700,000 Trucks Parked As Truck Drivers Go On A Nation-wide Strike

[waza]

Bangkok Post English continues to get worse.

How do you 'solve a cost'? This is Thai.

Thai News gets in on the act.

The word 'mob' has been borrowed from English and has come to mean 'crowd of protestors [of any sort]' in Thai. In English it specifically means a violent and unruly crowd. So if you are writing in English, please write in English.

Actually your definition is a relative new one, originally a Mob was...... A collection of animals, particularly if large in number -- often heard in reference to sheep, cattle or horses -- and especially for kangaroos.

[Marvo]

I think the Europeans protest over the amount of TAX revenue the governments are raking in due to the high fuel prices. I don't think the Thai government has too much room to manoevre.

[JRinger]

A police officer walks next to a row of trailers parked on a Bangkok highway June 11. Thousands of truckers went on a strike in Thailand on Wednesday demanding government help against rising fuel prices.

Reuters

Tongyu claimed that about 120,000 trucks had stopped working in several provinces on Wednesday.

If it wasn't FRIDAY THE 13th, I'd pack up the family and grab the ole' lady and go for a long, drive. This could be the last chance in our life time to enjoy the safer roads, except for the lunatic bus drivers, they are definately the worst.....

Edited June 12, 2008 by JRinger

[sriracha john]

Another opportunity for the policy lacking government to acquiesce to another groups demands. I wonder who will be next up.

Teachers... and they didn't even need to march into town with hand-held whiteboards or flashcards...

Teachers and farmers to get debt assistance

Debt-ridden teachers and farmers are receiving a new lifeline, as the government is extending assistance to reduce their burden.

Pongsak Chewcharat, president of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank), after a meeting between Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat and related parties yesterday, said that to help teachers, their debts would be pooled. A mutual fund will then be launched to raise funds for refinancing. Teachers will then be indebted to a single creditor.

The fund's unit trusts will be sold to the public and bring in interest of roughly 4 per cent, plus investment in them will be tax deductible, Pongsak said.

"Teachers now shoulder interest rates of 5 per cent or higher. If they were offered a lower rate, their purchasing power would rise," he said.

The debts cover those borrowed from established institutions and unofficial financial sources. He said the Government Savings Bank, Krung Thai Bank, the Government Housing Bank, SME Bank and MFC Asset Management would collaborate to form this mutual fund, with MFC managing it.

It is estimated that 100,000 teachers nationwide shoulder about 150 Billion Baht of loans from established lenders alone.

Somchai said although teachers' debts would be transferred to the fund, teachers should exercise discipline in paying their debts.

Meanwhile, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has received applications for debt suspension from 296,335 farmers following Cabinet approval of the move.

The two-year suspension, running from this past April to March 2010, is designed to cover 334,535 farmers shouldering combined debts of 17.8 Billion Baht, with 296,335 farmers accounting for 94 per cent of those eligible, said president Thirapong Tangthirasunan.

Thirapong said about 200,000 farmers explained they could not finance debts due to unexpected expenses - mostly education fees for children and medical bills.

- The Nation (today)

[geriatrickid]

He added that higher fuel prices have made many products in the province about 20 percent more expensive than they were at the beginning of this year.

- The Irrawaddy (today)

Bingo.

Higher transportation costs will translate into higher retail prices. People will have less purchasing power unless wages keep pace.

As wages increase, businesses will have to raise prices to pay the wages, which will result in people having a decrease in purchasing power again.

The seeds of an inflationary spiral are now being sown.

In a few months time we can expect a harvest of Argentinian proportions. Unless someone brings a reality check to the table, it is not unreasonable to expect a Zimbabawe scenario. Maybe the geniuses at Treasury will just print more money? Hello Weimar republic.

[sriracha john]

Thousands of trucks poised to cause havoc in Bangkok over fuel prices

The government has until next Tuesday to subsidize fuel for truckers or face at least 100,000 vehicles coming into Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand — Tens of thousands of heavy trucks are threatening to cause havoc in the Thai capital while fishermen have begun burning their boats in nationwide protests against soaring prices of fuel and other essentials, protesters said Thursday.

The government has until next Tuesday to subsidize fuel for truckers or face at least 100,000 vehicles rumbling into already traffic-clogged Bangkok, said Thongyoo Khongkhan, secretary-general of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand.

Also protesting or planning to stage demonstrations in this still heavily agricultural nation were garlic, cabbage and rice farmers, along with fishermen.

A government spokesman said a budget has been allocated to subsidize some costs of the farmers, fishermen and transport workers.

