Promises of a corruption-free Thailand: Will political parties deliver their election pledges?

For more than a century, corruption, graft, kickbacks, and bribery have been entrenched in the culture of Thailand. However, political parties in anticipation of the upcoming May 14 General Election are promising to eradicate these issues in their election pledges. But will they?

Mana Nimitmongkol, the secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), said that despite the implementation of numerous anti-graft mechanisms in the country, corruption has not diminished.

According to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Thailand is ranked 101st out of 180 countries. However, this marks a slight improvement from 2021, with Thailand climbing nine places in the ranking. Despite this, Thailand’s transparency score only increased by one point, Thai PBS reported.

Mana expressed disappointment that Thailand’s corruption situation has remained largely unchanged over the years, regardless of which political party was in power. Over the past decade, Thailand’s score has fluctuated between 35 and 38 out of 100.

Nevertheless, Mana remains optimistic and believes that even seemingly empty promises made by politicians can serve as a starting point for anti-corruption efforts in the future. He said…

“At the very least, parties that are contesting the 2023 general election must say how they would deal with corruption. While their words may seem like empty promises now, we can press them to act on those promises later.”

Electorate concerned about corruption

A recent survey conducted jointly by ACT, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Khon Thai Foundation has revealed that corruption is the top concern for Thai voters ahead of the upcoming election. The survey, which polled 2,255 respondents, found that 83.6% of voters would avoid parties that do not have anti-corruption policies, citing a lack of transparency.

While in 2019, Thais listed the high cost of living as their top concern, the latest survey shows that 25% of respondents now believe corruption is the most pressing issue the new government should tackle. Other priorities include educational problems, social inequality, and the economic gap.

Mana said that the results reflect voters’ understanding that corruption causes economic woes, poor quality of life, and drug abuse. He said…

“Today, voters want tangible anti-corruption policies from political parties.”

Several political parties have responded to the call for action against corruption. The Move Forward Party has put forward a detailed plan that includes publicizing state data to foster transparency and prevent corruption, developing smart systems to prevent graft, and offering incentives to whistleblowers. The party has also pledged to ensure the fast delivery of government services to reduce the likelihood of people offering bribes.

The Thai Sang Thai Party has proposed the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Center to gather information on alleged graft cases and take action, while the United Thai Nation Party, led by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, has vowed to conduct proper investigations into alleged irregularities at all levels and close loopholes in laws that foster corruption.

Honest democracy free from money politics

Meanwhile, the Democrats are promoting the slogan “Honest Democracy Free from Money Politics” to position themselves as a force against all forms of corruption. The Seree Ruam Thai Party has pledged to crack down on corruption, protect the public, and use the state budget for the people. Chart Pattana Kla and Pheu Thai have pledged to leverage technology to enhance transparency and curb corruption.

Mana suggests that the new government should overhaul data-disclosure criteria to promote stronger transparency, control their members and allies, introduce clear mechanisms to prevent them from engaging in corruption and meet punishment against the corrupt.

Thanisara Ruangdej, CEO and co-founder of Punch Up & WeVis, which seeks to empower citizens through data, said her group has been preparing tools for voters to keep their government representatives in check. She said…

“Our tools will be effective as people become more politically active.”

The survey shows that Thai voters are demanding strong anti-corruption policies from political parties, and the parties have responded with various proposals to tackle the issue. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen which party’s policies will resonate with voters the most.