Niyomchat -Evaluation of Current Situation of Bribery and Corruption in Thailand.Pdf

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Niyomchat -Evaluation of Current Situation of Bribery and Corruption in Thailand.Pdf Evaluation of Current Situation of Bribery and Corruption in Thailand Perceptions of Government Officials and Ordinary Citizens to the Situation MPP Professional Paper In Partial Fulfillment of the Master of Public Policy Degree Requirements The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs The University of Minnesota Pattarapong Niyomchat May 15, 2015 Signature below of Paper Supervisor certifies successful completion of oral presentation and completion of final written version: ______John Brian Atwood__ ______ ____________________ ___________________ Typed Name & Title, Paper Supervisor Date, oral presentation Date, paper completion _______ Robert Kudrle ________ ___________________ Typed Name & Title, Second Committee Member Date Signature of Third Committee Member, certifying successful completion of professional paper ______ Steven Andreasen______ ___________________ Typed Name & Title, Third Committee Member Date Signature of Third Committee Member, certifying successful completion of professional paper Page | 1 Evaluation of Current Situation of Bribery and Corruption in Thailand Perceptions of Government Officials and Ordinary Citizens to the Situation Pattarapong Niyomchat UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, PA8921 Page | 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1. Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2 History and Culture behind Corruption in Thailand ...................................................................... 11 2. Magnitude of Corruption .................................................................................................................... 12 2.1 Estimating the Magnitude of Corruption in Thailand ................................................................... 13 2.1.1 International observations ..................................................................................................... 13 2.1.2 Domestic observations........................................................................................................... 13 2.1.3 Surveys ................................................................................................................................... 14 2.1.4 Interviews ............................................................................................................................... 14 3. Literature Review ................................................................................................................................ 14 3.1 Theory of Corruption .................................................................................................................... 15 3.2 The Political Economy of Corruption ............................................................................................ 19 3.3 Corruption in Thailand .................................................................................................................. 22 4. Corruption Situation in Thailand in the 21st Century .......................................................................... 27 4.1 International Perceptions ............................................................................................................. 27 4.2 Domestic Perceptions ................................................................................................................... 29 5. Research Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 30 6. Data Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 33 6.1 Government Officials .................................................................................................................... 33 6.2 Ordinary Citizens ........................................................................................................................... 37 7. Discussion of the Interviews ............................................................................................................... 40 8. Policy Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 43 8.1 Short-Term Solutions .................................................................................................................... 43 8.2 Long-term Solutions ...................................................................................................................... 45 9. Conclusions ......................................................................................................................................... 46 References .................................................................................................................................................. 50 Appendix A: Interview Transcripts: Government Officials (English Language) ....................................... 52 Government Official No. 1 – Inspector, the Ministry of Interior ............................................................ 52 Page | 3 Government Officials No.2 – Director of Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Interior ................................................................................................................................................................ 56 Government Official No. 3 –Border and Refugee Affairs Division, Internal Security Affairs Bureau, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior .............................................................. 60 Government Official No. 4 – Supervision and Inspection Division, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior ........................................................................................................ 64 Government Official No. 5 – People Services Center, Investigation and legal Affairs Bureau, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior .............................................................. 70 Government Official No. 6 – People Services Center, Registration and Identification Card Promotion Division, the Bureau of Registration Administration, the Ministry of Interior ....................................... 