change the system, not just the symptom

This letter to The Nation reiterates a point I've been trying to make for several weeks now, namely that the system in Thailand is fundamentally corrupt and bears fixing more so than the prime minister. Unfortunately, due to the widespread lack of meaningful education in Thailand, the most regressive aspects of the current Thai political system are often defended by reference to flawed concepts of 'culture' and national identity.

Get rid of corruption along with the prime minister

As said previously, getting rid of Thaksin and his corrupt cronies is not enough this time around, it must be shown that we have had enough of corruption and fraud by proving the corruption and fraud.

Charges must be preferred and assets must be frozen, locally and offshore. Any financial institution that participated in hiding the assets offshore must be named, no matter how big. Without this, a change of leadership has no meaning, as the next lot will just continue to rip us off.

The fight against corruption must take a different direction this time. It is not that difficult if serious intent to weed out this evil from our society is widespread.

Asset testing is the tool to utilise, as Thaksin knows.

A senior police/customs/land officer or others on Bt50,000 per month cannot afford to drive a Mercedes-Benz and his wife a BMW, own property, have children in school, go gambling abroad twice a year and so on.

[ed. the fruits of corruption are on open display in Thailand, astonishing only in their commoness. There can be no democracy without accountability.]

If these parties cannot account for their assets, confiscate all their assets and utilise these funds to fight further corruption. Believe me, there would be billions of baht available. [ed. I would rather see the money go to education. I don't think we need to incentivize corruption fighting because a) the mechanics for wiping out 80% of the corruption in Thailand are so simple even a child could handle them, b) who will police the corruption busters if their budget is dependent on prosecutions?]

Establish a team of independent, above-reproach investigators to carry out this task and make sure no one is immune, no matter what their status. [ed. yes, this would be the hardest part. Then again, there are a lot of wannabe cops in Thai society- probably wouldn't be too hard to find someone with the 'Thai mall security guard' mentality -- autistically rule obsessed, derives total identity and self-worth from any minor position of responsibility -- able to carry out this task properly]

This is the way to rid us of the evil of corruption.

I am sure The Nation and other media entities would be glad to assist in fighting corrupt practices and cleaning up our nation once and for all for the benefit of the people of Thailand and our international reputation, which at present leaves a lot to be desired.

This is what Thaksin was supposed to have done; instead he participated in such practices to further enrich his family and friends.

We have a man in Thailand who could tackle this enormous task and is capable of doing so: Seripisut Temiyaves. I do not know if he would accept the job, but it is worth considering. [ed. google search returned zero hits with this spelling, no idea who this person is]

[ed. the rest of the letter devolves into some emotive BS, quite typical when Thais 'play politics', which is a direct translation of the actual Thai phrase for engaging in politics]

He is one man I have faith in as he told me once that he loved our nation.

I am a lonely voice but a true Thai who loves his nation and wants to hold his head up with pride.

[ed. LOL. Oh well, the letter had its high points]

Noppadon

Bangkok