Let's keep it real in the rice field

COMMENTARY

Let's keep it real in the rice field

Published: 7 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Some 260 billion baht has already been spent on subsidising rice prices and another 405 billion baht will follow for the next farming season. If one were to view the rice pledging scheme from an economic perspective, surely one would see that it is full of holes. If one were to assume that the intention of the scheme is to better the lives of farmers, surely it's obvious that any benefits would be minimal and temporary. But if one were to look at the scheme from a realpolitik perspective, surely one would see its merits.

Oftentimes we misjudge a government policy because we misinterpret its motives and intentions, and such is the case with the rice pledging scheme. If one views the scheme in the big picture context of this ''sensitive and transitional period'' in Thai history, it can be understood as a sound strategy on the part of Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party.

Every move, every sneeze and every passing of wind from both sides of the political divide is for one goal only, complete political victory. For Thaksin, this means his return to Thailand, his being exonerated from any wrongdoings and his return to power. The wheels have been in motion over the past year of Pheu Thai's term.

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Ian
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Discussion 62 : 22 Nov 2012 at 11.4062
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It becomes tedious reading the constant outpourings of the anti Thaksin brigade, it is just like listening to my neighbour's constant complaints about his headaches, stomach upsets and general malaise, said neighbour cannot accept that 90% of his problems are caused by an excessive daily intake of alcohol. In like manner these Red haters cannot understand that Thaksin is simply part of a malaise that affects all of Thailand, they ignore the cause and simply attack the symptom.
Yet the real cause of this malaise stares you unashamedly in the face, it is a culture of corruption built and supported by a medieval, patriarchal system.
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davidb98
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Discussion 61 : 08 Oct 2012 at 17.2061
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D58 if massive corruption and vote buying is how to win elections.... why is it that the Democrat Party formed in 1940/50s and well known for corruption and vote buying has never won an election?
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bluebottle
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Discussion 60 : 08 Oct 2012 at 12.4460
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Subsidising deters progress.
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brilliant
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Discussion 59 : 08 Oct 2012 at 02.5459
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englishjon - "This is what we find so repulsive about PT : they are not the only offendors, but they go about their corrupt work with a total disregard of what damage they are doing to their country.
At least Abhisit has some personal integrity : I have seen none in any PT politician yet (and I'm looking hard)."

Well said! But you will never convince farang red lovers of anything. They think they are fitting into Thai culture by ignoring the corruption, lies, and deceit and just say "it's the Thai way" instead of trying to better a place they claim to love. Dom is the worst of the lot.
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brilliant
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Discussion 58 : 08 Oct 2012 at 02.4258
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jib - "PTP is simply giving the electorate what they want, and that's why they win elections."

Yes, massive corruption and free handouts. That's what will make Thailand better! Glad to see you don't mince words, that you're all for massive theft and vote buying.
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domdunnn
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Discussion 57 : 07 Oct 2012 at 23.2757
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upena D50

This is the first year that India has allowed the export of any but Basmati rice, so naturally its exports will increase, the expectation is by about 30%. Pakistan also has less domestic requirement and is pushing exports. Vietnam is suffering from this shift in the rice market and its export target for 2012 is the same as for 2011.
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domdunnn
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Discussion 56 : 07 Oct 2012 at 22.5056
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khunpaul D49

Exactly! That was the sum total of AV's "opposition" to the coup. Pathetic! And when they didn't follow his 'advice', nothing. Pathetic!
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kevo
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Discussion 55 : 07 Oct 2012 at 21.4255
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The PTP academics are using the Keynesian Economic theory (injecting money into the economy to stimulate spendings) to rationalize this policy. Economic wise, this sounds reasonable. But it's suicidal in the long term.
Taksin can do whatever he wants, but I think he will never be able to step into to Thailand. His life will be in danger, as there are too many people who hate him.
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aussie
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Discussion 54 : 07 Oct 2012 at 21.1454
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I much prefer a green knight and bloodless tank parade in the streets of Bangkok , as someone obviously didn`t take the hint the first time around !
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democrazy
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Discussion 53 : 07 Oct 2012 at 20.0653
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D.39 This is how you manipulate your democraZy.
It is a FACT that 45 million people did not vote for this corrupt Gov.
These 45 million people are the big majority and they all have a voice too.
The mayhem in 2009,2010 is more then proof that the red-shirts and their master in Dubai will never ever accept a Gov from the Democrat Party. How much do you get paid for each post ?
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Let's keep it real in the rice field | Bangkok Post: opinion