"The government is trying its best to reduce the immediate problem of the various groups of protesters," said Natawut Saikau.

"The ongoing protests are not affecting the stability of the government but merely affecting the feelings of the people," he said.

Prices for some commodities, such as rice, have risen because of greater worldwide demand, but farmers complain that these have been offset by skyrocketing inflation spurred by soaring fuel prices.

Thongyoo said a half-day strike Wednesday by truckers who parked their vehicles on highways across the country was only a prelude to next week's possible push into Bangkok.

"Yesterday we merely showed our power by parking the trucks on the roads, but if the government fails to meet our demand, the federation has decided to make June 17 D-day when we will bring at least 100,000 trucks into Bangkok," Thongyoo told The Associated Press.

The federation demands that the government sell diesel to them for about 34 cents less than the market price per gallon and allocate funds to the federation to convert truck engines from diesel to cheaper natural gas.

The president of the Fishing Federation of Thailand Mana Sripitak said that more than half of the 50,000 fishing boats under its wing are being kept ashore because of the high cost of diesel.

Some fishermen have burned their boats in protest, he said, as the federation negotiated with the government for subsidies.

Farmers have in recent days staged protests in Bangkok asking the government to relieve their debts while rice and garlic farmers in northern Thailand have demonstrated against the high cost of living and the low prices for their crops.

Adding to the government's woes is a threat by major labor unions to join up with pro-democracy demonstrations that have been occurring daily in Bangkok in recent weeks.

- Associated Press 6/12/2008

Edited June 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[peterjohn]

Ok guys we do this adn the headline will read Thousands of Busses Head to Bangkok to Deport Farrangs.

Lets never forget who is in charge and it sure ain't us

this is not a thai thing it is a world problem thailand is coming of age and it is nearing a turn in cultor (my be not a good thing)but the higher the price of fuel the more the gov. gets over 50%goes to the gov. I think it is time gov. took a cut world wide.

[ray23]

Peter I thinnk you missed the point which is it is not our place to protest here. Had nothing to with it being a Thai problem. Does anyone know how much tax is involved in fuel here. I know that is a big issue in other countries but I don't think so here.

[sriracha john]

Truck operators in Satun went on strike to join rally in BKK

Truck operators in the southern province of Satun have stopped working today (June 13th) in order to join other truck operators nationwide who are protesting in Bangkok.

They demand the coalition government to help tackle the current oil price crisis. Due to the strike, Satun province experienced a shortage of various products, including construction materials.

The Managing Director of Satun Transport Company Limited, Mrs. Anong Angsupanit, trips of public buses and minivans have to be reduced from 50 to 30 trips per day because of the escalating fuel prices, and many commuters have been troubled by the situation. She says some of the fares have also been raised, but the company still has to deal with profit loss.

Mrs. Anong says she has to use her old savings to run her businesses. She, therefore, calls on the government to urgently provide cheap oil for public transport vehicles as well as fishing vessels.

- ThaiNews (today)

[sriracha john]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protestors if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

- The Nation (today)

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.

[younghusband]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protestors if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

- The Nation (today)

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

[sriracha john]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protesters if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, Isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

- The Nation (today)

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

Your flaming aside, I'll wait while you provide examples of where I've described farmers as you portray.

[jumnien]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protestors if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

- The Nation (today)

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

It is rather hypocritical, isn't it?

[younghusband]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protesters if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, Isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

- The Nation (today)

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

Your flaming aside, I'll wait while you provide examples of where I've described farmers as you portray.

Give the junior high school debating devices a rest.Anyone who can be bothered -I can't- to trawl back over the juntophile posting record knows my point is well made.Actually I wasn't particularly thinking of you as the worst offender.

[sriracha john]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protesters if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, Isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

Your flaming aside, I'll wait while you provide examples of where I've described farmers as you portray.

Give the junior high school debating devices a rest.Anyone who can be bothered -I can't- to trawl back over the juntophile posting record knows my point is well made.Actually I wasn't particularly thinking of you as the worst offender.

In the absence of any evidence, you really mean non-offender. Can you at least name the targets of your flames?

Edited June 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protesters if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, Isaan farmers voice anger

The government is grappling with growing demands from many sectors of society for help to cope with soaring oil prices and farming-related problems.

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers (normally disrespected as smelly, ignorant, selfish, corrupt vote buyees) when it suits their case.Some including myself find the hypocrisy sickening.

Your flaming aside, I'll wait while you provide examples of where I've described farmers as you portray.

