Bruce551 Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Corrupt police are 'major problem' Posted by Sanitsuda Ekachai , Reader : 3935 , 07:53:29, Bangkok Post When overwhelmed by a barrage of entangled problems, we often let ourselves sink into hopelessness simply because we just don't know where to start. Thailand's money politics, for example. Where to start to undo it? Heavy punishment for vote-buying? But the canvasser system is not working only on the basis of money. It is also capitalising on the longstanding patron-client relationship which thrives on inequity and the people's lack of access to resources to protect themselves. How to empower the people, then? Many believe the Constitution will do the trick. But the community rights clauses in the 1997 charter ended up impotent due to fierce resistance from the bureaucracy and big business. When the locals took to the streets in Bangkok to demand community rights, they were lambasted as anti-development. When they use the laws to protect their communities - as the Map Ta Phut villagers are now doing - they are accused of destroying jobs and foreign investors' confidence. How to change the pro-industry bias when the education system glorifies wealth and embraces the cultural values that perpetuate social hierarchies and authoritarianism while looking down on the poor? What about the southern strife? Many believe political decentralisation which respects the southern Muslims' way of life is the answer. But the violence stems from both ultra-Thai and Malay nationalism. Whoever the winners are, the locals will not get any better if their elite remain authoritarian at heart while believing that bleeding nature for money is the key for development. As for the Yellow-Red clashes, any solutions are deemed to fail in the face of political immaturity and lack of tolerance which is fanned by political ideologies, malice and power-clinging from all sides. Indeed, where to start when we are drowning in so many problems that are intertwined into one big, entangled mess. Thanks to my neighbour's driver Sawat, I don't have to bury myself in pessimism very long. "Corrupt police are the people's biggest problem," he said, sighing, when he dropped by our house the other day with his worries. His nephew, he said, had been shot dead by a teenage gang in his home village in Si Sa Ket province. Believing it to be a straight-forward criminal case, the parents of the deceased were confident that the killer would be sent to jail and justice would be done. But then the criminal got bail easily, and word has spread that the family has offered a huge sum to the police to change witness testimony and to close the case. "We need justice not out of vengeance," he said. "Justice is necessary to prevent the cycle of revenge. If my nephew's angry friends see that the killer can escape punishment, they will take things into their own hands. Senseless killings on both sides will continue. Our community cannot go on this way." Nor can our country. While Sawat blames the culture of impunity which breeds violence on police corruption and negligence in his home village, isn't the same thing happening in the restive South? Isn't the spiralling violence there caused by the locals' angry bitterness against the failure of justice that begins with police corruption? "Now people in rural communities carry arms when they go places," added Sawat. "They have to fend for themselves because they cannot rely on the police or the law anymore." Isn't it this lack of rule of law that forces people to seek help from the patrons with political connections? Isn't it why the canvasser system and vote-buying are alive and well? Indeed, we cannot hope to undo the various forms of injustice in our society when the justice system itself fails the people, when the police are criminally corrupt. When the prime minister cannot even appoint the police chief, it is naive to believe that police reform will be easy. But at least we know where to start to trigger a fundamental change to propel other justice to materialise. And when there is a goal ahead, there is no room for hopelessness. IMHO if Abhisit would take on reform of police, I believe many Thais would support him in this effort. It would be beginning of the road leading to real democracy and justice for the people of Thailand. :arrow: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 I really don't think the Thai police are anything more than the "tip of the iceberg" as far as hindrances to a "democratic society" here in Thailand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIEBE Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! The main fabric of the society/government here. Be careful though... You could be branded a traitor sounding communist like that. hehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIEBE Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Be careful though... You could be branded a traitor sounding communist like that. hehe at least i didnt say the withering away of gov as Marx .. and if the main is society/gov then who make it better should be gov or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandorea Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! Not whoever/whatever, sweetheart. My grandfathers worked for the Thai government and they never cheated. I stand for thier goodness. My grandfather lost his two fingers when he was fighting with Kabod Peboon, in 1950 something and he hadn't got a stang from the government or anyone for his 2 fingers. They served the country with their hearts and honesty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIEBE Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! Not whoever/whatever, sweetheart. My grandfathers worked for the Thai government and they never