Column – When monks love money more than karma
In Thailand, the monk's robe increasingly seems to be a cover for luxury and fraud. Ferraris, villas and casino deals dominate the news stories about what were once spiritual guides. Buddhism is sold to the highest bidder, while true enlightenment makes way for a golden credit card. A tragicomic reality that raises more questions than prayers.
Reform monasticism or else new scandals will keep coming
Thai monk V Vajiramedhi, once praised for his modern Buddhist approach, has come under fire for his support of controversial company iCon Group. What began as an attempt to make spirituality more accessible has led to a public scandal, with him accused of greed and distancing himself from Buddha's teachings.
The robbery
My wife and I were walking in the parking lot of the local MAKRO on our way to our car when something was announced. My wife then asked if I still had my wallet. I felt for a moment but luckily it was still there. I asked: “Are there pickpockets active here?”. However, I received the answer: "No, only a wallet was found".
After spending six months in a hospital for corruption-related convictions, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole early on Sunday. This moment marks an important turn in Thai politics, with Thaksin, a figure who continues to divide emotions, being free again. With his release, supported by his daughters, he returns to his home in Bangkok, a move that may reshape Thailand's political dynamics.
Six years ago I wrote a story about Srisuwan Janya on this blog (see the link: https://www.thailandblog.nl/Background/thailands-meest-kende-lastpak/). He has been fighting corruption by filing charges for a long time. It concerned political issues, official problems and business abuses. Now he has been accused of extortion himself.
The Thai police unmasked
A murder a few days ago in Sa Kaeo province has caused quite a stir due to the scandalous approach of the police. This is not an isolated event. The best way I can tell the story is by translating an editorial from the Bangkok Post, see source below. Unfortunately, as the editorial also states, this is not an isolated event.
Living like a Buddha in Thailand, part 3
Ride like a mad bull
September 2021. Max Verstappen wins at Zandvoort. In 2023 we know no better than that Max usually wins, but even then it wasn't really exciting, because after spinning 72 noisy laps the top 5 entered in exactly the same order as they left. What follows is a sobering story about driving in Thailand. But first a little about Red Bull.
Vote buying can be a decisive factor in Thai elections at every level – be it a village chief, a local administrator or a member of parliament. And the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 14 are no exception, according to analysts and even politicians themselves.
“From successful businessman to controversial politician: The story of Thaksin Shinawatra”
Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand and founder of the Thai Rak Thai Party in 1998, is a controversial figure. He acquired his wealth through successful entrepreneurship and strategic investments, particularly in telecommunications. After Thaksin became prime minister, he introduced various populist measures, such as cheap health care and microcredit. Despite his popularity, he was criticized for his authoritarian style of governance, curtailment of press freedom and human rights violations. Thaksin was deposed in a military coup in 2006 and convicted of corruption, after which he went into exile. His daughter Paetongtarn is now active in politics and campaigning in rural areas of Thailand. Thaksin's enduring influence illustrates how one figure can have a major impact on a country's politics and society.
Today another statement of the week and this time about corruption. In this statement, we argue that it is not individuals who perpetuate corruption, but that the problem lies in the culture and structure of Thai society.
New rules for Thai Sinterklaas
What a wonderfully chosen time! What a good time this bold government has chosen to revive Section 63 of the Constitution. From now on, every Thai Sinterklaas knows how to behave when giving gifts to officials.
A police officer in Bangkok has been sentenced to 50 years in prison by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases for tackling bribery. He turned a blind eye in exchange for a bribe from a massage parlor. Victims of human trafficking and minors worked in the brothel.
Former Police Major General Paween Pongsirin* is happy and relieved to have been able to tell his story through MP Rangsiman Rome of the Move Forward Party. The former agent investigated the human smuggling of Rohinya migrants and mass graves in which the bodies of dozens of Rohinya were found. Because of his research, he received death threats from senior military officers, police officers and civil servants, had to end the investigation early and fled to Australia at the end of 2015, where he asked for asylum.
The cookie of your own medicine. Connections don't last forever and someone with more money can pay more bribes. A story from 1974.
Joe Ferrari
Thailand was in shock after the video was published showing the Nakhon Sawan police chief visibly choking a detainee. As usual, the police organized a show to calm things down a bit.
Murder case of police chief Nakhon Sawan
The case of a suspect killed by police in Nakhon Sawan sheds light on rampant police brutality in Thailand but police reform is unlikely, Human Rights Watch says.
Where can I complain about fraud by my forwarder in Bangkok? As I wrote last time, 2800 kg of stainless steel had disappeared from the 8000 kg. I suspect in response to the accountant and a number of acquaintances who called and a person went to customs in Bangkok on my behalf.
I just started a business here. And I bought 8.000 kg of stainless steel for this in China because it is more than 3 times as expensive here in Thailand. Even if I have paid all shipping costs. But now comes the trouble everyone scams me in Bangkok.
In 2016, my Thai wife and I bought a piece of land in Hua Hin with the intention of building a villa on it. We had already approached an architect who then prepared all the plans.
Reader's question: Unmarried couple want to buy a house (lease construction), but land office is holding back
I am in the process of buying a house in western Thailand. Since the situation is still current, I will not mention the province by name. We are unmarried, my girlfriend buys the land with my money, which she then leases to me for 30 years and I buy the house. This situation is perfectly legal, also confirmed by 2 local lawyers.
Traffic controls abolished, now what?
Everyone in Thailand knows them. The permanent roadblocks where the police, motorbikes and other vehicles stop and hope to catch them in some kind of violation. And then (illegally) remit the offense against payment.