Campaign targets only the small fry

This article uncritically presents the government’s view. Even if you took this complete joke seriously the “campaign” targets solely the little fish (petty officials’ tea money) not the big-fish politicians eating the state budget like a big cake. Citing Thailand’s bad ratings on transparency, PM Yingluck Shinawatra is quoted as saying, “Thailand would have a much better future if corruption, its biggest threat, is rooted out.”

But from the details you can see it is only aimed at officials taking small under-the-table payments, which is the tip of the iceberg. They say “all public service outlets will have to put up a sign reading “bribes not accepted” in a move to remind officials and members of the public to not condone kickbacks.”

Note, this refers to officials. Instead of going after the little fish, why doesn’t the government target the whales (the politicians who make fortunes off the state budget) starting with her own party? To date has anyone been expelled from her party for corruption or appearance of wrongdoing? Nope. Can’t upset that apple cart.

I’m still waiting to hear what happened to the Suvarnabhumi alleged kickbacks and the scanner scandal, all swept under the rug.

The big cake of corruption in Thailand is highway projects. I’m waiting to hear about a politician being prosecuted for this.

 In sum, another obvious diversionary PR stunt before the Thai state budget is divvied up. To quote Tacitus: “In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.” 

Le Joker

Vancouver