73 Government Official No. 7 – Development Group Administration, System Development Group, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Interior, the Ministry of Interior .......................................................... 77 Government Official No. 8 – Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior ................................................................................................................ 84 Government Official No. 9 – District Chief Officer, Nan Province, Ministry of Interior.......................... 87 Government Official No. 10 – District Chief Officer, Trang Province, Ministry of Interior ..................... 91 Government Official No. 11 – District Chief Officer, Mukdahan Province, Ministry of Interior ............. 97 Government Official No. 12 – Internal security Strategy Division, Policy and Planning Bureau, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Interior, Ministry of Interior .................................................................. 111 Government Official No. 13 – District Chief Officer, Roi Et Province, Ministry of Interior ................... 119 Government Official No. 14 – Vice Governor, Ratchaburi Province, Ministry of Interior .................... 123 Government Official No. 15 – Officer, System and Planning Development, Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior ...................................................................................................... 127 Interview Transcripts: Government Officials (Thai Language) ................................................................. 133 Appendix B: Interview Transcripts: Ordinary Citizens (English Language) ............................................ 207 Ordinary Citizen No. 1 – A Watchmaker, PhraNaKorn District, Bangkok ............................................. 207 Ordinary Citizen No. 2 – A Street Food Stall Owner, PhraNaKorn District, Bangkok. ........................... 211 Ordinary Citizen No. 3 – A Rubber Farmer, Chang Klang District, NakhonSiThammarat. .................... 213 Ordinary Citizen No. 4 – A Rubber Farmer, Chang Klang District, NakhonSiThammarat. .................... 217 Ordinary Citizen No. 5 – A Retired University Professor, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province. ............................................................................................................................................... 219 Ordinary Citizen No. 6 – A Motorcycle Taxi Driver, Chawang District, NakhonSiThammarat Province. .............................................................................................................................................................. 220 Ordinary Citizen No. 7 – A used Car Dealer, Bangkok. .......................................................................... 223 Ordinary Citizen No. 8 – A small business owner, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. 226 Ordinary Citizen No. 9 – A Book Store
Recommended publications
  • OECD Integrity Review of Thailand
    OECD Public Governance Reviews OECD Public Governance Reviews OECD Integrity Review of Thailand TOWARDS COHERENT AND EFFECTIVE INTEGRITY POLICIES OECD Integrity Review of Thailand TOWARDS COHERENT AND EFFECTIVE INTEGRITY POLICIES OECD Public Governance Reviews OECD Integrity Review of Thailand TOWARDS COHERENT AND EFFECTIVE INTEGRITY POLICIES This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries. This document, as well as any data and any map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Please cite this publication as: OECD (2018), OECD Integrity Review of Thailand: Towards Coherent and Effective Integrity Policies, OECD Public Governance Reviews, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264291928-en ISBN 978-92-64-29191-1 (print) ISBN 978-92-64-29192-8 (PDF) ISBN 978-92-64-29193-5 (epub) Series: OECD Public Governance Reviews ISSN 2219-0406 (print) ISSN 2219-0414 (online) The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law. Photo credits: Cover ©lOvE lOvE/Shutterstock.com Corrigenda to OECD publications may be found on line at: www.oecd.org/about/publishing/corrigenda.htm.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1. an Overview of Governance and Corruption in Thailand
    1. AN OVERVIEW OF GOVERNANCE AND CORRUPTION IN THAILAND 13 │ Chapter 1. An overview of governance and corruption in Thailand This chapter assesses the current situation in Thailand with regards to governance and corruption. Looking at international indicators as well as the perspectives on corruption of both business and citizens in Thailand, the analysis shows that corruption and bribery are prevalent in both the public and the private sectors. These results highlight the need for Thailand to strengthen its governance framework and promote a culture of integrity to mitigate corruption risks. OECD INTEGRITY REVIEW OF THAILAND © OECD 2018 14 1. AN OVERVIEW OF GOVERNANCE AND CORRUPTION IN THAILAND │ Introduction Corruption perpetuates inequality and poverty, negatively affecting the well-being of citizens. It can result in the unequal distribution of income and undermine opportunities for individuals to participate in social, economic and political life (OECD, 2017[1]). Corruption also hampers a country’s economic development. Indeed, it has a negative impact on investment, competition, human capital formation and government efficiency. Erosion of public trust and widening socio-economic inequalities are exacerbated by corruption in the public sector. It is therefore imperative that governance systems contain strong mechanisms to mitigate the risks of corruption and to ensure the effective delivery of public services. Integrity is essential for building strong institutions, and assures citizens that the government is working in their interest. Strengthening public integrity means shifting from ad hoc anti-corruption and integrity policies to a comprehensive, risk-based approach, with an emphasis on cultivating a culture of integrity across the whole of government and society.
