Government incapable of ending graft, says poll

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha delivers a speech in an event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on Dec 9, 2017. Most of the people surveyed in a Suan Dusit poll cast doubt on his government's ability to crack down on corruption. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Almost half of the Thai population think the government will be unable to solve the corruption problem that has plagued government offices and the monastic circle - and another third are unsure - because the problem is so deep-rooted in Thai society, Suan Dusit Poll suggested on Sunday.

Asked which corruption cases have most alarmed them, 42.03% cited corruption in the school lunch programme; 40% the embezzlement of temple funds; 37% the embezzlement of funds for low-income earners; 21.06% government spending on various projects; and 20.68% corruption in various Education Ministry programmes.

Asked for the main causes of corruption, a majority of respondents - 68.35% - mentioned greed and selfishness; 28.42% loopholes in the audit system; 19.30% leniency in penalties on wrongdoers; 17.11% change in social values; and 14.83% a stagnant economy and low salaries.

Asked whether the government will be able to solve the corruption problem, almost half of respondents - 47.50% - said 'No', because corruption is so ingrained in Thai society; 32.54% were uncertain; and 19.96% said the government could tackle graft effectively if it's serious about it, because a number of corruption cases have been solved.

The poll was conducted on 1,122 people throughout the country on June 12-16.