Another common but less talked about form of graft
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When we talk about corruption, we usually mean bribery, embezzlement, theft or fraud. But one form of corruption is prolific, yet nobody talks about.
It is common practice for a company to pay a handsome salary to hire newly retired high-ranking government officials to sit on its board. These people then use their connections with their former ministries or agencies to help their new employer secure government contracts, avoid regulatory inspections, secure preferential treatment, etc, from the bureaucracy. So it is common for a former official to sit on many company’s boards at the same time. Unfortunately, this form of corruption is condoned because it is committed by some prominent, wealthy and educated elite.
Somsak Pola
Bangkok