    [Show full text]
  • Anti-Corruption Agencies in Four Asian Countries: a Comparative Analysis*
    ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES IN FOUR ASIAN COUNTRIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Jon S.T. Quah ABSTRACT To be effective, anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) must satisfy these six preconditions: (1) they must be incorruptible; (2) they must be independent from the police and from political control; (3) there must be comprehensive anti-corruption legislation; (4) they must be adequately staffed and funded; (5) they must enforce the anti-corruption laws impartially; and (6) their governments must be committed to curbing corruption in their countries. This article assesses the effectiveness of the ACAs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea in terms of these preconditions. It concludes that the ACAs in Hong Kong and Singapore are more effective than their counterparts in South Korea and Thailand because of the political will of their governments, which is reflected in the provision of adequate staff and budget to Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption and Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, and the impartial enforcement of the comprehensive anti-corruption laws in both city-states. INTRODUCTION Corruption is a serious problem in many Asian countries, judging from their ranking and scores on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). To combat corruption these countries have relied on three patterns of corruption control. The first pattern relies on the enactment of anti-corruption laws without a specific agency to enforce these laws. For example in Mongolia, the Law on Anti-Corruption that was introduced in April 1996 is jointly implemented by the police, the General Prosecutor’s Office, and the Courts (Quah, 2003a, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Corruption and Good Governance in Asia
    046.qxd 9/25/2006 12:01 PM Page 1 Batch number: 1 CHECKLIST (must be completed before press) (Please cross through any items that are not applicable) Front board: Spine: Back board: ❑ Title ❑ Title ❑ ISBN ❑ Subtitle ❑ Subtitle ❑ Barcode ❑ Author/edited by ❑ Author/edited by Edited by IN ASIA AND GOOD GOVERNANCE CORRUPTION ❑ Series title ❑ Extra logo if required ❑ Extra logo if required Corruption and Good General: ❑ Book size Governance in Asia ❑ Type fit on spine Nicholas Tarling Nicholas CIRCULATED Date: SEEN BY DESK EDITOR: REVISE NEEDED Initial: Date: APPROVED FOR PRESS BY DESK EDITOR Initial: Date: Edited by Nicholas Tarling ,!7IA4BISBN 978-0-415-36904-6 Routledge studies in the modern history of Asia www.routledge.com ï an informa business PC4 Royal Demy B-format Spine back edge Corruption and Good Governance in Asia In recent years much has been said about governance and corruption in Asia, both before and after the 1997 crisis. This edited volume analyses the causes of corruption in East and Southeast Asia and considers the means of limiting and, wherever possible, eliminating the problem through better governance. Taking a country-by-country approach, the book explores the diversity in the quality of governance and patterns of corruption among countries and regions. Insightful analysis of these differences and similarities is used to argue that political will, appropriate structures and legislation, and political transparency are required if corruption is to be stopped. All these are needed along with a strategy relevant to the circumstances of the particular country concerned. This volume outlines the key principles of good governance and the policies and practices essential for their application.
    [Show full text]
  • A Coup Ordained? Thailand's Prospects for Stability
    A Coup Ordained? Thailand’s Prospects for Stability Asia Report N°263 | 3 December 2014 International Crisis Group Headquarters Avenue Louise 149 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 2 502 90 38 Fax: +32 2 502 50 38 [email protected] Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... i I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 II. Thailand in Turmoil ......................................................................................................... 2 A. Power and Legitimacy ................................................................................................ 2 B. Contours of Conflict ................................................................................................... 4 C. Troubled State ............................................................................................................ 6 III. Path to the Coup ............................................................................................................... 9 A. Revival of Anti-Thaksin Coalition ............................................................................. 9 B. Engineering a Political Vacuum ................................................................................ 12 IV. Military in Control ............................................................................................................ 16 A. Seizing Power
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand's Collective Action Coalition
