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Ex Thai Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart was found guilty yesterday of falsifying his asset statement plunging the ruling Chuan-led Democrat party into crisis leading up to a general election maybe as early as November. Earlier this year he resigned his cabinet posts after his indictment but continued as Democrat Secretary General. The Democrats now have lost their image as the clean party, their major perceived advantage over Chevalit's NAP (National Aspiration Party) and the money-politics Thai Rak Thai (Thai Love Thai) party led by media tycoon Thaksin. It's the most significant win yet in the process of reform of the malignant entrenched culture of corruption that pervades every nook and cranny of Thai politics and business, lead by the new constituionally empowered NCCC (National Counter Corruption Commitee). For if ever these was an icon of the corrupt establishment in Thailand over many years, it was Sanan. Sanan's boss Chuan is acknowledged as a Mr Clean of Thai politics. But at the same time, it remains almost impossible to retain power in Thailand without féting a corrupt power-bloc. Chuan is a Mr Clean surrounded by a significant smattering of crooks that just be the nature of the Thai power structure he can't ignore, though to his credit he has done the best he can to elevate other clean skins. With foreign investment stalling, an economy now moribund, Sanan's conviction investing the stink of corruption to the Democrats, and the Thai proclivity for getting bored and changing governments just for the fun of it, the ruling Democrats face an almost insurmountable task. Yet a conservative voter may benefit by pausing to consider the alternatives - for the leading contenders offer little different, and possibly much worse of what Thais already have. That is the legacy and the reality of a system built on favours, patronage, face and kick backs. There still is room for a major reform party in Thailand, if ordinary Thais (and the middle class have the most immediate responsibility) have the commitment and fortitude to support it. And of the existing élites, the Democrats are starting from way ahead, despite yesterday's blow. Political uncertainty is a major factor behind the recent stock market and currency woes, and has put on hold the major business investments that a Thailand serious about accountability, reform and performance so richly deserves. The next few months are critical in Thai politics, and the election result is being keenly awaited by business as an indicator that more than just the NCCC are serious about the country, rather than individual advantage.
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© Asian Business Strategy & Street Intelligence Ezine 2000
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