 January 2013 : Corruption amounts to 30-35%
Corruption amounts to 30-35% The World Bank disclosed the 2012 Corruption Sentiment Index (CSI) that Thailand received a score of 3.7 out of 10 and ranked fourth among ASEAN countries, after Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. Though Thai CSI Index moved up from 3.5 point in June 2011 to 3.7 in January 2013. The new score reflects insufficient transparency and has an impact on foreign investors’ confidence. TheChamber of Commerce University Rector, Mrs. Saowanee Thairungrote, disclosed results of a survey done on 2,400 Thais nationwide In December 2012. They believe that the private sector has to pay 30-35 percent “commission”to officials and politicians, in return for government contracts. In the event that annual government expenditure reaches Bt3 trillion, damage could be up to Bt200 billion. This results in a reduction of 0.25 to 2.63 percent of GDP. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported 7,955 complaints were lodged in 2012 and anticipates receiving another 3,000 in 2013. The NACC is an independent agency, which cooperates with two public agencies: the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and the Department of Special Investigation. Cabinet approved 8 strategic development plans On 21st January, the Cabinet approved 8 strategic development plansfor the 2014 budget. They are:
The Cabinet also approved the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to borrow funds to construct 3 rail routes: Hua Lampong-Bang Kae, worth Bt. 16,217 million, Bang sue-Ta Pra, Bt. 11,472 million and Baring-Samutprakarn, Bt. 4,745 million. House of Representatives passed 2 anti-money laundering bills On 17th January, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass two anti-money laundering bills, which have been through joint Committee of the Houses. Senate failed PACC candidate On 14th January, the Senate voted by 67 to 51 with 3 abstentions not to approve the appointment of Udom Mangmeedee to become a member of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission. Udom, a former Supreme Court judge, was criticized for his partisanship since he made speeches in support of the Red Shirts during their protests. The House of Representativeshad previously voted for him, but he failed in the Senate. Mae Sod to be special economic development zone On 21st January, the Cabinet approved the designation of Mae Sod district in Tak Province to become a specific economic development zone. This is to support the AEC East West Economic Corridor and Mae Sod will be supported with the following new projects:
Fifty issues on Phra Viharn dispute The Deputy Permanent-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Nattawut Bhodhisaro, announced that from 29th January 2013, a handbook “50 Years 50 Points: Questions and Answers about Phra Viharn” will be distributed in hard copies and digital format downloadable from www.mfa.go.th/phraviharn. This is in response to an ABAC poll that 82.5% of the people asked felt that the government had not provided enough information on the matter. BRT Bt. 10 fare extended On 17th January, the Land Transport Commission resolved to extend the BRT Bt.10 fare for another one year, until 31st December 2013. BRT is the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority special bus service on specific routes. Imprisonment for two lese majesty cases The Criminal Court at Ratchada sentenced Yotwarit Chooklom, aka Jeng DokJick to an immediate 3-year imprisonment, reduced to 2 years but without suspension, for his violation of Article 112 of the Criminal Law, known as the lese majesty offence. On 29th March 2012, Jeng made a criminal remark while he was delivering a speech at the Red Shirt protest. The Office of the Attorney General filed the case. The Court also sentenced a former editor of the Voice of Thaksin newsletter to an immediate 10-year term (without suspension) over his lese majesty offence plus another year for his defamation of Gen. Saprang Kalyanamit. Election for BMA governor on 3rd March Bangkok Metropolitan Authority announced that election for its governor is set for 3rdMarch 2013. There are 25 candidates. Media development fund On 16th January, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass a draft bill to establish a media development fund. The fund will support makers and distributors of quality programs particularly for young people. Homework to be reduced The Secretary General to the Office of the Board of Basic Education, Chinapat Bhumirat, announced that from the first semester of the 2013, students nationwide will have less homework. This is a result to the Board’s resolution to comply with the Education Minister’s, Pongthep Thepkanjana, policy on educational reform. Social Security rates reduced On 29th January, the Cabinet resolved to reduce rates to be paid into social security fund for both employers and employees, from 5 to 4 percent. The new rates, retroactive from 1stJanuary 2013, is applicable for the year. This is to alleviate the burden of an increase in the minimum wage to Bt. 300 nationwide. Somchai Khunpleum arrested On 30th January, at the Lad Krabang tollway gate, police commando arrested Somchai Khunpleum or Kamnan Poh. He was brought in for questioning, sent to the Criminal Court and then to jail. The Court of First Instance sentenced Somchai, on 21st June 2004 to 25-year imprisonment for the assassination of Prayoon Sithichoke or Kamnan Yoon. The incident took place in 2003. He was also sentenced, on 12th October 2005; to another 5 years and 4 months jail for malfeasance in the purchase of municipality landfill in Khao Mai Kaew sub-district, Chonburi province. The Supreme Court affirmed these decisions while Somchai was a fugitive, therefore, there was an outstanding arrest warrant on him. It was speculated that Somchai fled the country but he was arrested after attending the Samitivej Srinakarin hospital under a pseudonym. From : http://www.fpps.or.th |