cheated. I stand for thier goodness. My grandfather lost his two fingers when he was fighting with Kabod Peboon, in 1950 something and he hadn't got a stang from the government or anyone for his 2 fingers. They served the country with their hearts and honesty. i would accept that too (if it's true) *respect* but what i can see daily.. from the lowest to the highest just happen everywhere like a tradition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandorea Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! Not whoever/whatever, sweetheart. My grandfathers worked for the Thai government and they never cheated. I stand for thier goodness. My grandfather lost his two fingers when he was fighting with Kabod Peboon, in 1950 something and he hadn't got a stang from the government or anyone for his 2 fingers. They served the country with their hearts and honesty. i would accept that too (if it's true) *respect* but what i can see daily.. from the lowest to the highest just happen everywhere like a tradition. I understand how you feel. Yes, loads corruption government officers in Thailand but it wasn't fair to say that "whoever" thing, you see. There are always some good amount bad people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 as long as the withering away of capital has no signs to be gone (soon) not only police, but whoever/whatever calls or work for gov also will cheat! Not whoever/whatever, sweetheart. My grandfathers worked for the Thai government and they never cheated. I stand for thier goodness. My grandfather lost his two fingers when he was fighting with Kabod Peboon, in 1950 something and he hadn't got a stang from the government or anyone for his 2 fingers. They served the country with their hearts and honesty. Good for them ! I think corruption is something that grows from complacency. Thomas Jefferson said you need a revolution every 200 years or was it 20, more like every election time. Democracy is a great storybook fantasy unless people get involved and enforce it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faycyber Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 my grandfather and my father were policemen , they never cheat .... But I understand gov. officers' life.it is very easy for them to corrupt if they want.... and yes SOME of them want ....NOT ALL. I work for gov. too and I agree that corruption is everywhere.not only "money" ,I think "time" corruption is also important ..someone 'work for gov' but they never been at work... they go to take care of their own biz. some of them dont want to corrupt but their boss do or their friends do.. if they dont do they will lose their job or die.... speak for my grand,my dad,my uncles , not all police bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandorea Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 my grandfather and my father were policemen , they never cheat ....But I understand gov. officers' life.it is very easy for them to corrupt if they want.... and yes SOME of them want ....NOT ALL. I work for gov. too and I agree that corruption is everywhere.not only "money" ,I think "time" corruption is also important ..someone 'work for gov' but they never been at work... they go to take care of their own biz. some of them dont want to corrupt but their boss do or their friends do.. if they dont do they will lose their job or die.... speak for my grand,my dad,my uncles , not all police bad And it isn't easy to tell people, right? As they will go like, yeah, because they are related to you and bla bla bla and so on... If my grandfather chated he could had helped me to get into Thammasart University. He could just pick up a phone and call someone then I can get into TU but no, he didn't. and he was pissed when I asked him. (sorry Bruce, off topic) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_Bob Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 my grandfather and my father were policemen , they never cheat ....But I understand gov. officers' life.it is very easy for them to corrupt if they want.... and yes SOME of them want ....NOT ALL. I work for gov. too and I agree that corruption is everywhere.not only "money" ,I think "time" corruption is also important ..someone 'work for gov' but they never been at work... they go to take care of their own biz. some of them dont want to corrupt but their boss do or their friends do.. if they dont do they will lose their job or die.... speak for my grand,my dad,my uncles , not all police bad I don't want to besmirch your view of your family... but how do you know they weren't corrupt? I'm quite sure they wouldn't come home and say, "Guess how much money I embezzled from this guy today." Kids never know what their parents do at work. Thai policemen are very poorly paid and being corrupt is easy and tempting. If your family wanted the best for you and their other children, wouldn't they have supplemented their incomes? I only say this because in 7 years in Thailand, in 5 different provinces, I have not met ONE single honest cop. Every single policeman I met wanted something - money, free food, drinks. Not one person wanted to do his job properly unless there was something 'extra' in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce551 Posted October 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crustyjuggler Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Yep, thai women really know their Thai men! Like all those cops i just see going into the Resort(coyote in Ratchada).. I'm sure their trusting wives and families think their doing an honest night shift catching crooks. Why should they care....? With that amazing salary coming in to maintain a larger than average home with enough change to put the kids in Chula i'm sure the blindest of eyes are turned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_Bob Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Two Thai police jokes told to me by Thai people... 