As a result, the only controls on conflict-of-interest in Thailand at present are those
exercised by the media and civil society. The costs incurred to stay in power, and to
prevent getting found out, are increasing. Both reserves of power and reserves of
money are being used for these purposes. And the consequences are far-reaching. If
the political temperature has risen so much lately, and mercury has started going
backwards, it is not because of the conflicting egos of a few prominent individuals but
because of the fundamental problem of conflict of interest.