Farmers fail to see big picture

EDITORIAL

Published: 4 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The rallies by farmer groups in front of the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) in Bangkok, Suphan Buri and Chiang Mai to show their support for the government's rice pledging scheme should not come as a total surprise. It is a normal phenomenon in a democracy where every individual is entitled to free expression.

But the farmer groups' anger vented against the 100-plus Nida academics and students who earlier petitioned the Constitution Court to challenge the constitutionality of the rice pledging scheme seems to be misplaced and unwarranted. In other words, the groups appear to have misunderstood the real intention and the wish of the petitioners.

Like many other critics of this populist scheme, including Central Bank chairman Virabongsa Ramangkura, the Nida group wants the project amended to plug all the loopholes so real farmers will be the only ones that benefit from it _ and not corrupt politicians and officials, unscrupulous millers, rice smugglers as well as some exporters with good political connections who appear to have reaped a windfall from this project.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

spiceman
Post : 3,475
Send message

Discussion 2 : 04 Oct 2012 at 05.372
Post this to my Facebook
I don't think we can really blame the farmers for not seeing "big picture." Thai people in general have very poor knowledge of Economics, because they have not been taught anything about basic economic theories, especially, different economic schools of thought, say Socialism vs Capitalism, along with its pros and cons. So, when will we begin teaching them basic Economics, beginning at high-school level, so they will be able to see the "big Picture," and cast their votes accordingly?
Like dislike 46 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
Aussie John
Post : 837
Send message

Discussion 1 : 04 Oct 2012 at 05.151
Post this to my Facebook
There is no need to petition, as the scheme will self implode on its own as it seems only massive loses will bring the government around to reforming yet another plan that fails abysmally to help those it was meant for. There doesn't seem to be anyone honest enough in the present government to admit that rampant corruption is destroying the future of not only the country's agricultural prowess but also its promises of working for the very people that saw them voted in the first place. There has to be a solution to breaking the entrenched corruption which is so tightly entwined to the archaic patronage system.
Like dislike 43 people liked / 5 people disliked this comment

First Previous 1 2 3

Farmers fail to see big picture | Bangkok Post: opinion