A true defender takes over

Unfazed by critics of the rice pledging programme, the new commerce permanent secretary vows full support for the scheme.

Published: 15 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Business

Vatchari Vimooktayon has been in the media spotlight regularly since taking the helm at the Internal Trade Department in 2010.

One of her main roles is to monitor product prices and to further the government's price control policies designed to help alleviate the cost of living for the average consumer.

Once again, her name has come into the spotlight as she was appointed the new permanent secretary replacing Yanyong Phuangrach and became the first female commerce permanent secretary amid scepticism that her promotion was politically motivated and a reward for what she has done in compliance with Pheu Thai's populist policies.

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spiceman
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Discussion 12 : 15 Oct 2012 at 09.3112
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Khun Bj#2, any Americans who chooses to serve in Govt will live under a Cod of Conduct, as long as one remains in Govt, including the US Arm Forces. This includes prohibiting public political speech, but privately, one can say whatever one feel like. If Seh Daeng, during the bloody Red Shirts' Uprising not too long ago, was a member of US Arm Forces, he would be summoned to stand in a court martial, which, ironically, would save him from that mysterious sniper's bullet to his head, and he would still be alive today. For that alone, the Code of Conduct would have served its purpose.
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waters
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Discussion 11 : 15 Oct 2012 at 09.0711
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"She also announced that she will fight all forms of criticism from academics who oppose the rice pledging scheme."

Wow! Now that's a true Thaksin disciple speaking. Why let the truth, the facts, or even logic get in the way? She'll reach new heights in this administration as long as she dances to Thaksin's idiotic tunes.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 10 : 15 Oct 2012 at 08.4610
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"well-being of the majority of Thai people ..." Need I point out once again that rice farmers are not the majority of the people. Of an estimated 70 million Thais, only 25 million are farmers of any kind. That means the remaining 45 million are not farmers. If the government want to help the rice farmers, so be it. But kindly do not play games with numbers.
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spiceman
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Discussion 9 : 15 Oct 2012 at 08.419
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Khun BJ#5, of course, she can express her personal opinion, either for or against the Govt privately, with her family and friends, but not publicly. Any private US citizens enjoy full freedom of speech, however, those who choose to serve in Govt, including the US Arm Forces live under a Code of Conduct, which limiting freedom of speech, which excluding public political speech. A good example is when Seh Daeng publicly criticized the Govt during the Red Shirt Uprising at Ratchaprasong not too long ago, which would result in an immediate court martial if he was a member of the US Arm Forces. And ironically, he would probably still be alive today.
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dickemery
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Discussion 8 : 15 Oct 2012 at 08.168
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well she doesnt look like a farmers wife,look more like another cabinet,s diamond dealer,but l guess if she says its ok then we have to believe her ,as she knows best ?
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pjt
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Discussion 7 : 15 Oct 2012 at 08.017
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I wonder why Khun Vatchari cannot see the conflict between the rice pledging scheme, whose purpose and effect (if successful and to avoid huge losses) will be to raise rice prices to domestic consumers as well as foriegners, and her previous role which was to control and reduce the cost of living. The farmers who will actually benefit under this scheme are not the majority of Thais. The majority of Thais will be worse off due to inflated rice prices
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mitrapaap
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Discussion 6 : 15 Oct 2012 at 07.056
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Even though she has a background one would believe makes her understand the farmer's problems, she will finally work for those who pay her - and that's not the farmers.
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khunbj
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Discussion 5 : 15 Oct 2012 at 06.495
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D2 Spiceman ... So what you are telling us is that in the US there is no freedom of speech ? Can't see that she made any polical speech either, she was maybe asked some questions and answered, the only political matter in the article is added by the writer who shows his/her opinion instead of reporting the news.
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khunbj
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Discussion 4 : 15 Oct 2012 at 06.364
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This appointment was news the 22nd August when she was a appointed, A great part of this article is used for airing the writers political views or maybe that of disgruntled men that was bypassed when a woman was elected., so I reckon it should have been posted under Opinions instead of under Business. It is about time that Thailand get's women into the top positions in the Thai administration, this will lead to less bickering and more work done.
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spiceman
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Discussion 3 : 15 Oct 2012 at 06.323
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Khun Wyle #1, you are exactly correct. Govt should not discriminate one group of law-abiding citizens against the others, as everyone of us deserves equal protection of the law, except the criminals, of course.
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A true defender takes over | Bangkok Post: business