The year 2023 will be a year of changes for Thailand. The country will hold a general election, tentatively scheduled in May, and a new government will be formed.
The public will have high expectations of the new government. In addition to improved economic performance, the people want to see effective measures rolled out to root out corruption.
Graft in various state offices has made headlines over the past few months, ranging from corruption in small schools to the national parks department and the justice system.
Recently, a young teacher at a primary school in Bangkok went viral after he resigned from his position on social media. In his post, he said he decided to leave the career he had devoted seven years of his life after reflecting on the unfair treatment and corruption he witnessed at his school.
He said he was bored of all the paperwork, to be sure. But the graft he witnessed and official responses to it upset him even more.
He found out that a teacher stole 50,000 baht from the student budget and he reported to his bosses but he was rebuked for going too far. The teacher at the centre of the claims was docked three months' pay instead of being fired.
Other corruption news to hit the headlines in the past year concerned a crackdown on "super-rich" Chinese triads based in Thailand. Investigations indicate potential links between Chinese mafiosi and Thai local officials, including police and other officials in the justice system.
Most recently was the shocking news concerning the arrest of Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, director-general of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. He was nabbed on charges of demanding or receiving bribes and malfeasance in office.
These cases counter the government narrative that such allegations lack proof. In fact, the cases are just a small indication of what is a long-standing problem in Thailand.
Tackling corruption is a complex and challenging issue, and a new government will need to take a number of steps to effectively address it.
Some of the measures needed include buttressing institutions and systems to prevent and punish corruption. This could involve reforms to improve the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary, the police and other institutions responsible for enforcing anti-corruption laws. Punishment for corruption needs to be realised at all levels.
Enhancing transparency and accountability in state organisations is necessary. This could involve measures such as increasing transparency in public procurement, establishing strong whistleblower protections and promoting open-government initiatives.
Thailand needs to reinforce legal frameworks, update and enforce laws that criminalise corruption, establish clear and consistent rules and procedures for the investigation and prosecution of corrupt officials and increase penalties for corruption offences.
Principally, promoting cultural and social change is crucial for tackling corruption.
This could involve efforts to raise awareness about the negative impacts of corruption and encourage more ethical behaviour, as well as efforts to engage with civil society and other stakeholders.
Overall, addressing corruption will require a comprehensive and sustained approach that addresses the root causes and engages a wide range of stakeholders.
