Thailand to have a different brand of anti

Thailand to have a different brand of anti-corruption commission?

According to a pamphlet that came into S.H.A.N.'s possession recently, a group of concerned Thais are to form a "private" anti-corruption force called Dark Garuda. 

The pamphlet, dated 10 August, and signed by Na Jatura, a pseudonym used by a concerned patriot, believed by S.H.A.N.'s source to enjoy considerable status and influence in Thai society, exhorts his readers to cooperate in fighting corruption in Thailand. 

He quotes Sophon Petchsawang, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, saying out of the kingdom's annual budget of B. 900 billion, some B. 200 billion (22.2%) have been pocketed by corrupt politicians who buy votes to win elections. 

"If they can buy votes, they can also buy the country," he writes. 

"And if the buyer is either a foreigner or there's a foreigner behind it all, then our country will become his". 
To prevent this mishap, he urges all those concerned to form Black Garuda (half-man half-bird mythical being) a clandestine organization based on Japan's Black Dragon. 

According to the pamphlet, a corrupt Japanese minister had been stabbed to death by Black Dragon members. 
The Black Garuda concept was introduced to Thailand by the late Maj-Gen. Luang Vichitwatakarn, a prolific writer-patriot who flourished during Marshal Pibulsongkram's days. 

Na Jatura encloses his address: P.O. Box 49, Huamark P.O., Bangkok 10243. 

Thailand is to hold its next general elections on 6 January next year. 

Garuda is the official symbol of Thailand.