GOOD GOVERNANCE & COUNTER CORRUPTION in THAILAND

DR. PRASIT DAMRONGCHAI ---------------------------------------------------I. Introduction As the third millennium comes knocking on our door, rapid change in the world has strong impact on every country. Since 1978, due to uninternational standardized management, i.e., especially of some countries in Latin America and Africa, the suprastate, World Bank has then proposed a political term called <<Good Governance>> "G.G." The World Bank views Good Governance as some proper means to manage socio-economic resources of the countries for development. Another GG meaning defined by the Commission on Global Governance is described as the fruits of any management executed by individuals and/or any institutions concerned, either private on public sectors, who has collaboratly done in many consecutive directions for any business. Steadily, Thailand is embracing <Good Governance> in many ways. In the past few years, there have been so many seminars and workshops on good governance, that related to civil sector, public sector and private sector. In other words, everyone is playing a role here and there since 1997. Stipulated in the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (1997-2001) especially in its people state development section, people's right and liberty, citizen's participation and development of bureaucracy, have been stressed. Even the present Constitution-which is being implemented by the latter in some areas more than in others--has also demanded more transparency and accountability from the politicians in a particular kind of good governance. For the governance, Thailand Development Research Institute Foundation (TDRI) has been nominated as consultant for progressing of good governance. On the 11st of May 1999, the cabinet passed a resolution proposed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission and then enacted as the Regulation of the Office of the Prime Minister. This regulation stipulates that all public agencies have to reform their organizations by initiating/policy, planning and programming in concurrence with all six key elements as such, to follow the Rule of Law, Integrity, Transparency, Participation, Accountability and Cost-benefit.

II. The Problem of Corruption in Thailand Corruption is always, in some extent, a parasite of society. For this motto, Thailand is unexceptable. From the absolute monarchy regime till the present period, Thailand has passed many sequences of bureaucratic reform, especially during the reign of King Rama V in which ministries, departments and other public agencies were established. Even sine 1932, the year the democratic system has been laid down in Thailand, all Thais have always depended on bureaucrats in every activities of their life. Let's say from womb to tomb. It is inevitable that corruption exists not only

receiving a small bribe by base echelon officials but also gaining huge sum of money from abusing power in mega project by politicians.

III. Passed Resolution Corruption Problem has been endeavoured to solve. Concretely the Office of the Commission of the Auditor-General of Thailand was established in 1933. In 1949 and in 1953, another auditing and following-up agencies were set up. Last but not least, the Office of the Commission of Counter Corruption was found in 1974. The Commission of Counter Corruption (CCC)'s duties, specified in Section 13 of the Corruption Act, are to submit measures for counter corruption to the Council of Ministers. As well, the CCC submits to the Council of Ministers for consideration an order that any governmental office, state agency or state enterprise be required to instruct any state official attached there to, who has been suspected of corruption, to declare his assets and liabilities in accordance with such particulars, procedure and within such time as the Council thinks fit. In addition, the Commission will investigate and inquire into facts when there is an allegation or a reasonable cause to suspect any state official of corruption. In short, every government, since former prime minister General P. Philbulsongkram's era in 1938 till the present government, has endeavoured, in every means, to prevent and to eliminate all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. Nevertheless, all public either Thais or foreigners consider that Thailand is always accumulated with corruption. Transparency International Agency made a survey upon Corruption Perception Index: CPI, the result, is shown as follow, indicated that CPI in Thailand during 1995-1999 was inferior. Year 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 CPI 2.79 3.33 3.06 3.00 3.20 Number 34 37 39 61 68 Countries surc 41 54 52 85 99

IV. Direction in Solving The fact is that every individual involves in the corruption problem, that the losers are every people, government and the country at large. Some greedy official from bass to high echelon ignite this cancer and then the private sector, especially some financial institutes aggravate it. Hence to solve the problem, one must consider in all aspects, i.e., reorganizing structure, reforming procedures. One must regard to every official and politician in every echelon. All agencies not only public but also private have to be borne in mind for illuminating corruption. And the awareness of people at large is inevitable.

