***The actions have ushered in a new era of Thai politics, in which the powers that have mocked the law are now in deep trouble. It will impel the political parties to seek paths of a cleaner election culture which appears to be a great victory for democracy and for the people of Thailand.***

THAILAND'S politics Is going through a cleansing operation by its Election Commission to root out corruption and vote-buying in elections. In less than two months two milestones in Thal democracy have been established signifying the most Important developments In politics.

When Thailand elected a new political charter In 1997. there is a view that even the drafters of the new constitution never expected that in less than two-and-half years the setting up of the new state institutions to watch corruption in politics would be so effective in the country. Two institutions, the Election Commission and the National Counter Corruption Committee, have become extremely vigilant and bold in their actions In the murky politics of the country.

Politicians were required to declare assets prior to the poll and they lost little sleep over it because they assumed that the watchdogs would have a loud bark ana not many teeth. The electorate was also sceptical of the new state watchdogs having any efficacy. The Thals hardly raised an eyebrow when campaigning for the first directly elected Senate, the candidates were Involved in the usual mire ofgVote-buying and mud-sling-

Inltlal results showed that the Senate, formerly regarded as a place for retired generals and senior government officials. was still 'a club' for the wives and the relatives of senior ministers and top civil servants. Most of the winning candidates In the Senate came from the well-heeled political elite of Thai society. But the Election Commission failed to endorse the victories of 78 candidates including those who were wives and sisters of three ministers and two former police chiefs.

There was widespread disbelief among the elite as to who could challenge the validity of the elections in respect to the elite of the society. Tnese groups of people in the high society were "untouchables". This is for the first time the Election Commission came down with a heavy hand. The' jkiblishlng of

the list of disqualified candidates, dubbed the “role of shame" by an incredulous media, Is unprecedented In Thal election-history.

The Election Commission has ordered new polls for 78 seats In 35 provinces on April 22. The Election Commission has declared that It will hold as many polls as necessary to ensure candidates win by fair means. This appears to be a tough stand for the Commission

Hardly the news of the action of the Election Commission died down, the National Counter Corruption Committee indicted one of the most powerful men in the land for allegedly falsifying his assets. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Mr. Sanan Kachorn-prasart, cominly known as "Mr Teflon" (no allegation sticks to him) for allegedly dodging all sorts of wrongdoings over the years, had to resign. This action is also unprecedented in Thai politics.

More surprises are expected with the corruption watchdog investigating another five cases. Media reports suggest that the biggest casualty could be Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban. the Minister of Transport, another powerful figure In the government. The senior politicians have never been brought to courts to answer corruption charges.

In the developing countries democratic traditions are often warped by influence and money. Politicians are allowed to take the advantage of the "culture" of vote-buying to win the elections and Thailand was no exception. The two Thai institutions clearly have the will, determination and the teeth to corruption in high

These actions have ushered in a new era of Thai politics, in which the powers that have mocked the law are now in deep trouble. It will Impel the political parties to seek paths of a cleaner election culture which apjiears to be a great victory for democracy’ and for the people of Thailand.

The author, a barrister, is former Ambassador to the UN Ui Europe. Geneva.