No need for reformers to declare assets

National Reform Council (NRC) chief Thienchay Kiranandana is the only person who has publicly supported the decision of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) that NRC members not be required to declare their personal assets. It is a fad in Thailand nowadays to presume that all those in power of any form are potential crooks unless proven otherwise. That belief has caused many to publicly condemn the NACC’s latest decision. They are blind to the purpose of asset declarations. 

The disclosure is meant as a tool to check on those in a position to enrich themselves through corruption. It is an excellent device beloved of all fair-minded persons. However, applying it to the NRC would be superfluous and unfair to those NRC members who are eager and proud to act selflessly and do something good for the country. What are their chances of enriching themselves through vote-buying from people like Thaksin or Suthep? Maybe I am naive, but my simple mind tells me that the answer is zero.

Songdej Praditsmanont