Thailand became even more corrupt in 2016
Despite the military government's alleged struggle against this evil, Thailand has become even more corrupt than it already was. On Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the country dropped no fewer than 25 places, from 76th to 101st place (out of a total of 176 countries).
Denmark and New Zealand are the least corrupt countries in the world. The Netherlands is in eighth place and Belgium in 15th place. The most corrupt country in the world is Somalia. Of the Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia is considered the most corrupt.
According to the list's initiators, corruption in Thailand has risen due to government repression, a lack of independent oversight, entrenched military governance, deteriorating rights and a banned opposition.
According to Prime Minister Prayut, it is all less bad than it seems and mainly points to the previous governments. He calls for no judgment on the effectiveness of the current regime in fighting corruption.
The news comes at an unfortunate time, according to the Bangkok Post, as several major corruption scandals have recently been exposed, such as the purchase of Rolls-Royce aircraft engines by Thai Airways International and the purchase of cables and pipelines by three state-owned companies.
Prayut also comes with the story of astrologers who have predicted that 2017 will be the year of truth. Astrologers have also predicted that bad people will be punished this year. Prayut therefore calls on the population to stay far away from corrupt and to be a good person.
Source: Bangkok Post
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Mmm?
Deteriorated rights and banned opposition?
What do they have to do with corruption?
I thought corruption; was a (Thai) police officer, who “received” a smaller amount than the actual fine.
And everyone was satisfied with this (except for the anti-corruption bureau)
Greetings Nico
That last paragraph about the story of the astrologers will probably be leading, because as we know most Thai are (very) superstitious. For Prayut perhaps the means to have his own way and an appeal to the population and the opposition not to make any attempt to obstruct him.
If many employment opportunities such as beach chair rental, and restaurants and holding a market stall are banned, without providing an alternative income opportunity, this does not seem to me to be very conducive to combating corruption. You can't live long there either on air and love alone.
This response from the MP is yet another proof of his incompetence.
A more than scandalous reaction with arguments that make no sense.
He recently admitted that he was unable to reduce the number of road fatalities.
That should be done by the next government.
Power corrupts.
Those in power who do not act adequately against corruption are corrupt themselves.
Without corruption, many Thai people would have a better life.
absolutely right Peter. what always strikes me is that everything but almost everything in Thailand is justified and this is a point that you have to deal with as a tourist / farang. If Thailand continues like this, tourists could go to Cambodia / Vietnam / Indonesia and they will be completely affected economically.
Corruption is “ingrained” in the Thai mentality…and yes, it is unfortunately getting worse. Things are not going well in Thailand, despite the supposed increase in tourism (it has never been so deserted) and the growth in the economy stagnating like never before. And the worse it goes, the more corrupt they become… In big things but also in small things…On the market today the price for a bunch of bananas doubled, because it is Chinese New Year, the bananas have not changed yet….and so it goes it 3 x/year because Thais celebrate every possible New Year…Our daughter, who graduated as a teacher, could “earn” a monthly salary of 7.500.-Thb…the rest goes into the pockets of the school director. I could go on for hours…They fumble themselves and tumble back 1000 years…like feudal China back then…