Give the junior high school debating devices a rest.Anyone who can be bothered -I can't- to trawl back over the juntophile posting record knows my point is well made.Actually I wasn't particularly thinking of you as the worst offender.

In the absence of any evidence, you really mean non-offender. Can you at least name the targets of your flames?

What's all this about flames and naming names.Stop personalising this.My point was about the self-evident hypocrisy which any fair observer of the juntophile faction over the last year or so would have noted, specifically the disrespect for the rural Thai majority particularly in the NE who gave the junta and its puppet government such a big slap in the face.

[Plus]

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers

The story was about fishermen in the South, while YH's flame was about farmers in NE.

He didn't mean anything or anyone in particular, I guess, just a customary rant, like an escaped belch after a meal.

It is rather hypocritical, isn't it?

And Sunrise was quick to play a role of a trusty sidekick.

[younghusband]

Interesting how ready the hardcore juntophiles,nuttier PAD sympathisers, opponents of the government who don't dare face an election etc are to invoke the support of NE farmers

The story was about fishermen in the South, while YH's flame was about farmers in NE.

He didn't mean anything or anyone in particular, I guess, just a customary rant, like an escaped belch after a meal.

It is rather hypocritical, isn't it?

And Sunrise was quick to play a role of a trusty sidekick.

The irony of referring to the quick intervention of a trusty sidekick has presumably escaped you.Read the story again for the NE farmers reference.

I confess up when in rant mode but the hypocrisy issue is inescapable.

[sriracha john]

the hypocrisy issue is inescapable.

Compared to your initial response can you see how less inflammatory your statements can sound when you chose to make them so?

It also helps if you point out in your initial post, that quotes another post, that your statements don't apply to the original poster. It lessens the likelihood of misunderstandings being created.

[sriracha john]

The big rigs might be accompanioned by the big busses...

Private bus owners threaten a blockade

A key representative of the inter-provincial private bus operators has threatened to lay siege to the Transport Ministry later this month if it fails to respond positively to their demands for a new fare hike. Suchinda Cherdchai, president of the Association of Inter-provincial Bus Operators, met Transport Minister Santi Prompat yesterday to informally discuss the latest demand that calls for another increase of nine satang per kilometre. Suchinda said yesterday that she told the minister the bus operators would officially file their new demand at 2pm on Tuesday. If the minister fails to help them, they will park their buses and seal off the entrance to the ministry on Ratchadamnoen avenue.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/14Jun2008_news06.php

[ray23]

You know the snow ball effect ofthis is waht ha really caught my eye. No doubt some of these people need things to change to live a reasonable life. Yhe siad yes to one group and the band wagon started. The other this to remeber the pi rice they gave these farmers was the price they gave when inflation hit rice in an effort to keep prices low. Not as it is intended now. But the catch 22 is what can the government really do wihtout fanning inflation.

[sriracha john]

Trucks will not converge on Bangkok due to ministry level meeting to aid them

Chairman of the Land Transport Association of Thailand Yu Jienyuenyongpong revealed that a previously scheduled truck rally to move into Bangkok will be postponed for the time being.

He said that as the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Energy, and other related agencies have set a date to hold discussions on 8 requests made by truck drivers on June 19th, the planned rally will not yet take place.

The meeting will also speak on the differences of measures to assist truck drivers and bus drivers, which are different vehicles. The decisions will be posed to the association leaders after conclusion. As for how much fuel may be needed to assist those affected, an agency will be tasked with deciphering the figure.

The Land Transport Association Chairman said that if diesel prices are lowered by 3 baht for his association members, transport costs will not rise. He also reminded that transport costs have not been adjusted in 2-3 years.

- ThaiNews

============================================================================

Hopefully, it will actually involve the government backing up its promises..... this time.... unlike before...

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protesters if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen, Isaan farmers voice anger

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

[Tony Clifton]

The end is near. R.I.P. PPP.

[sriracha john]

Another government subsidized group promised (sort of)... the government might as well bring the entire Treasury-busting gasoline/diesel subsidy back for everyone...

Truckers may get cheap fuel

Truck operators may get cheaper diesel in response to their threats to halt operations next week

Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said that since the government had knocked three baht a litre off the price of diesel for fishery, farm, and bus operators, truckers deserved a break as well. Trucking fleet operators could seek assistance through the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), pending the outcome of further talks this week. The four refineries affiliated with majority state-owned PTT Plc are allocating a total of 122 million litres per month of cheap diesel to the three affected sectors until September, said Chavalit Pichalai, the EPPO deputy director-general. He says that around 90 million litres a month could be made available for trucks, but it would hardly cover the thousands of diesel trucks across the country. ''The [available] volume is far short of truck demand and we (EPPO) don't think that those refineries can allot more volume,'' he said. One oil refinery executive said the group would not allocate more diesel for truck operators, saying that refiners were already suffering from low margins on fuel oil and from subsidising liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/Business/17Jun2008_biz33.php

[sriracha john]

Expect things to get much worse from all sorts of protestors if the government's word can not be trusted...

