Opinion: 'Thailand's bizarre shadow power, the 'influential figures'
The new government led by Srettha Thavisin has battled influential figures and mafia groups, especially after the recent assassination of Pol. Major Sivakorn Saibua. The suspected perpetrator is said to have been employed by a local sub-district head (Kamnan) from Nakhon Pathom province, who is known as an influential figure.
The concept of 'influential figure' means that someone has more power and influence than would be expected based on their formal position. Many Kamnans, although formally lower in rank than the district heads (Nai Amphur), in practice have more power. This is because Kamnans are directly elected by locals, while district heads are appointed by the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok and are often outsiders.
Take for example the late Kaman Poh from Chon Buri province, seen by many as a mafia boss. He was so influential that some of his children became mayors of Pattaya and eventually held ministerial positions. Such as the former Minister of Culture, Ittiphol Kunpluem, who served under General Prayut Chan-o-cha and is now wanted for unlawful activities as mayor of Pattaya. Ironically, Ittiphol's name means 'influential' in Thai. There is speculation that he fled to Cambodia just before a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Looking beyond local influential figures, we can even say that the military, which operates as a state within the state, can also be considered an influential organization. For years, the position of army chief has had more power than the positions of commander-in-chief and minister of defense. Yet it is a misconception to think that this is the only group of influential figures in Thailand. The more influential some of these figures are, the less likely people are to publicly label them as 'mafia' or 'influential' because of their intimidating influence. They are often referred to by nicknames, such as 'Big' or 'Sia'.
The reasons for the presence of such figures in Thai society are diverse. Low civil servant salaries lead to corruption, allowing these influential figures to thrive. Many Thai police officers are known to be corrupt, with some forced to participate in corrupt practices. The recent murder of Pol. Major Sivakorn demonstrates this; six police officers were arrested on suspicion of complicity and destruction of evidence.
Thailand's deep-rooted patronage system, especially in rural areas, promotes the growth of influential figures. They are so woven into Thai society that they can be considered the informal sector, alongside the formal economy. It is as if the formal sector cannot eradicate them; they are too numerous, too powerful and too entrenched in Thai culture.
Source: Khaosod English – Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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Hundreds of books have been written on this subject.
And this article is not a good summary of it because the problem is very complicated and cannot be summarized as 1=2=3. In addition, the processes are not the same in every area of Thailand. And kamnans are not the same everywhere. There is not a single rich Thai living in my village in Udonthani and so the kamnan is also a very ordinary man (without a company) and even happy with his - in my opinion - meager salary of 15.000 Baht.
Army is a state within a state, there is something in it.
We have large areas of land in the area that belong to the army.
There are large signs indicating this.
These pieces of land are full of crops and are maintained by Cambodians.
No idea where the proceeds from those crops go.
Regards,
jos k.