What a right mess the procurement of airport X-ray machines has turned out to be. Who would have thought it possible in Thailand? Has Thailand’s international reputation been damaged, as stated by PM Thaksin? This is doubtful, since the world well knows already of the extent of corruption in this country. If Thailand’s reputation is so important, why, then, as other correspondents have repeatedly pointed out on this page, have there been no significant actions or outcomes against corrupt government officials and politicians during Thaksin’s term?