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association Chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

the government is at it again with their false promises.... but people are having none of it.

Farmers renew protest in city

Over 500 indebted farmers from the provinces head to Bangkok on their e-tan farm trucks for a rally demanding debts be restructured. Convoys of indebted farmers returned to Bangkok yesterday to protest against what they say were empty promises the cabinet made a week ago to help ease their loan burden. About 2,000 farmers had gathered last night under the Rama VIII bridge near the Bank of Thailand's head office, the same location they rallied at last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Farmers from the North and Central Plains joined up in Ayutthaya before travelling together to Bangkok, while Chachoengsao police could not stop determined farmers in e-tan farm trucks coming from the East. Charin Duangdara, coordinator of the Indebted Farmers' Network, said the farmers wanted Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart to keep his promises. About 200 farmers from 16 districts in Ayutthaya had gathered on the Asia Highway since Tuesday, waiting until about 500 other farmers from Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet provinces joined them. The left lane of the highway was taken up yesterday by farmers riding their e-tan and pick-up trucks. Farmers said they would not return home without clear answers from the government.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/190608_News/19Jun2008_news12.php

==============================================================================

So the government has lied to the fisherman over the price of diesel, lied to the farmer's about debt restructuring... I imagine the truckers of this thread will be next when their promised diesel deal falls short....

[Thaddeus]

The end is near. R.I.P. PPP.

Tell the fat lady that she is on in five.

[ray23]

Unless Mr. Smak is just rattling swords again tommorow may be a very dangerous day in Bangkok.. This Pad group really doesn;t seem to ne afraid. One PM ha said he woudl mobilze a anti Pad demostration usitizing PPP supporters. That is a not a good combination. Me I will watch TV

[sriracha john]

the government is at it again with their false promises.... but people are having none of it.

Farmers renew protest in city

Over 500 indebted farmers from the provinces head to Bangkok on their e-tan farm trucks for a rally demanding debts be restructured. Convoys of indebted farmers returned to Bangkok yesterday to protest against what they say were empty promises the cabinet made a week ago to help ease their loan burden.

==============================================================================

So the government has lied to the fisherman over the price of diesel, lied to the farmer's about debt restructuring... I imagine the truckers of this thread will be next when their promised diesel deal falls short....

Yep, the populace has wisened up...

Thai transport groups government said a meeting with finance, transport and energy officials had yielded positive results over ways to help ease the rising fuel bill.

'We are satisfied with the outcome of today's meeting as most of our demands were met,' said Mr Yoo Chienyuenyongpong, head of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand, which has 400,000 trucks under its banner. 'But we have to keep the blockade condition for now until the government actually delivers.'

- Reuters (today)

[sriracha john]

Truckers ask government for three-baht fuel subsidy

Truckers are demanding three million litres of subsidised diesel a day from the government to help them cope with the rising cost of fuel. Thongyu Khongkhan, Secretary-General of the Land Transport Confederation of Thailand, said yesterday that the request for three million litres a day was based on 20,000 trucks that needed the government's assistance nationwide. He wants the government-supplied diesel to be cheaper than the market price by three baht a litre. The proposal was made to the Transport Ministry, which will have to forward it to the Energy Ministry, the expected procurer of the subsidised diesel. Thongyu said the state could supply the subsidised diesel to truckers directly through their associations, and if that is considered inconvenient, the truckers should be allowed to refuel their vehicles as usual and keep the bills to later claim the 3-baht-per-litre subsidy from the state. He promised that truckers would register with the Land Transport Department so that their fuel use could be checked. Any fraudulent truckers who receive subsidised diesel and sell it to other parties would be punished by having their membership and any benefits for which they are now eligible cancelled, Thongyu said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/280608_News/28Jun2008_news03.php

[slapout]

Lets recap (Govt) yes you will be given diesel at 3 baht/liter discount, (fishing vessel, truckers,farmers). we all have to agree on this, PPT, we are losing money due to discount we give to these groups. I am sorry that govt group did not have the authority to make this happen, where is the 3 baht going that PTT is crediting to the 3 groups? This is a rerun of the 3 stooges and their baseball game. Now I understand why there were no comments on farming forum about getting the fuel discount.