Thaksin: Extend rice policy

Published: 24 Sep 2012 at 15.40
Online news: News

The government's rice purchase programme should be extended for several more years, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Monday, rejecting criticism that it has increased public debt and encouraged corruption.

A farmer uses rice harvesting machine to harvest rice. (Photo by Chinawat Singha)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, implemented the price- support policy with the stated aim of boosting incomes of farming families, whose support helped her Pheu Thai Party win the general election last year.

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dao
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Discussion 34 : 25 Sep 2012 at 09.4034
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Translation of that nonsense is .I dont care if I waste taxpayer money paying out farmers because they will love me if I keep this destructive program up .What do you think the farmers will do when the price drops back down ? Do you think the farmers are going to save the extra money .LOL They are in debt already .If they werent the money would be quickly spent on a truck payment putting them further in debt .This scam is loyalty payment plan on a massive scale by a fugitive who has to buy time because he hasnt figured out how to weasel his way back in the country .
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brilliant
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Discussion 33 : 25 Sep 2012 at 02.4433
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ringmaster - "Because the arrest warrant is based upon a Thai court decision and because the political party he is associated with has won every national election since 2001."

Therein lies the problem. You find it acceptable for the government to override and/or ignore and/or control the judiciary.
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victor Careford

Discussion 32 : 25 Sep 2012 at 02.3332
D27: won or bought elections since 2001? Please take those rose tinted spectacles off!
from iPhone application.
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bikeme
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Discussion 31 : 25 Sep 2012 at 00.4431
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A question ... how many millions of rai of ricefields does Thaksin own? How much does he stand to profit from this government price manipulation scheme? Millions perhaps billions of baht?
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soltair
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Discussion 30 : 24 Sep 2012 at 23.1430
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Why are we still listening to him, his proven track record is clear, not to be trusted, he will say anything without any shame and back track regularly.
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englishbob
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Discussion 29 : 24 Sep 2012 at 22.5029
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Disc15KhunBJ
I answered once, but it wasn't published.
Agricultural subsidies are given under the Common Agricultural Policy for many reasons. They are controversial and I disagree with their use...

However, what does that have to do with this subject? Nothing.
It's a way for you to pretend that Thaksin's rice plan is something other than a vote-bribe using other people's money.

Pointing out other people's wrongdoings does not negate Peua Thai's wrongdoings.
Pointing out other people are corrupt doesn't mean Thaksin should remain unpunished.
This policy is a hugely expensive, unmitigated disaster. But it's also a way for PT MPs in Isaan to indulge in massive graft.
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boons
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Discussion 28 : 24 Sep 2012 at 22.3728
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I'm sorry, *who* says the scheme should be extended? A criminal fugitive who is hiding abroad has some 'opinion' on government policy? Why is this important? A more appropriate article would be one which clarified his opinions on prison food and cellmates.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 27 : 24 Sep 2012 at 22.2927
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D25 - To answer your question, "how a man with an arrest warrant out on him can be allowed to publically dictate his opinions to the current government and NOBODY involved in administering the Law makes a single move to stop his blatant interferring in the control of the country?"...

Because the arrest warrant is based upon a Thai court decision and because the political party he is associated with has won every national election since 2001.
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Silkpit
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Discussion 26 : 24 Sep 2012 at 22.1326
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Thaksin is the ultimate Opportunits in all his business affairs and political manoevering.
Then again, this is very much the Thai way of life in general.
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eyeofhorus
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Discussion 25 : 24 Sep 2012 at 21.5925
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Can anyone tell me how a man with an arrest warrant out on him can be allowed to publically dictate his opinions to the current government and NOBODY involved in administering the Law makes a single move to stop his blatant interferring in the control of the country?
Stop this nonsense.
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