Bangkok: Associate Professor Dr. Pichai Ratanadilok Na Phuket has highlighted the pressing issue of black capital influencing Thai politics, urging the government to take decisive action against corruption. Dr. Pichai, who serves as the Director of the PhD Program in Politics and Development Strategy at NIDA, expressed his concerns during an appearance on the "Share Lao Khao Ded" program aired on MCOT NEWS FM 100.5.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pichai discussed the Orange Party's proposal to combat scammers, lottery quotas, and illegal capital, which has sparked public interest in addressing these structural challenges. Historically, Thai politics has been dominated by influential figures known as "big houses," who have engaged in vote-buying, corruption, and extortion. These practices have allowed them to consolidate power and continue their influence through financial means.
In recent years, a new group has emerged, involved in online gambling, scammer businesses, and drug networks. This group has leveraged their illicit earnings to gain protection from state mechanisms and officials. Their influence has extended to Thai politics, particularly in local elections, and has reached an international level. They have been known to buy state power, manipulating the justice system through weak investigations and unindicted arrests, thereby maintaining their societal presence.
Dr. Pichai warned that if this trajectory persists, Thailand's future would be in jeopardy. He called for the government to address these issues with urgency, criticizing the slow response to making them a national agenda. The lack of action, particularly regarding the mule account issue, has raised concerns about the government's respect for societal expectations. Dr. Pichai emphasized that these problems are not mere political maneuvers but are deeply rooted in the country's societal structure.
Moreover, Dr. Pichai commented on the political shifts, such as the resignation of Democrat Party MPs to join the Kla Tham Party, reflecting a shared perspective with their leader. Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party, despite being the opposition, seems uncertain about its role. Dr. Pichai urged the government to showcase its commitment by seizing assets worth hundreds of billions of baht from those using financial power to manipulate the political landscape. This, he believes, would break the cycle of corruption and restore integrity to Thai politics.