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Thailand White Paper
THE BANGKOK MASSACRES: A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY ―A White Paper by Amsterdam & Peroff LLP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY For four years, the people of Thailand have been the victims of a systematic and unrelenting assault on their most fundamental right — the right to self-determination through genuine elections based on the will of the people. The assault against democracy was launched with the planning and execution of a military coup d’état in 2006. In collaboration with members of the Privy Council, Thai military generals overthrew the popularly elected, democratic government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose Thai Rak Thai party had won three consecutive national elections in 2001, 2005 and 2006. The 2006 military coup marked the beginning of an attempt to restore the hegemony of Thailand’s old moneyed elites, military generals, high-ranking civil servants, and royal advisors (the “Establishment”) through the annihilation of an electoral force that had come to present a major, historical challenge to their power. The regime put in place by the coup hijacked the institutions of government, dissolved Thai Rak Thai and banned its leaders from political participation for five years. When the successor to Thai Rak Thai managed to win the next national election in late 2007, an ad hoc court consisting of judges hand-picked by the coup-makers dissolved that party as well, allowing Abhisit Vejjajiva’s rise to the Prime Minister’s office. Abhisit’s administration, however, has since been forced to impose an array of repressive measures to maintain its illegitimate grip and quash the democratic movement that sprung up as a reaction to the 2006 military coup as well as the 2008 “judicial coups.” Among other things, the government blocked some 50,000 web sites, shut down the opposition’s satellite television station, and incarcerated a record number of people under Thailand’s infamous lèse-majesté legislation and the equally draconian Computer Crimes Act. -
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 .............................................................................................................................................. -
Bomb Planted at ASTV
Volume 17 Issue 20 News Desk - Tel: 076-273555 May 15 - 21, 2010 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht The Gazette is published in association with Bomb planted at ASTV Leaders react to grenade at ‘yellow-shirt’ TV station PAPER bag contain- told the Gazette that the grenade INSIDE ing a live hand grenade was not the work of the red shirts. was found hanging “There is conflict within the Afrom the front door of PAD itself. For example, some the ASTV ‘yellow-shirt’ television PAD leaders have turned into network office in Phuket Town ‘multi-colors’. That’s a point to on May 11. consider, too,” he said. Bomb disposal police safely Phuket Provincial Police removed the device, an M67 Commander Pekad Tantipong said fragmentation grenade with its pin the act was probably the work of still in place, shortly after it was an individual or small group. discovered at 9am. It had been “I don’t believe this was wrapped in electrical tape and ordered by the red shirt leaders placed in a box inside a brown in Bangkok…I’m confident in Bank on Bird paper shopping bag that read saying this will not affect tour- As Ironman Les Bird’s Alpine “Save the World”. ism at all,” he said. climb nears, find out how he’s When detonated, an M67 Sarayuth Mallam, vice been preparing. has an average ‘casualty radius’ president of the Phuket Tourist Page 10 of 15 meters and a ‘fatality ra- Association, was less confident. dius’ of five meters; fragments CALM AND COLLECTED: A bomb disposal expert shows the M67 grenade. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
Nigeria's Mineral Resources for Wealth, Industry, Infrastructure and Life
NIGERIA’S MINERAL RESOURCES FOR WEALTH, INDUSTRY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LIFE PUBLIC LECTURE DELIVERED Siyan Malomo FAS A NAS public lecture delivered January 2011 PREAMBLE I would like to begin by thanking the Chairman of the occasion, a former academic renowned geologists in its own right who has found time, within thereally buy period, and we all know that it is very busy, to accept to Chair thisevent. The Special Guest of Honour, Arc Musa Sada is equally, if not more, a very busy man and has shown his commitment to the development of science (including the environmental science) by travelling from Abuja, to honour this invitation. I would also like to pay tribute and remember those great scientists and illustrious men of honour, the fellows of the Academy who passed away in the last twelve months i.e. since the last general meeting of the Academy. These are Prof Oyenuga, Prof Adesola, Dr Amenechi, Prof Oladapo and of course the Grand Patron of the Academy: Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In preparing for this lecture, I was mindful of the charge that the audience will be both sci- entists and non-scientists. The challenge has therefore been to steer a middle course between high falluting equations or ideas in engineering geology or geotechnical engineering my special area of interest, which might interest the fellows. The alternative is something very bland for the wider public. Both have inherent risk of sending people to sleep. The one can bore the fellows to a deserved sleep after the retreat in Cotonou for Council member (and some fellows) and lunch, the other to a less deserved sleep but that which will come from a boring afternoon lecture. -
Luis Reyes SEESHOP6 Yearbook
Expertise side-lined: science, fraud and bogus molecular detectors in the Mexican ‘War on Drugs’ § Luis Reyes-Galindo** Abstract The paper presents a summarised chronology of the controversy surrounding the use of fraudulent handheld molecular detectors in Mexico, as well as the responses to the controversy from three critical sectors: the Mexican media, the different government branches and national scientific institutions. The paper also includes interview material with the most prominent critics and of the molecular detectors in Mexico and compares the voices of ‘scientific activists’ with the institutional responses. Finally, an analysis of all these different responses to the controversy is made, along with a short discussion of the relevance for expertise studies, as well as a critique of the application of existing expertise frameworks in developing country contexts such as Mexico’s. A brief history of molecular detectors Since the early 1990s, several devices marketed as handheld molecular detectors or using similar monikers began to be marketed in the police, security, rescue and military equipment market around the world. In 1993, after warnings from several law enforcement agents who had documented the widespread use of these seemingly miraculous apparatuses which were in fact nothing more than dowsing rods marketed under a veil of pseudoscientific jargon, the US government indicted the manufacturers of the earliest MD models – known as the Quadro Tracker – and subsequently banned their sale in the USA. Three years later the -
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.