I’m now totally convinced that Thais forget things easily. Two months have passed, but there is nothing whatsoever to hold anybody accountable for the fatalities of nearly 100 men and the injuries of over 1,000. It was as if they were not existent, and thus their departure went unnoticed.

I’m also convinced that it is hard to uproot social division, as rather than the deaths of Thais, many have a better memory of the fire that burnt some buildings in the inner Bangkok – the fire that united some Thais in a cleaning scheme and leads to the controversial TV commercial “Thailand, we apologise”.

I have a strong doubt how capable the reform committee would be in addressing the problem at its root.

Realising the deep division, people in the business circle for the first time realise that they could not stay idly. A joint movement is being formed, to address key problems that they believe to have caused this disaster. Matter-of-factly, they hit the heart of the problem, with the joint effort to eradicate corruption.

A leading businessman admitted that the bureaucratic system offers corruption opportunities. Without clear timeframes of licensing, for example, government officials can hold on applications. If you want it fast, you have to pay. For people who do not have money, they resort to help, mostly from rich relatives or powerful politicians. This could be returned by lifetime supports to the relatives, ie free labour at parties, or endless votes for the politicians. Yes, in Thai society where seniority and power rules, this nurtures the patronage system. This would go away only when fairness is granted to all, through a fair and transparent system.

Corruption is at every level. A private school which relies on the government’s financial supports doctored the number of students for higher funds, with approval from the government’s representatives who are offered presents and some tips. Police officers twist the rules to take bribes from motorists, charging them of not attaching the registration document on the windshield. Indeed, the Land Transport Department then allows all not to attach it, but they have to make it available for inspection.

Being a girl from a remote district in Khon Kaen, I knew some interesting development. I will share it with you here.

Even when I was young, Chumphae district was remembered as a dusty town, being a major junction for the shipment from Muang district and provinces beyond to the Northern routes, and vice versa. As a busy town, there were business opportunities. Like in the movie shot decades ago, there were Chao Phor who were nobody than influential figures with extensive business or a large base of supporters. These figures befriended with police and their businesses ran smoothly. On special occasions like New Year, presents were given in return.

Laymen needed to befriend with these influential figures, for their own protection from bully or for some financial supports when needy.

As the number of those benefiting from the patronage system grew, the influential figures ended up being politicians or vote buyers for politicians. Being a politician meant you can award someone a government contract, for something in return. And being close to politicians, you were entitled to some protection and supports. This only strengthened their positions and the story goes on and on.

The situation improves largely now. The hospital is being enlarged and better services are on offer. Roads are expanded in all directions. But influential figures remain in power, thanks to their established status. It is known that in a village, who are politicians’ representatives. When election comes, it is known before hand who would win more votes from the village. Challenges could mean death as everybody knows each other, which explains why killings are rampant in the election season.

Politicians themselves need to work hard in nurturing the relationship. When their men’s sons reach the ordination age, they become sponsors. When their men’s parents die, they finance the funeral service. When their men’s relatives are caught by police for some violation, they broker for a release.

In the national level, that explains why politicians want to be ministers, who are in charge of budget allocation. Budgets could be allocated to their constituencies, to benefit their men and to win supports from villagers. Eventually, a new road is extended to a remote village, thanks to the man villagers voted for. That also explains why politicians can’t stop being greedy. Their wealth must be strengthened to ensure the power continuity. Yes, the power is sweet.

Given this scenario, ones may see no possibility in breaking the vicious cycle. I’m not that pessimistic, though. After all the chaos earlier this year, I think it’s time for a change and all should lend a hand if they don’t want to witness more fatalities or more burning of leading shopping centres.

To be continued in Part III.