SOME governors of provinces in Thailand pay up to 20 million baht to win appointment, a former permanent secretary of the Ministry of the Interior has alleged.
Paitoon Boonyawat, who sought early retirement, made his comments at the weekend and was widely reported in the Thai media.
''Lots of people are offering lots of money this season to gain these positions,'' he said.
The allegations were denied by the current permanent secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Manit Wattanasan.
''It's not true,'' he said. ''Khun Paitoon has his own motives for making these allegations.''
Governors traditionally change around April in the traditional annual ''monsoon'' that sees jobs being shuffled.
Khun Paitoon said the money being offered varied depending on the position being sought.
Most of it was because of jockeying among the leading political parties for position for the next national election, he said, with governors and district administrators able to organise voting blocs of supporters.
''One candidate for governor has offered 20 million baht, and a candidate for vice governor has offered 17 million baht,'' he said.
''District administrators are offering 10 million baht.''
One former Deputy Prime Minister under the Thai Rak Thai Party still has control of the Interior Ministry and the Transport Ministry because of the way positions are sold, Khun Paitoon said.
A bar in the southern Phuket beach destination of Rawai has been destroyed in a blaze. Police have yet to determine whether the fire that razed Roxanne Bar was deliberately lit or not.
A meeting on Monday represents Phuket's best chance yet to change for the better. The island's governor will hear the views of international representatives for the first time.
Figures for Phuket flight arrivals and departures in January produce record numbers as the island's ability to recover from natural and manmade disasters shines through.
Phuket's Governor has thrown his weight behind extending opening hours in Patong to 4am. He has also disclosed that he is seeking to extend his time as governor.
A high powered meeting has blamed Airports of Thailand for the excessive cost of airport taxis, and for shoddy service to tourists. Bangkok heavyweights listened to the crticism.
Record traffic through Phuket airport is a sign that crisis marketing and discounts are working. But the big spenders may not be back for another season and Phuket's excesses remain a turn-off.
Police promotions are done in the same way. The higher the rank, the greater the share of fines you get.
Posted by Anonymous on February 9, 2010 02:52