    LAD CASE STUDY Thailand’s Collective Action f Coalition Against Corruption David Cutler LAD ABOUT LAD The Leadership Academy for Development (LAD) trains government officials and business leaders from developing countries to help the private sector be a constructive force for economic growth and development. It teaches carefully selected participants how to be effective reform leaders, promoting sound public policies in complex and contentious settings. LAD is a project of the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, part of Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and is conducted in partnership with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Thailand’s Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption Political violence flared once again in Thailand in 2010 as the army splintered and protests shut down the capital for weeks on end. Corruption, long a part of daily life for Thai citizens and businesses, flourished amid such instability. The World Bank warned that rampant bribery and regulatory disarray were impeding growth and scaring off foreign investment. The government was more concerned with its own day-to-day survival, but some business leaders had had enough. Twenty-seven of Thailand’s largest companies announced the formation of a new anti-corruption coalition in November 2010, with support and organizational backing from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, international partners like the Center for International Private Enterprise, and a pioneering corporate governance NGO—the Thai Institute of Directors (IOD). The initiative, called the Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption (CAC), was motivated by the idea that corruption is a supply-and-demand problem.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Exercise of Corruption and Governance Measurement Tools in Asia and Caucasus Countries
    Corruption and Governance Measurement Tools in Asia and Caucasus countries – February, 2005 Mapping exercise of Corruption and Governance Measurement Tools In Asia and Caucasus countries Policy and Research Department1 Transparency International Secretariat Table of contents: Part I: Background and methodology p.1 Part II: Mapping the tools (listed by type) p.2 A. Single Country Tools A.1 Opinion Surveys on Perceptions and Experiences of Corruption p.2 A.2 Public Sector Diagnostics p.19 A.3 Sectoral Surveys p.23 A.4 Press Monitoring p.26 B. Multi Country Tools p.28 B.1 Opinion Surveys p.28 B.2 Public Sector Diagnostic p.31 B.3 Private Sector Environment Surveys p.32 B.4 Democracy and Governance Cross Country Indicators p.36 Summary p.40 Appendix (attached): Matrix of the tools (listed per country) Part I: Background and methodology The purpose of the study Following on from the report on Local Corruption Diagnostics and Measurement Tools in Africa, carried out by Transparency International for the U4 in February 2004, DFID has requested that TI identify and present the international, national and local tools that measure corruption and related phenomenon in Asia and the Caucasus. DFID has expressed interest in the following key focus countries for this exercise: Armenia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moldova, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand and Vietnam. For Pakistan and India, special attention will be given to the tools assessing the provinces of Punjab, Orissa and West Bengal. Methodology of the study (including coverage and contents)2 The mapping covers a range of tools in 16 countries from the Asia and Caucasus region.
    [Show full text]
  • ANTI-CORRUPTION NEWSLETTER SOUTHEAST-ASIA Issue 03/2018
    ANTI-CORRUPTION NEWSLETTER SOUTHEAST-ASIA Issue 03/2018 Anti-Corruption Newsletter Southeast-Asia 3rd Quarter 2018 @Ore Huying UNODC ANTI-CORRUPTION PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES July-August-September 2018 Focus on corporate liability in ASEAN: holding businesses responsible for corruption offences The business sector in Southeast-Asia has been continuously plagued with human rights abuses and environmental disasters. Corruption at multiple levels enable these violations to continue. UNODC supports ASEAN jurisdictions in implementing regulations against bribery involving the private sector, Read more Addressing corruption risks in public procurement in agriculture in Vietnam The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development spends annually the equivalent of US$800,000,000 for procurement of goods and services, and corruption risks in the sector have been identified as a priority to be addressed. Following similar workshops in Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia, UNODC supports Vietnam to address corruptionrisks in public procurement, Read more @Atimes Protecting witnesses and whistle-blowers in Timor-Leste In the region, most of the countries received recommendations through the first UNCAC review cycle to consider strengthening the protection of reporting persons. Following a regional workshop and a national roundtable in Cambodia which contributed to the drafting of the law, UNODC supports Timor-Leste to develop national protection systems for reporting persons , Read more Financial investigations and cross-border cooperation in complex corruption
    [Show full text]
  • CORRUPTION Fighting Corruption in the Public Sector.Pdf
    FIGHTING CORRUPTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 284 Honorary Editors: D. W. JORGENSON J. TINBERGENy Editors: B. BALTAGI E. SADKA D. WILDASIN Amsterdam Boston Heidelberg London New York Oxford Paris San Diego San Francisco Singapore Sydney Tokyo FIGHTING CORRUPTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR Jorge Martinez-Vazquez Javier Arze del Granado Jameson Boex International Studies Program, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA Amsterdam Boston Heidelberg London New York Oxford Paris San Diego San Francisco Singapore Sydney Tokyo Elsevier Radarweg 29, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP, UK First edition 2007 Copyright r 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier’s Science & Technology Rights Depart- ment in Oxford, UK: phone (+44) (0) 1865 843830; fax (+44) (0) 1865 853333; Email: [email protected]. Alternatively you can submit your request online by visiting the Elsevier web site at http://elsevier.com/locate/permissions, and selecting Obtaining permission to use Elsevier material Notice No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence
    [Show full text]
  • Comparing the Economic Challenges to Democratic Consolidation In
