The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) has been busy ruffling feathers and exposing scandals. With their latest report, they’ve lit a fire under several high-profile graft cases that have left a sour taste in the mouths of the Thai public, all while worsening poverty. ACT Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol declared this week that these corruption cases, ranging from audacious fraud to those impacting the very quality of life in Thailand, starkly illustrate a glaring lapse in law enforcement.
Take for example the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who somehow managed to turn a prison sentence into an extended hospital stay. Instead of lodging in a cell, Thaksin was reportedly enjoying a 180-day sojourn at the Police General Hospital (PGH). His health claims were dubious at best, and as a result, 12 unlucky officials from the Department of Corrections and the PGH have found themselves under the microscope of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Then, we have the controversial release of Apichart Jansakulporn, or more familiarly known as Sia Piang. This businessman, who was once on the hook for a 48-year sentence due to the infamous rice-pledging scandal, strutted free after serving a mere seven years. The head honcho of the Department of Corrections, Sahakarn Phetnarin, justified the early release citing Apichart’s severe illness, though he isn’t required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. Despite his initial hefty sentence in 2015, a series of royal pardons slashed his time to just over 12 years. His newfound freedom has stirred quite the buzz.
Mana pointed out, “The indiscriminate granting of special privileges to a convicted official, such as Thaksin, leaves much to be desired. The disturbing part? Politicians and officials still playing hide and seek with the truth, turning a blind eye to public sentiment.”
Equally distressing is the case of an ill-fated bus that turned into a fireball on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, near Pathum Thani’s Zeer Rangsit shopping center. The tragic incident on October 1 left 20 students and three teachers, who were on an enriching field trip from Uthai Thani, with their futures abruptly cut short. A forensic investigation traced the mishap to a problematic gas leak. It turns out the bus, rigged with 11 compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks and faulty gas lines, wasn’t playing by the rules. Only six of the tanks were legally registered. The incident has led to heavy criticism of the Department of Land Transport, which has not yet seemed to learn from its mistakes.
Mr. Mana didn’t pull punches, lamenting that, “Despite countless illegally-modified vehicles still skirting regulations, no government officials have been brought to account. The country can’t afford to sweep this under the rug any longer!”
Another scandal adding fuel to the fire is the curious case of Itthipol Khunpluem. On May 13, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 2 decided to acquit him for greenlighting an illegal high-rise condo project permit in Chon Buri’s Pattaya. Exoneration came easy, not due to innocence, but the fact that time has conveniently rendered any charge void. It seems the NACC waited far too long—15 years, to be precise—before nudging the attorney’s office to charge Itthipol.
Other cases orbiting the spotlight include the Khao Kradong land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand and the Department of Lands, the notorious iCon Group public fraud fiasco, the mishandling of cadmium waste, and the pesky invasion of blackchin tilapia.
All these cases, with their twists and turns, cries of injustice, and unaddressed grievances, pretty much spell out that when it comes to fighting corruption in Thailand, the fight’s far from over. Each revealed misstep is an opportunity for reform, and if nothing else, a reminder that the public eye never blinks.
It’s absolutely mind-boggling how these high-profile figures manage to evade real justice. Thaksin’s hospital stay is just another example of the rich playing by a different set of rules.
Exactly, Joe! It’s like they think we’re too dumb to see what’s happening. Thaksin should be in a cell, not getting a hospital vacation. It’s infuriating!
Totally. It’s scary to think that people with power can just wiggle out of serious consequences. This is what happens when money talks louder than justice.
I can’t believe Apichart was released after just 7 years. Are royal pardons always this lenient, or is this another case of money influencing decisions?
Not always, Sophia. Royal pardons are typically used to promote goodwill, but it’s clear some people get more ‘lucky’ than others. It’s about who you know, I guess.
That makes sense, Larry. Still, it should be more transparent. The public deserves to know why someone like Apichart gets off easy.
The tragic bus fire due to unregulated CNG tanks is a prime example of negligence. How many lives have to be lost for the Department of Land Transport to wake up?
And yet, we still don’t see any real accountability. Until higher-ups face consequences, these tragedies will keep happening.
The corruption in Thailand is just endless. It feels like no one in power is actually interested in solving these issues.
Sadly, I agree, Tommy. It seems like those who try to bring change either leave or become part of the problem themselves.
Exactly, Kathy. It’s almost like the system is set up to maintain the status quo instead of challenging it.
The case with Itthipol is ridiculous. Waiting 15 years to charge him and then acting like their hands were tied is a huge farce. It’s downright absurd.
The worst part is he’s walking free now, probably laughing at the system. This kind of delay is unbelievable.
Why isn’t anyone addressing the iCon Group fraud? So many people lost their life savings, and it feels like a forgotten scandal already.
It’s insane how the blackchin tilapia thing isn’t getting more attention. These invasive species are ruining biodiverse ecosystems and we’re just letting it happen.
Corruption may never go away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to fix it. The Thai people need to push for reform, demanding transparency at every level.
True, Derek, but where do we even start? It feels like every attempt is met with more roadblocks.
It’s a slow process, Joe, but every bit of pressure helps. More public awareness can lead to bigger changes down the line.
A lot of people accuse the royal family of influencing pardons like Apichart’s. That’s a dangerous line to toe, but who else would have that kind of power?
The Khao Kradong land dispute is just another case of powerful entities bulldozing over what’s right. When will these land-grab tactics stop?
Unfortunately, not anytime soon, Melanie. Land is power and those in power aren’t keen on giving it up, at least not without a fight.
On social media, everyone’s talking about accountability, but isn’t it time for these conversations to turn into real action? Talk is cheap without action.
It’s funny how officials always seem to have a convenient excuse or illness whenever they need to escape a penalty. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Does anyone else think these ‘investigations’ by ACT are more about making headlines than actual change?
I think they bring awareness, Tommy. But you’re right, they need to lead to genuine reforms, not just media spotlight moments.
The corruption cases outlined are just the tip of the iceberg. If only more grassroots movements could rise and make a real impact.
Maybe the ACT’s exposure can finally ignite some lasting reforms. There’s hope if the public keeps pressure, but it needs to be relentless.