According to data from the national corruption office, the newly sworn in 36 head strong government of Thailand consists mainly of US$-millionaires. Prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of former Prime Minister and media champion Thaksin Shinawatra (overthrown in a military coup, exiled and accused for corruption charges), herself has declared 8 cars, a rather nice house and almost 17 million US$.
Noteworthy! The governing party, the reds, was mostly voted into office by the poorest of Thai society and has its strongest supporter base in the rural poor north of the country. Therefore, it’s a valid question why do these neglected farmers support a bunch of millionaires who obviously have very little common with them? The answer could partly lie in the combined media and financial power of the Thaksin’s red party. Also, the “yellow” party is not necessarily any closer to the life and the worries of the peasants. The other noteworthy thing is that politicians actually have to declare their assets! A commendable practice that would suit well some self-declared western democracy champions. Now, the corruption agency and voters just have to do the next logical step and start asking where the money does come from.
Source: The Guardian