    “Isn’t it pretty to think so?” —Ernest Hemingway Table of Contents Abstract iii Chapter I: Introduction 1 Chapter II: Research Design 13 Chapter III: Background 19 A. Regional Context 19 B. A Brief History of Democracy in the Philippines 21 C. A Brief History of Democracy in Thailand 25 Chapter IV: Case Study: Philippines 29 A. Elite Democracy and Corruption 29 B. Inequality Despite Growth 33 C. A Mild Crisis 35 D. The Effects of Closer Ties with a Rising China 36 Chapter V: Case Study: Thailand 40 A. Network Monarchy, The Parallel State, and Elite Competition 40 B. The Hypocrisy of Corruption 45 C. Inequality During Growth and Recovery 47 D. Crisis and Contagion 48 E. Alternate Foreign Policy Options between China and the U.S. 50 Chapter VI: Analysis 54 Chapter VII: Conclusion 58 Bibliography 61 ii Abstract In the late 1980s and early 1990s in the Philippines and Thailand, democratic elections replaced a dictatorship and a military junta respectively. These were moments of great political promise set against a similar context of increasing (or potential) economic growth. By 2018, Thailand has again undergone social unrest and military coups by a junta that is still in power, while the Philippines has elected a president that applauds extrajudicial killings, the harassment of journalists, and other human rights abuses. In endeavoring to answer the fundamental question of “why,” this thesis identifies the following five factors that have played a critical part in the failure of democracy—in a maximalist sense of the term—in both of these countries to consolidate: 1) political systems based on economic patronage, 2) ensuing widespread corruption that undermines state legitimacy and the democratic process, 3) unequal distribution of wealth despite rapid economic growth, 4) the vulnerability of these countries to external economic shocks, and 5) the regional dynamic of a rising China that has reduced reliance on the United States and its associated valued-based contingencies.
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand's Efforts in Prevention of Corruption
    THAILAND’S EFFORTS IN PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION Sutisa Skchot Public Prosecutor International Affairs Department Office of the Attorney General Thailand Corruption is an international problem which can be found in almost every country. It obstructs countries’ progress in many ways. Every country has focused on the problem and tried to solve and prevent it. We can see the problem-solving methods attempted both domestically and internationally, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption 2003 (UNCAC) and the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (OECD). All these attempts are to build up cooperation in elimination of corruption. However, the most important thing in elimination of corruption is “prevention”. According to the concept of “prevention”, Thailand has issued many measures to build strong barriers to corruption. An overview of the measures follows. I. LEGAL MEASURES The principal law dealing with prevention of corruption is the Organic Act on Counter Corruption, B.E. 2542 (1999), which was enacted in order to authorize the National Counter Corruption Commission (N.C.C. Commission) to inspect assets and liabilities of persons holding political positions and other state officials, and to investigate and prosecute persons holding political positions and state officials in the allegation of unusual wealth or malfeasance in office. This Act is one of the measures against corruption. Moreover, the Act also provides measures to counter corruption, such as inspection of assets and liabilities and imposition. A. Inspection Assets and Liabilities The Act provides that persons holding political positions and state officials shall submit the accounts showing particulars of their assets and liabilities and those of their spouses and children who have not yet become sui juris to the N.C.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand 2006
    National Integrity Systems Transparency International Country Study Report Thailand 2006 National Integrity Systems Country Study 2006 Authors Dr. Ora-orn Poocharoen Lecturer, Director of the Political Science PhD Program, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University Dr. Ake Tangsupvattana Associate Professor, Deputy Dean for Academic and International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University Research Assistant Arunee Santhitiwanich Researcher, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University The National Integrity Systems TI Country Study Report of Thailand is part of a 2006 series of National Integrity System Country Studies of East and Southeast Asia made possible with funding from: Sovereign Global Development The Starr Foundation The Council for the Korean Pact on Anti-Corruption and Transparency United Kingdom Department for International Development All material contained in this report was believed to be accurate as of 2006. Every effort has been made to verify the information contained herein, including allegations. Nevertheless, Transparency International does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the use of this information for other purposes or in other contexts. © 2006 Transparency International Transparency International Secretariat Alt Moabit 96 10559 Berlin Germany http://www.transparency.org Thailand 2 National Integrity Systems Country Study 2006 Acknowledgements This report would not have been possible without the assistance of many people. The authors would especially like to thank Dr. Juree Vichit-Vadakan (TI-Thailand), Dr. Kanokkan Anukansai (TI- Thailand), Rosana Tositrakul (NGO), Dr. Ammar Siamwalla (TDRI), Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich (TDRI), Dr. Jirawan Bhakdiputra, Prasong Lertrattanawisut (media), Somluk Hutanulak, Benjamas Siripak, Noppadol Themmatha (police), Chairat Khanittabutr (NCCC) and Gecha Chechay (Ombudman Office). We would also like to thank Associate Professor Dr.
    [Show full text]