Academics may petition ombudsman

Published: 4 Oct 2012 at 13.46
Online news:

If the charter court turns down their petition against the government's rice price scheme, lecturers and students of Thammasat University and the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) will then submit it to the Office of the Ombudsman instead, a spokesman for the group said on Thursday.

Praipol Khumsap, a lecturer at Thammasat University, said Office of the Ombudsman would be asked to freeze the controversial populist policy.

The rice scheme opens ways for corruption and that would be damaging to the country, he added.

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DONHUAN
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Discussion 3 : 05 Oct 2012 at 17.543
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It would be far better for these group comprising 146 lecturers and students from the Nida and Thammasat University to find practical solutions to address the farmers’ concerns while at the same time garner support from a wide spectrum of the general public through the new media outlets. Obtain vital information and feed backs from the farmers themselves so that they have a better understanding of the overall issues in order to help the farmers improve their livelihood. Also conduct comparative studies of other countries experiences on rice / income program in relation to this rice pledging scheme. Finally compile, formulate and consult experts on this subject-matter into a formal document as a basis in which other interested parties can scrutinized and contribute.
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bystander
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Discussion 2 : 04 Oct 2012 at 17.232
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I've said this before and will gladly repeat myself. Publish monthly reports on:

1. How much rice is in storage and where
2. How much rice is sold, from where, to whom, and for how much
3. How much rice is mortgaged by the farmers, where, and when

The government can then prove that there is no corruption, and that they are not losing money. (if this is indeed true)

The opposition and government critics can then prove if there is corruption

The only reason for the government not to publish this information is if there is corruption or if they are trying to hide the facts.
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bula
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Discussion 1 : 04 Oct 2012 at 15.271
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If the rice scheme opens ways for corruption, then arrest those who exploit the scheme to break the law. Punish the law breakers, not the rice farmers who work hard for their living. The oppositions should be happy that they are now corrupt government officers and ministers they can exposed.
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Academics may petition ombudsman | Bangkok Post: business