Thailand’s proposed death penalty for corruption a stunt, experts say
Those convicted of corruption in Thailand involving more than one billion baht could face the death penalty under a new proposal. A proposal by the Thai government to impose the death penalty in some corruption cases is largely “for show”, according to analysts. Under plans approved by the junta-appointed National Reform Steering Committee, officials convicted of corruption involving sums of money above one billion baht ($28.1m) would be executed by lethal injection. The plans also dictate that officials found guilty of corrupt practices worth less than 1 billion baht could face up to five years in jail. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai political scholar self-exiled in Japan, said while the proposal was an effort by the junta to show that it is “serious about battling the problem with corruption”, it is likely an empty gesture. “I think it is more for show. This is because even those associated with the junta are also tainted by corruption scandals,” Pavin said, mentioning corruption allegations levied against the brother of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha for allegedly securing military and construction contracts for family members.
