Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, has recently voiced his utmost confidence in his second-in-command, Chada Thaiset, and his ability to successfully take on mafia-style gangs. The aim is to weaken their undue influence over local administrative bodies across the vivid landscapes of Thailand. The 56 year old statesman provided Thaiset with a nationwide duty last week. The directive involves the careful examination of all influential local leaders suspected of ties with mafia-like organizations and effectively blacklist them if any such links emerge. This strategic move is designed to gradually wipe out nefarious mafia influence across the nation.
This enforcement directive comes on the heels of a distressing event that took place at a dinner gathering at the fancy residence of a notable local leader in the tranquil Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom late last week. The incident revolved around a shots fired incident involving a highway patrol officer, which tragically ended in his death and injuries to another. This event ignited the national curiosity and sparked a renewed discourse on corruption and mafia influence in public service sectors.
When queried about setting a deadline for Thaiset to fulfill this mission, Anutin mentioned that it would be irrelevant since corruption is a systemic issue; it constantly necessitates rigorous oversight from all involved parties. Amidst the parliamentary debate on the government’s policy statement happening last day, Senator Prasit Pathummarak recognized the new government’s unwavering determination to cripple mafia-style criminal groups and the influential figures that aid their illicit drug dealings.
In another somewhat related development, the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) urged the government to keep their promises to suppress corruption and bribe-giving while promoting state officials. They showed a lack of toleration for the seemingly casual way such commitments have been treated in prior eras, the Bangkok Post reports.
Using its Facebook platform, the ACT pointed out the Nakhon Pathom incident as an extreme example of rampant interference with public agency official reshuffles. They touched upon the existing links between shady businesses and the illegal perks offered to responsible state officials to overlook these businesses’ activities. ACT insists that the Nakhon Pathom scenario underlines the sheer level of corruption within the public administration system and the absence of good governance. It felt the necessity to eject all individuals linked to illegal activities from the system is key. This will provide better protection to well-meaning state officials and ensure their fair treatment in regards to career advancements.
The ACT, additionally, beckoned on PM Srettha Thavisin to uphold the pledge he made on September 6, recognized as Thailand’s Anti-Corruption Day. His commitment entails a promise to eliminate trading of significant positions in state organizations, along with inequitable reshuffles, under his administration. The 61 year old PM also vowed to carry out extensive audits on corruption during his administrative term. For more of The Thaiger’s freshest stories, visit our newly launched Facebook page right HERE.
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