The godfather tradition lives on

COMMENTARY

Published: 17 Jun 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

People continue to be astounded by a series of polls in which most respondents say they don't mind government corruption as long as they also benefit. The latest poll this month had 63.4% of respondents expressing the view. The poll in January this year had 64.7%.

It was 64.6% in November 2011 and 64% in January that same year.

But in reality Thailand has no corruption, only tradition. What we perceive as corruption today is but a tradition dating back to feudal times; a tradition that we still practise in the present, fusing it with modern electoral democracy, which sprang from feudal democracy.

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Ian
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Discussion 40 : 14 Jul 2012 at 12.2240
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A very good article for a newcomer to Thailand to read. Those who already live here soon come to learn this, but the above summary is excellent for a novice.
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 39 : 05 Jul 2012 at 14.4139
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christiani 37 comment".."In short people get what they deserve" - And that's currently a corrupt political party, inept politicians and a self exiled fugitive who they sold their souls and votes to. Me thinks they'll never learn.
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lakota
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Discussion 38 : 21 Jun 2012 at 11.5538
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Yesterday I saw "Charlie Wilson's War" again. It's actually a pretty good primer on how democracy works in the USA. People find a way to get things done. I've been in Thailand for 9 years and everywhere I look corruption is the order of the day. This editorial has made me look at things in an an entirely new way. There has always been a disconnect between the East and the West. Westerners don't get it. Read Harry Gelber's book on the history of China and it's relations with the devils and barbarians populating the rest of the planet. It's an eye opener.
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christianl
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Discussion 37 : 20 Jun 2012 at 16.4637
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In short, people get what they deserve.
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troebal
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Discussion 36 : 18 Jun 2012 at 11.0836
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Pretty much the same thing in the US. Every congressional election people scream, kick out the incumbents. What they mean is, kick out the other incumbents, but I am voting for mine because he got a new highway approved in his last term. Congressional approval ratings run as low as 15% but you can bet 90% of them will be reelected because as individuals they help out their constituents.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 35 : 18 Jun 2012 at 10.3235
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D25: I don't buy your argument about only western countries being able to develop genuine democratic institutions. What about Singapore? Japan? Korea? India? Even Bhutan? These countries are surely not absent of patronage, but far less so than Thailand.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 34 : 18 Jun 2012 at 10.1834
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Good to read an article with such clarity of thought. Wonderful stuff, even if it does chronicle a sad state of affairs..
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jgriff
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Discussion 33 : 18 Jun 2012 at 08.2233
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corruption is corruption You can call it many different things but it still comes out to equalling corruption.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 32 : 18 Jun 2012 at 04.4632
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Being Buddhist country I think it is appauling that Thai children are brainwashed into thinking corruption is somewaht apart of Thainess.Why is it acceptable and why doesnt the Ministry of Culture expose it for what it really is..
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genii
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Discussion 31 : 17 Jun 2012 at 21.3531
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I disagree. Thailand is anything but a democracy. Maybe it was meant to be at one time and there have been times it was desired but it simply has never materialized. If corruption is wrong then why isn't it taught. Education is the answer as it brings about changes.
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The godfather tradition lives on | Bangkok Post: opinion