Widespread seed of corruption: Poll
Nearly 90 per cent of ABAC Poll's respondents considers "receptions" to government officials involved with government procurement projects are a normal practice of today's business.
"Thailand's corruption problem is critical," said Noppadol Kannikar, the director of Abac Poll. "Corruption is now widespread as most Thais overlook the seed of corruption."
In the poll conducted in Bangkok during March 12-16, covering 1,561 respondents aged over 10 years, 87.5 per cent said it is a normal practice among private companies to host receptions for government officials. 87 per cent said lying is acceptable. 87.6 per cent admitted that they did not queue up for goods and services, while 80.2 per cent often paid "special money" to government officers in return for their special assistance.
Among students, 92.4 per cent admitted that they did copy their friends' reports in the past 12 months. Some 74.9 per cent cheated in the exams.
Noppadol said that while children cheat, adults are ready to pay for promotion.
"Seed of corruption is seen among students, teachers, government officers and company employees," he said.
He suggested that the government should set an example. It must disclose all details of all investment projects, to regain trust in the government. All public agencies should also reveal in details how all types of penalties are distributed, to regain trust in public officials. A workable system is needed for the protection of witnesses in corruption cases. A social media network should be established to take complaints.
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