Stopping rot of corruption

COMMENTARY

Published: 15/02/2012 at 01:52 AM
Newspaper section: News

There is much that I have been contemplating writing about, be it Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's visit to a hotel, or the far more interesting issue of how growth in Asia continues to be impressive despite the pessimism that's sweeping the world. But nothing, in my view, beats the stories coming out of India at the moment.

Then again, there are various issues in India that can be taken into account, and writing on just one of the two main issues would not do justice, so here are the two aspects: the recent decision by the Supreme Court to cancel the 122 telecom licences, and the elections in some of the key heavyweight Indian states. Both issues are somehow interlinked.

The cancellation of 122 telecom licences, being very much on people's minds these days, needs discussing. My question to those raising the fuss is: Did you people really not know what was going on?

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About the author

: Writer: Umesh Pandey; Position: Editor for Asia Focus

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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 7 : 15/02/2012 at 03:50 PM7
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The only way to stamp out rorting, graft and corruption in to hit Thais where it hurts them most - in the hip pocket and albeit slowly and unknowingly, THEY'RE MOST ASSUREDLY DOING THAT.
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dao
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Discussion 6 : 15/02/2012 at 03:10 PM6
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The poor control the vote .They dont pay tax therefore they dont care about corruption unless that is they get a piece IE populist handouts ,vote buying .The only thing stopping us from stamping out corruption is ourselves and our ability to see the forest for the trees. Accountability on all levels of government for breaking the law is first then it goes down the power structure from there and ends with the police enforcing the law they have sworn to .
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Jock
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Discussion 5 : 15/02/2012 at 01:02 PM5
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Med142 Discussion 3. I disagree. Through good education and freedom of speech, people will begin to voice their discontentment with level of corruption and realise that the system is being deprived of billions of baht through these criminal acts. It may take time, but the people will rail against what currently is quaintly described as being "embedded in Thai Society".
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 4 : 15/02/2012 at 12:07 PM4
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Thais' must realise that graft, corruption, nepotism and discrimination are all forms of cancer that, unless nipped in the bud, will surely kill... I know it will be difficult changing a system that existed for thousands of years but remember, the hardest part of a thousand mile journey is - TAKING THE FIRST STEP.
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med142
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Discussion 3 : 15/02/2012 at 10:24 AM3
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Ask any indian in the uk. they will tell you that corruption is rife and always has been
It is nothing new at all. But also the social class system there, leaves a lot to be desired.
Corruption is not new in india, everyone has always know about it.
same as in thailand and other countries.
Nothing can be done as its embedded in society, so people accept it.
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howell
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Discussion 2 : 15/02/2012 at 08:33 AM2
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'This momentous shift in the people's thinking is something many more foreign and local investors will be unhappy about. But is it worth it?'

Of course it is. A country built on corruption has shallow and inadequate foundations. I hope Thai people wake up to the negative effect corruption has and then refuse to accept it as normal.

The only people who benefit from corruption are the corrupt.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 1 : 15/02/2012 at 04:00 AM1
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As with Thailand the feudal mentality and class system which still supports wealthy patrons creates the perfect conditions for corruption as it is the antithesis of a fair democratic system.... The actual paying of taxes is another major issue across many South East Asian countries. Its no secret billions of dollars are kept off shore...not to fail mention the millions of baht influential people leave stashed at their mansions in case a bribe or two has to be paid..... to tackle corruption you first must have social reform of these archaic structures of governance.
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Stopping rot of corruption | Bangkok Post: opinion