Army chiefs must set the anti-nepotism example
The admiral who chairs the National Legislative Assembly’s ad-hoc committee formed with the commendable aim of eliminating nepotism in the bureaucracy has commented that civil servants are under pressure to prioritise personal relationships over a merit-based system, and bow to political office-holders so as to maintain beneficial relationships. Yes, it’s these pesky politicians again!
But why is the committee only focusing on nepotism in the bureaucracy? It is a widespread problem in Thailand. For example, there was recently the case of a very well-connected senior military officer who waved away allegations of nepotism with the remark that “everyone does it”. Is there a campaign to root out nepotism and corruption in the military? Maybe there is, and it is working away assiduously, but if so, it is certainly keeping a low profile.
The country is currently being governed by the military, and if they really want their campaigns against nepotism and corruption to succeed, they should lead by example.
Robin Grant
