Thai politics is getting worse with extensive corruption the main factor in hampering the development of the country and democracy, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told a Bangkok seminar yesterday.
"Throughout my 18 years in Thai politics, politicians are increasingly getting involved in benefiting their own interests rather than working for the country or serving any political ideology," he said.
"This tendency is continuing. Many times I asked senior politicians about their views on Thai politics - whether it is getting worse or better. They unanimously give me the same answer: 'Thai politics is getting worse'," he added.
"Corruption is also used by coup-makers as an excuse everytime for a coup d'tat," he added. "It is the main reason why the development of the country and democracy has been hampered."
Citing an example, he said the Customs Department topped the corruption-ranking in Thailand, and this had prompted him to consider aborting a long-standing ransom system awarded to customs agents based on the value of contraband goods they seized.
"The objective of this ransom system aimed at encouraging their active roles has only led to more extensive corruption," he said, without explaining.
The other form of corruption widely rampant is in the purchase of government-issued materials through auctions, both in the old-fashioned process and through electronic versions.
He said independent anti-graft agencies such as the National Anti-corruption Commisison could be an ideal mechanism to battle corruption like those set up in South Korea and Hong Kong.
However, the selection of NACC members could still be influenced by politicians, who could use their status as "elected people" to exploit their popularity and counterweigh their corrupt conduct and violations of law.
Speaking at a forum organised by government-funded courses on suppression of corruption, Abhisit said although corruption drained a small amount of money from willing bribe-givers, it could have devastating effects on the general public and further develop into a national crisis. "The people will be left angry and frustrated by the abuse of power by state officials, but have no choice but to comply with tea money from systematic bribe-demanding," he added.