Chalerm's right, it's a cultural thing

Published: 14 Feb 2013 at 09.40
Online news: Opinion

Few people know how Thailand works and how to work Thailand like deputy prime minister Chalerm Yubamrung does.

So when he said it is not corruption when three policemen are caught by a security camera demanding Chinese New Year tae-ear from an Indian shop owner, we should heed his words.

The only mistake, according to the deputy prime minister, was that the policemen in question collected the tae-ear from an Indian shop owner, rather than a Chinese one.

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boontong
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Discussion 36 : 18 Feb 2013 at 07.3636
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felixqui #34 - No. Why do you asked those two questions? Have I ever said or implied that it is morally acceptable for police to ask for money from citizens, and that it becomes morally acceptable simply because it happens to be tradition? The issue is online posters picked up what were reported in the news Medias and made accusations without considering all are other statements made by Chalerm during media enquiries. The context of the circumstances surround the statements spoken were completely ignored.
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boontong
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Discussion 35 : 18 Feb 2013 at 04.5035
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felixqui #33 - Wrong. Chalerm does not have to response to every of media's report. Anyone can file a complaint with the ombudsman. I don't understand what you meant by "Do you have a more accurate recording of the interview being reported?" What is acceptably accurate to you? You can compare to all media reports, English and Thai and read it in the context of the circumstances from which he spoke. Direct quote verbatim from a person without consideration of all other statements made during media enquiry is dangerous accusation. Why do you ignore the fact that he said the policemen will be punished if found guilty of demanding money?
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felixqui
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Discussion 34 : 17 Feb 2013 at 16.1534
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So, Boontong, irrespective of what Chalerm might or might not have said:

1. is it morally acceptable for police to ask for money from citizens?

2. Does anything become morally acceptable simply because it happens to be tradition?
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felixqui
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Discussion 33 : 17 Feb 2013 at 16.0533
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Boontong,

You ask: "Did Chalerm said/implied that police asking for money during CNY as something traditional?"

Yes, he did.
"Policemen can ask for a gift of money during the Chinese New Year because it is a tradition and is not considered a bribe, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said on Tuesday" (Bangkok POst, Feb. 12). Chalerm has not denied those reports, so presumably they are correct.

Chalerm is wrong. The tradition he encourages is corruption and is wrong.

Do you have a more accurate recording of the interview being reported?
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boontong
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Discussion 32 : 17 Feb 2013 at 15.0532
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felixqui#30-Did Chalerm said/implied that police asking for money during CNY as something traditional? Did you read or heard he said the policemen would be punished if found guilty of demanding tae-ear? You have to listen to all what he said or if you have to depend on news reports, consider all that were reported by news media. You also have to take consideration into the context of the environment and circumstances from which he replied to media enquiry. I think what he said when tae-ear was referred to was that it would be hard to turn down the giving as it can be considered as an insult and lamented that it take time to change.
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mutley
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Discussion 31 : 17 Feb 2013 at 12.5031
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Many of the 'farangs' I know certainly wouldn't like anything to change as they wouldn't be able to get their retirement visa any longer. If you have 800,000 baht in the bank then the letter to immigration costs 100 baht. If you don't have 800,000 baht the letter costs you 1,000 baht so they tell me. Who wants to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank when if you were PNG'd for any reason, you'd probably lose it. Sometimes the corrupt way is the best bet.
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felixqui
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Discussion 30 : 17 Feb 2013 at 11.2230
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Boontong,
I think you miss the important point.
Chalerm is wrong to think that something being traditional makes it morally acceptable. It does not.

Police asking for money is corruption. Nothing less. That it might be traditional merely means that the tradition is immoral and in need of correction.

It is very disturbing that a deputy PM should say such things to encourage further corruption, which is still strictly illegal in Thailand.
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mutley
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Discussion 29 : 17 Feb 2013 at 10.4729
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Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it's mistakes.
Opinion poll in the BP 2 or 3 years ago showed that over 70% of Thais thought that graft and corruption is an acceptable part of daily life.
The 'me me me' attitude. 'If I want to park here I will. Yes, I know it's a stupid place to park and blocks the traffic but I WANT TO.'
Thais appear to think the rest of the world owes them a living.
Thailand in a nutshell.
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boontong
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Discussion 28 : 16 Feb 2013 at 22.3728
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kasper #18-I did not say you knew. I told you I don't understand what you meant and asked you a question-How do you know they don't understand? So you are guessing! So then, tell me, what are betting on? Again, I don't understand what you are trying to get across. Are you saying I have said or implied that everyone should know or understand about tae-ear and should give me a present? When did I say that - I am giving you a chance.
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android
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Discussion 27 : 16 Feb 2013 at 06.5927
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The dems accept bribes but always deny they accept it. The PT accept bribes but explain why they accept it. This is the difference. Voranai forgot to mention the dem's culture as well and wrote this one side story.
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Chalerm's right, it's a cultural thing | Bangkok Post: opinion