Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Regime fails on corruption
News, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2019
» Thailand has dropped another point further down the scale of corrupt countries. Arguably the only thing worse than this national humiliation was the prime minister's attempt to wave it away. His attempt to dismiss the importance of the year-long scandal over his deputy prime minister's watch collection was not credible. Neither did his complaint that the global report on graft ignored the successes of his regime's anti-corruption campaigns gain sympathy.
Questions for the government
News, Editorial, Published on 30/10/2017
» The mourning period is over -- officially. Flags are to fly at full staff again on Monday. Clothing rules for the civil service and guidelines for the public have expired. Still, the grieving will not end. No person will forget the uncountable accomplishments of the greatest Thai of our times. The expiration of the mourning period returns the country to a semblance of normality but things will never be quite the same.
Failing the graft battle
News, Editorial, Published on 28/02/2017
» From all evidence, corruption is flourishing at high levels, and for the corrupt, their crime pays, even when it is exposed. The country's top two graftbusters raised questions recently whether they deserve the description. The official anti-corruption agency operating under the constitution for 20 years admitted it is poorly organised. The unofficial but respected agency funded by Big Business displayed appalling lack of awareness.
Gambling on Udomdej
News, Editorial, Published on 27/12/2016
» Today's cabinet meeting is likely to make key decisions related to operations to tackle violence in the restive deep South, and the money being spent there. Ministers will be asked to hear and make decisions on yet another roadmap to tackle the southern unrest. Even more controversially, they are likely to be asked to place the management of the entire multi-billion-baht budget supporting government actions in the South in the hands of one interesting man.
Perilous park precedent
News, Editorial, Published on 26/03/2016
» The Centre for National Anti-Corruption (CNAC) is setting a dangerous precedent in clearing an allegation that commission fees were paid for work in the Rajabhakti Park construction by calling it "charges for recommending jobs".
Fewer words, more action
News, Editorial, Published on 09/03/2016
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued a welcome and pertinent call to the media to uphold its code of ethics. Fallout from the criminal conviction of the Channel 3 newsman Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda remains a hot issue. While Sorrayuth has at least removed himself from the air, there are quite a few, more troublesome, ethics cases in limbo. It would be good to hear the prime minister join in calls for ethical action.
Full probe for Rajabhakti
News, Editorial, Published on 27/02/2016
» Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya is correct. The public must be given full details about the construction of Rajabhakti Park, especially in areas where corruption is alleged to have taken place, before they can decide if the project is clean.
Anti-graft talk not enough
News, Editorial, Published on 10/12/2015
» Thailand joined many other countries in observing International Anti-Corruption Day yesterday. In Bangkok, National Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Panthep Klanarongran and the other commissioners led a few hundred people representing the government and private sectors in a short march from TOT Public Company to the government office centre in the Chaeng Watthana area to highlight the importance of the day.
Army can't probe its own
News, Editorial, Published on 01/12/2015
» Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered a second look at the Rajabhakti Park controversy. This decision is both good and bad news. The good news is that Gen Prawit, who is also defence minister, recognises the first, shallow probe of the park's construction satisfied no one. But there is an attitude of here-we-go-again to the second inquiry.
Transparency key to restoring trust
News, Editorial, Published on 22/11/2015
» Rajabhakti Park was unveiled in September with pomp, circumstance and fireworks. It is an impressive place: a 222-rai area dominated by monuments to seven great monarchs of the past, from Ramkhamhaeng to Chulalongkorn, who played vital roles in history and were instrumental in establishing and protecting Thailand over the centuries. While some critics may call it the army’s overcompensating answer to Nay Pyi Taw, with seven 14-metre high kings compared with the Myanmar capital’s three 10m statues, the park was welcomed with a high degree of goodwill. The public was interested in the project and prominent figures and businesses donated a billion baht to the army to see the park become a reality.