Border area corruption drives away investors<\/p>\n
BANGKOK (AFP): Corrupt police officials along the Thai-
\nMalaysian border have taken on the dark image of mafia-style
\nbosses, souring investment opportunities for both countries,
\nofficials charged in a local daily yesterday.<\/p>\n
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi said immigration
\npolice had been extorting bribes from businessmen in Thai border
\nprovinces to the point that they had become the \"single biggest
\nobstacle to investment between our two countries,\" The Nation
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He told the paper he had officially complained to the interior
\nministry, which would look into the matter.<\/p>\n
Supachai has been negotiating with Malaysian authorities to
\nkeep border check-points open longer, to lengthen visa stays and
\nto persuade police to accept credit cards rather than just
\npassports as identification of tourists and businessmen,
\naccording to The Nation report.<\/p>\n
But police officials have been extorting visitors \"despite my
\nefforts,\" he was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n
Thai immigration chief Lieutenant-General Kiatisak Prapawat
\nwas reported as saying some officials within his ranks resembled
\nthe mafia-style bosses they were supposed to be fighting.<\/p>\n
\"I'm worried that our country's reputation will suffer if
\nthings keep going on this way,\" he was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n
Kiatisak has promised harsh punishment for corrupt police.
\nOfficials could not be reached for comment Monday on the report.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/border-area-corruption-drives-away-investors-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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