Hit-and-run case a hot potato for Thai government

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Note the role of the media here in applying pressure on the relevant authorities to take the proper action...Under the glare of the media, it is more difficult for privileged people or powerful organizations to get away with their actions, and for the govt to engage in corruption.

Realise also that the power of the people today is very much tied to the role of the media. The voice of the people means little if it cannot be heard; the media helps to make this possible by bringing like voices together, as well as amplifying it....

Compare also to the Monica Baey incident, as well as recent peeping or sexual assault cases by local university students who were allegedly let off with a lighter sentence as university students are seen to have a 'promising future' ahead of them. In such cases, public outcry over the media is instrumental in exerting pressure  and sending a signal to the relevant authorities to relook the case and even the law itself....

"This is probably the first case where the prime minister has appointed such a committee in response to a public outcry," Dr Pareena Srivanit, dean of Chulalongkorn University's law school and a member of Mr Prayut's panel, told The Straits Times. "It's a demonstration of 'people power'."

For now, Thais who grew up watching the rich buy their way out of the system are refusing to ease off on their demand for answers.

Thailand's richest 10 per cent owned 76.6 per cent of the kingdom's wealth

Young people have staged demonstrations, which have grown, in recent weeks. They have broached even erstwhile taboo topics like Thailand's powerful monarchy. It is not surprising then, that protesters have seized upon Mr Vorayuth's case as a glaring example of government corruption

"The Red Bull case reflects (the entitlements of) young elite businessmen who come from high society and whose families are closely linked to those in power."

"If the government does not do anything about it, society will say it is trying to protect this family,"

Qns:

1. 'Power now lies in the hands of individuals.' Discuss. (CJC Mid-Yr J2 Prelim 2020)

2. To what extent is it possible ‘to make the punishment fit the crime’? (Cam. 2013)