This is just an accusation at this point but when I, and anyone else that keeps any sort of track of politics or government in this country hears that at the top level of government there are cash bribes that are taking place it surprises exactly zero people.
That is what is apparently happening now though and the funny thing about it is the reaction of some of the elected officials who in a dramatic way proceeded to have a "shock and awe" reaction to the news.
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What is going on right now is that the Thai Parliament is trying to censure the Prime Minister and this action, if it is successful is about as effective as a mother putting taking her son's phone from him and putting it on the high shelf when he is taller than her. It's kind of like when they impeached Bill Clinton for lying under oath only even less effective. It will change absolutely nothing about any of his powers and is merely a political stunt that I am not sure why it even exists.
Just like we see in most places in the world it seems as though the political thought process is divided 50 / 50 or thereabouts in the national parliaments and therefore nothing ever changes. In order to keep their positions these MP's need to keep themselves in the spotlight and appear to be doing something to remain relevant and re-elect-able.
There was meant to be bags of 5 million baht handed to various ministers in exchange for their support.
One MPis quoted as saying “This is outrageous! This corruption! Just because he wants to stay on in his position, MPs are receiving five million baht each from him in his room. Is this possible in Thailand?”
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PM Prayut is a very unpopular Prime Minister but then again, every Prime Minister is going to be unpopular when your country has a 50 / 50 split as far as political affiliation is concerned. The politician that said "Is this possible in Thailand?" I question whether or not he has ever lived in Thailand because yes it is possible and you know that not only is is possible but it is the norm. Bribes and back-handers are the name of the game for almost any interaction with government officials. It is practically built into their salary and is a relatively normal part of the process.
They didn't say who the MP was that was aghast about bribes existing in Thailand was but I would be willing to bet that this very same person has accepted a ton of bribes over the course of his or her career and will also continue to do so.
I don't like Prayut and would like to see him out of office, but come off of your your high horse already. :P
By they way when the CCTV footage of the room in question was examined and the transfer of money was not seen the opposing party simply accused the other party of tampering with the CCTV system.
As an American it is sometimes nice to see that other countries' government is just as ineffective and stupid as ours is.