4.1

Problem Solving at Present

During the past ten years every individual has envisaged the danger of corruption. That is all three sectors have participated in solving this parasite. 4.1.1 Public Sector

Not only does the Regulation of the Office of the Prime Minister, passed by the cabinet on the 11st of May 1999 identifies key principles of good governance as stated above, it also outlines measures to ensure the adoption of the principles. These include i.e., government agencies are to develop plans and projects for improvement of work in accordance with the principles. Plans of government agencies will be monitored to ensure transparency and prevent misconduct in the public service. Annual reports on the implementation of this plan are to be submitted to the Cabinet. (For this first annual reports every agency has to send the report to the Office of Civil Service Commission within the 15th of July 2000 and then submitted to the Cabinet). Some problems solving in the part of public sector have been progressing. However, for concrete result, the National Counter Corruption Commission was established in late 1999. The Commission's duties are to submit measures, suggestion and/or recommendations to the cabinet as well as to the Parliament, to the Courts of Justice and/or to the Commission of the Audits-General concerning reformation of any public procedures, planning and restructuring the organization for prevention and for suppression corruption. Meanwhile, the Commission has, in addition, assigned researchers to stipulate corruption indicators of Thai society. These indicators will be used to measure degree of corruption in every agency. Surely, all of good governance principles will be considered as components of the indicators. 4.1.2 Private Sector

Economic crisis in 1997 has deteriorated Thai society. Its impact exists, more or less, at present especially the inevitable collapse of some financial institutions. Though, these financial institutions are supervised by The National Bank and the Ministry of Commerce, their transparency and responsibility to share-holders could not be accounted. Legal reformation in this aspect should be carried out by empowering to the National Counter Corruption Commission in controlling and/or in auditing financial institutes as Singaporian and Hongkong law. 4.1.3 Citizen Sector

The important element in counter corruption is that the general or concerned public to participate in critical decisions of the country, should be encouraged. The awareness of people at large is an absolute key to prevent and to suppress corruption. This can be done through public hearings, involvement of the public in brainstorming sessions, debates, meetings and conference, as well as public investigations. Due to the fact that we, as Thai culture, seems to mix public and private interest. In addition, Patronage System has been rooted in Thai society. Therefore all these factors ignite corruption cancer. Fortunately, the 8th National

Socio-Economic Plan (1997 - 2001) commences to stress new concept of national identity among THAI and regards human resource as center of development. While the American Blind Trust Principle is being applied in Thai legal system. As for The National Counter Corruption Commission, it has one of many duties to promote honest identity and to encourage participation of the citizen. Hopefully, these would be accomplished in three years. 4.2 Future Director

Academics specialized in every branch of social science, agree that all socio-politic-economic problems are originated by inferior of system or of structure and of each individual. If good management is executed efficiency will be derived. This view runs in accordance with Good Governance principle. The corruption will be lessened. Solving of corruption problem in Thai society should be carried out from grass-roots as follows. 4.2.1 Education

People's lacking knowledge cause many problems. Therefore educating people of all ages would lead to the successful and strong Good Governance. 4.2.2 Sufficiency

Changing public's view to regard "Poverty is disgusted" rather than thinking that "the poor is ugly" is the necessity. For eradicating poverty means to set up good governance. 4.2.3 Impractical Legal System

Through the change of internal and global events, laws, regulations orders etc., must be adapted themselves which make them cope with the change in their environment which leads to increasing demands and expectations from the private and public sector. 4.2.4 Social Value

Unfortunately, in Thai society there are some views, ideas or opinions which encouraged corruption. To establish Good Governance those views should be innihilated. For example we respect the rich regardless how they accumulate wealth.

V.

How to Launch Good Governance for Eradicating Corruption

Though, Good Governance can solve problem of corruption, there must be agents to lay its foundation. The county needs strong pushes from different corners. The change agents must posses of at least three attributes as follows.

5.1

Faithful

Reform efforts can be implemented once the reform champion is in the position to either make its voice heard or to submit its thought through the proper channels as well as being accepted by public. This agent must carry out its duties efficiently. In addition, there is a motto saying that "Doing yourself before demanding from others".

5.2

Ally

More 'friends of reform' must be generated. Public relations should be encouraged public support for good governance. It is necessary to add more reform champions or accomplices into 'ally' group. 5.3 Awareness

Honesty is one of the most key elements to counteract corruption. This word should be instilled in individual's conscious.

VI.

Conclusion

In Thailand, corruption has existed a long time. This parasitic problem has grown distinctly since the political reform in 1932. Due to the fact that, bureaucratic system has controlled all people's activities to supervise and to manage national and/or individual affair under peaceful umbrella: the government corruption has been ignited in every echelon either public or private sector. Corruption has long deteriorated Thai society and caused political turmoil. Every Coup D'Etat often refers to the evidence of corruption. Good Governance can lessen, if not eliminate, all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. But there must be an agent to lay GG foundation down, the National Counter Corruption Commission is a part. With three attributions: Faithful, Ally and Honesty Awareness, one hopes to install Good Governance and to eradicate corruption successfully.