Stop offering the wai to bent MPs, graft meet told

Academics have proposed the public adopt "social sanctions" against corrupt politicians, saying law enforcement is not enough to ensure they maintain ethical standards.

The proposal was raised at a seminar entitled: "Ethical governance of politicians and reform in Thailand" attended by academics, political experts and representatives from the National Legislative Assembly and National Reform Council (NRC).

The seminar was held to come up with ideas on tackling corruption among politicians and ensuring they remain ethical.

"Politicians with no virtue must face some kind of social sanction," said NRC member Sangsit Piriyarangsan.

"People should not wai [a Thai greeting showing respect] dishonest people," said Mr Sangsit who is also dean of the College of Social Innovation at Rangsit University.

The public must show their contempt for corruption and those who practice it, and shame dishonest characters into seeing the error of their ways, he suggested.

"If people stay alert [to unethical acts], they are likely to impose social sanctions to get their way," Mr Sangsit said.

"Crooked people will then think twice, especially if confronted with social sanctions en masse," he added.

Supporters of wider participation by society in the fight against graft said public disapproval would give added teeth to current anti-corruption mechanisms, which depend mainly on the limited power of independent organisations to act against politicians who exploit democracy for their own interests.

Seminar participants said society has become more aware of corruption and other political shenanigans so now would be a good time to look at providing ways for the public to hold politicians accountable.

Participants lamented current procedures for keeping politicians in check.

NLA member and former National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Klanarong Chanthik, said one legal procedure which looks good on paper but is ineffective in practice is impeachment by the Senate.

A law says three-fifths of senators are required to vote for impeachment, but this hardly ever occurs because votes often fall short, he said.

NRC member Phondet Pinprathip suggested a body be set up to help agencies boost their investigative powers when confronted with graft in the state sector.