to shave a few more dollars off to pad someone's pocket?
Like dislike 2 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bluebottle
Post : 1,469
Send message

Discussion 6 : 02 Feb 2013 at 16.206
Post this to my Facebook
If what I read is correct 40% of every contract goes on back handers, Graft.Taxes could be reduced to allowing people to spend more in turn upping the GDP and making most people happier.Granted those not receiving the 40% any more would not be so happy.
Like dislike 1 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Tanami
Post : 34
Send message

Discussion 5 : 02 Feb 2013 at 15.025
Post this to my Facebook
Corruption is entrenched in Thai society. Make use of it! Instead of offering environmental, political or the latest 'terrorism' studies; offer studies in corruption on a world scale. Come to Thailand and we teach you corruption.
-- This is meant as a Satire. The author does not believe this is the right path for Thailand --
Like dislike 1 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bangmodken
Post : 1,305
Send message

Discussion 4 : 02 Feb 2013 at 11.124
Post this to my Facebook
Years ago,danish politicians re-branded corruption as "political mistakes" and these "mistakes" are not punishable by law. Problem solved,no corruption.

D1,Ubuntu : According to a relative of mine,the current government has to borrow money to pay their civil servants,so it would seem that Zimbabwe is actually better off financially than Thailand.
Like dislike 3 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
pquinlan
Post : 918
Send message

Discussion 3 : 02 Feb 2013 at 10.173
Post this to my Facebook
And that is only the amount of corruptly gained money expatriated. There is likely to be just as much again, or perhaps even more, that remains in-country. There are huge volumes of cash laundered right here under our noses every day.
Like dislike 2 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
mdssr
Post : 32
Send message

Discussion 2 : 01 Feb 2013 at 12.002
Post this to my Facebook
And so much more!If people would realize what they could get as a Nation ...education,better hospitals services(gvt run),promising future for their Kids based on their abilities and knowledge instead of Whom you know and Who's your Daddy.People talk about freedom and democracy but they rarely take the necessary steps to get this freedom of action.Most of them are slaves of the corrupted system and scared to loose whatever they have if they start to Blow the Whistle and will be like that until they join all together to pressurize the gvt to do something about it.Power to the people also means more for the people and less to the corrupted ones.
Like dislike 5 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
ubuntu
Post : 255
Send message

Discussion 1 : 01 Feb 2013 at 11.591
Post this to my Facebook
Very creative article. 17,000 Mercedes Benz will just further compound the culture of "image over substance". The only way to create a society of substance is via meaningful education that ignites critical thinking and creativity.

Well things could be worse, after paying civil servant salaries, the government of Zimbabwe only had 217 USD left.
Like dislike 7 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

What our corruption looks like | Bangkok Post: opinion