PHUKET: A note slipped under a door at the weekend is likely to provoke an investigation into corruption in the Phuket holiday haven of Patong today.
The note accused Kobchai Truktrongkit, secretary to the Mayor of Patong, of collecting corrupt payments from the local market shops - and it was slipped under his door.
''I am taking the matter up immediately with the Public-sector Anti-Corruption Commission,'' Khun Kobchai told Phuketwan today. ''I am being slandered by the people circulating these lies.''
Khun Kobchai has his own shop in Patong. He will be visiting the Damrungtam complaints office at Phuket Provincial Hall today to talk to PACC officials and make a complaint.
According to the note, written in Thai with Khun Kobchai's photograph as well, the Patong Mayor's secretary collects up to 20,000 baht a month from shops in Patong's OTOP (one village one product) market, in Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road opposite the Holiday Inn Resort.
Khun Kobchai is making his visit today with the backing of Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub.
Patong is known to be troubled by corrupt payments made to more than 14 government bodies or outlets. Burmese workers and those who venture into business are known to be among vulnerable targets.
Patong's nightlife bar and club managers recently were talking about a three-day strike to protest at the increasing levels or corruption but decided to negotiate with officials about extending opening hours from 2am instead.
The nightlife entrepreneurs make the point that most tourists who enjoy Patong after dark expect the entertainment to last into the early hours of the morning.
Other questions have been raised about possible corruption in relation to the jet-skis and parasails continuing to operate at Patong beach while all other commercial activities have been banned.
The note accused Kobchai Truktrongkit, secretary to the Mayor of Patong, of collecting corrupt payments from the local market shops - and it was slipped under his door.
''I am taking the matter up immediately with the Public-sector Anti-Corruption Commission,'' Khun Kobchai told Phuketwan today. ''I am being slandered by the people circulating these lies.''
Khun Kobchai has his own shop in Patong. He will be visiting the Damrungtam complaints office at Phuket Provincial Hall today to talk to PACC officials and make a complaint.
According to the note, written in Thai with Khun Kobchai's photograph as well, the Patong Mayor's secretary collects up to 20,000 baht a month from shops in Patong's OTOP (one village one product) market, in Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road opposite the Holiday Inn Resort.
Khun Kobchai is making his visit today with the backing of Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub.
Patong is known to be troubled by corrupt payments made to more than 14 government bodies or outlets. Burmese workers and those who venture into business are known to be among vulnerable targets.
Patong's nightlife bar and club managers recently were talking about a three-day strike to protest at the increasing levels or corruption but decided to negotiate with officials about extending opening hours from 2am instead.
The nightlife entrepreneurs make the point that most tourists who enjoy Patong after dark expect the entertainment to last into the early hours of the morning.
Other questions have been raised about possible corruption in relation to the jet-skis and parasails continuing to operate at Patong beach while all other commercial activities have been banned.
Vendors will submit honest and thorough reports what is going on only if they are sure that there will be no reprimand.
I am not sure we are already there at that point.
Posted by Sue on November 17, 2014 13:12