1) A trainee passes all the exams to become a policeman. He meets his future boss who explains where to get his uniform and what time to start work. "Any questions?" the boss asks. "Only one," the trainee answers, "How much do I get paid?" "Don't be silly - we give you a gun - you can take what you want!" 2) An old guy is praying in the temple, "Please Lord Buddha, I want to go see my daughter one last time before I die. I need 500 baht for the bus ticket back to Si Saket." Outside, a policeman is listening and feels pity for the guy. He looks in his pocket and finds 300 baht. When the old guy leaves the temple, the policeman hands him the 300 baht and says, "This is for you... go and see your daughter in Si Saket." The old guy thanks him and walks back into the temple and begins to thank Buddha... "Oh Lord Buddha, thank you for sending me the money to see my daughter. But next time, can you please give the money straight to me? That thieving cop bastard stole 200 baht!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 my grandfather and my father were policemen , they never cheat ....But I understand gov. officers' life.it is very easy for them to corrupt if they want.... and yes SOME of them want ....NOT ALL. I work for gov. too and I agree that corruption is everywhere.not only "money" ,I think "time" corruption is also important ..someone 'work for gov' but they never been at work... they go to take care of their own biz. some of them dont want to corrupt but their boss do or their friends do.. if they dont do they will lose their job or die.... speak for my grand,my dad,my uncles , not all police bad I don't want to besmirch your view of your family... but how do you know they weren't corrupt? I'm quite sure they wouldn't come home and say, "Guess how much money I embezzled from this guy today." Kids never know what their parents do at work. Thai policemen are very poorly paid and being corrupt is easy and tempting. If your family wanted the best for you and their other children, wouldn't they have supplemented their incomes? I only say this because in 7 years in Thailand, in 5 different provinces, I have not met ONE single honest cop. Every single policeman I met wanted something - money, free food, drinks. Not one person wanted to do his job properly unless there was something 'extra' in it. My mom was a teacher. I don't pay attention to the rumors of her extorting the milk money of students. All lies, I tell ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LakeGeneve Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... And its beem said by many but nothing seems to be happening. Its the same in all governments in some way, Money rules. So we all know now what, Che ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... And its beem said by many but nothing seems to be happening. Its the same in all governments in some way, Money rules. So we all know now what, Che ? History has had a remarkably interesting way of repeating itself... Forget Thailand for now... Will Obama make it to a second term? (whether we want him to or not) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... And its beem said by many but nothing seems to be happening. Its the same in all governments in some way, Money rules. So we all know now what, Che ? History has had a remarkably interesting way of repeating itself... Forget Thailand for now... Will Obama make it to a second term? (whether we want him to or not) You think the other side will do better.....corruption corrupts the whole pie.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAV Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... And its beem said by many but nothing seems to be happening. Its the same in all governments in some way, Money rules. So we all know now what, Che ? History has had a remarkably interesting way of repeating itself... Forget Thailand for now... Will Obama make it to a second term? (whether we want him to or not) You think the other side will do better.....corruption corrupts the whole pie.... When the Apple is rotten, it does'nt matter which Maggot you put in, the Apple will still be rotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 It seems to me that the Thai economy is in a state of paralysis, transportation, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental regulation with regard to development are stalled. And the root cause is corruption in government. Reforming the police, would send signal to gov. officials that times are changing and corruption will longer be tolerated. Bruce, I totally agree with your reforming the police point but can you pls expand on your "economy in a state of paralysis" statement? Not sure what you mean exactly. Granted virtually no one in govt cares about clean energy and environmental regulation. Watch US congress in action , thats a stalled system. When money is in control the government becomes a song and dance act. Very well said... And its beem said by many but nothing seems to be happening. Its the same in all governments in some way, Money rules. So we all know now what, Che ? History has had a remarkably interesting way of repeating itself... Forget Thailand for now... Will Obama make it to a second term? (whether we want him to or not) You think the other side will do better.....corruption corrupts the whole pie.... When the Apple is rotten, it does'nt matter which Maggot you put in, the Apple will still be rotten So many people have this few its as if the evil is a thing we all see like some science fiction movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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