Is corruption still news?
Bangkok Post opens today with a major news story about corruption in the procurement of solar panels for street lamps.
While reading, the question came to me whether cases of (alleged) corruption are actually still news. Because news is somewhat different from the normal and corruption seems so 'normal' in this country that the newspaper should actually open with a project in which everything was fair.
Okay, so it involves the purchase of solar panels, LED lamps, poles, cables, batteries and a concrete base, which must be buried. The budget of 548 million baht went to local authorities in thirteen provinces. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has determined that the costs vary enormously per municipality: from 42.000 baht to 174.000 baht per set. And that's suspicious.
The project was an initiative of the Yingluck government with the aim of increasing safety in places without lighting where there is no electricity grid. A nice project, albeit that maintenance can become problematic.
This was shown in an earlier project, initiated by big brother Thaksin in 2003. The government planned to install solar energy systems in 203.000 households in remote areas. Cost: 25.000 baht per home. By the end of 2006, this had happened in 180.000 homes. The project then stalled after a study by the Court of Auditors found that 10 percent of the systems were faulty and no longer in service.
The PACC [not to be confused with the National Anti-Corruption Commission] found irregularities in the procurement of the streetlight project last month. The investigation is still in progress. I wonder if the perpetrators are in the graveyard or if Barbers should be hung or if those responsible will be dealt with. Maybe we'll hear it again.
(Source: Bangkok Post, October 27, 2014)
Morning Dick,
Yes, totally agree with you.
Good heavens, a difference of 133.000 per pole, then Jan with the short surname also understands that someone is working with a counting machine that is not working properly.
I cling to one of the most famous quotes in the world by M. Luther King:
“”I HAVE A DREAM… “””
LOUISE
You start to wonder whether something can still be achieved in this beautiful country without corruption and fraud. It is a pity that this beautiful country is linked to corruption and fraud. Very sorry.
And that despite a number of announced changes, little or nothing comes of it in practice.
And if something has improved, it is often short-lived and everything is quickly back to square one.
It may no longer be news, but corruption MUST continue to be exposed. And that is also an important task of newspapers. If it would no longer be mentioned, then the fence is completely off the dam.
The fact is that it has been proven anyway.
Now put your finger on the sore pulse.
And then it all comes together. ;-))
Much more interesting than locking up the guilty is the question of whether all that overpaid money will ever be paid.
If it is recovered with a 100% fine, the corruption will soon diminish.
It is a pity that these purchases in Thailand are linked to the word corruption. I previously installed Christmas lights for major cities for several years. It goes through so-called public tenders, but the various city councils know all too well in advance who will win the contract.
As an example I give the city of Dendermonde in Belgium. Awarded for 3 years for the same assignment. Never got them in. First year for 17.000 €… I was still too “green”. Second year 27.000 €… Then I was the cheapest, which gave some doubt. Third year I gave price for 37.000 € but again the cheapest. The company always managed to put itself 5000 € more expensive than my official offer. Yet year after year she won the same assignment to hang the same 150 luminaires in the streets. And there are so many cities where there is a stinking smell to the tenders.
When I read this here in Thailand… I find it more “ordinary” and no longer especially “corrupt”.
Ronny
Corruption is so deeply ingrained, as Ronny says. That's just invisible corruption. We only see that police officer, but what about when they want to build something. A few baths under the desk and people close their eyes. And the police chief collects a lot of money if something is organized. Do people really think that we are going to see the invisible. That everyone is suddenly going to be honest, really not. And do you know the famous proverb. Sprinkle sand in the eyes.
And then to think.
Opposite my house is a simple street lamp.
An ordinary long fluorescent lamp mounted on a concrete pole of the PEA.
It has not worked for more than 4 months now.
My spouse and I have been to the Tambon several times for this.
Oh yes , a mechanic has been there three times with 2 extra employees in a khaki uniform .
Of course with a small truck with a crane and workbench.
Lamp renewed twice , and after some wind it was again in a thousand pieces on the street .
Repaired two weeks ago.
Yes, but now with tape around it.
In the evening it was again as before a lamp but no light.
Janneman is now gradually fed up with it , buys a lamp himself the day after tomorrow and mounts it on the pole himself .
Will it burn , what do you think ???
Jan Beute.