Decision against asset declaration will come back to haunt us

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014
Decision against asset declaration will come back to haunt us

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruling that National Reform Council (NRC) members need not declare their assets should be deemed a big let-down by all Thais who hope for a better future.

Prior to this, the NACC ruled that National Legislative Assembly members must declare their assets. And when a few assembly members challenged the NACC by asking a court to rule on the issue, the court backed the NACC.
So it is surprising that the corruption watchdog has now switched tack and been so accommodating toward the NRC.
Experience should have taught the NACC that in Thai politics there is nothing that cannot be bought or influenced with money.
Wouldn’t it be better to put the NRC members’ “integrity” aside for the time being, and take appropriate measures to prevent future disappointment for the country as a whole?
Vint Chavala
Bangkok