What Are Abhisit's Plans For The Poor?

[desi]

Apologies in advance to those who are bored with Thai politics, but understanding more about the possible future of Thailand is important to me.

I was hoping that someone else would put this question forward so I could just lurk, but here goes...

Beating Thaksin means winning hearts, minds of the poor

Does anyone know what Abhisit's exact plans are for helping the poor of Thailand? I've read that he's taken on some of Thaksin's policies, but not all. And I've only read blanket statements as to what they are.

Abhisit takes on Thaksin's key program

So does anyone know what the exact plans are, and their timelines?

Also, does he have more immediate plans that'll (hopefully) convince poor of Thailand that they are a priority? Something more than the 2000 baht allowance? Because so far they are (obviously) not convinced.

Assuming that there are more protests to come, another question I have is this: If Thailand injects money immediately in the direction of the poor now, in a way they understand, over all, wouldn't the debt be smaller than what is happening now due to the protests? So in a way, wouldn't doing something seemingly bizarre - even going against the grain of an economist - benefit the country?

And a final question: What action would the poor of Thailand understand? 

[Heng]

Food stamps. Unlike the US version though, you CAN buy booze and lottery tickets with these.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

Maybe the red shirt hooligans should have thought about this before they busted up the ASEAN summit which would have brought more investment and money into Thailand?

[clausewitz]

Assuming that there are more protests to come, another question I have is this: If Thailand injects money immediately in the direction of the poor now, in a way they understand, over all, wouldn't the debt be smaller than what is happening now due to the protests? So in a way, wouldn't doing something seemingly bizarre - even going against the grain of an economist - benefit the country?

And a final question: What action would the poor of Thailand understand?

Well we all know that just giving people a straight cash handout does nothing, as everyone understands that down the road they have to pay for it somehow.

However briallaint oxford graduate Absts did that in hsi first month in power as he was told it would make him popular.

kind of hard to do right when he has such an entrenced belief(common to PAD members) that Issan people are ignorant peasants, who shouldn't be allowed to contradict their superiors.

[desi]

However briallaint oxford graduate Absts did that in hsi first month in power as he was told it would make him popular.

kind of hard to do right when he has such an entrenced belief(common to PAD members) that Issan people are ignorant peasants, who shouldn't be allowed to contradict their superiors.

Is this something that Abhisit has said personally? And if so, could you share the source? Or are you making the connection because of his connection with PAD?

[geriatrickid]

Maybe the red shirt hooligans should have thought about this before they busted up the ASEAN summit which would have brought more investment and money into Thailand?

What? Where is this "money" supposed to come from? The big donor countries in the region such as China and Japan are only investing now in places that are buying their products or that have something they need. (i.e. China is seeking resource raw materials and energy supplies). Look at the ASEAN member nations, which ones were planning to invest in Thailand to the extent the investment would have created employment and organic growth? What projects have been canceled? Maybe there are no projects to cancel because there were never any to begin with aside from ADB projects decided upon long ago? The ASEAN summit was for political purposes only. Investment takes a back seat.

[deprogrammed]

'Let them eat somtam' -

[Chaimai]

'Let them eat somtam' -

Now, that would win votes. free somtam coupons.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

Maybe the red shirt hooligans should have thought about this before they busted up the ASEAN summit which would have brought more investment and money into Thailand?

What? Where is this "money" supposed to come from? The big donor countries in the region such as China and Japan are only investing now in places that are buying their products or that have something they need. (i.e. China is seeking resource raw materials and energy supplies). Look at the ASEAN member nations, which ones were planning to invest in Thailand to the extent the investment would have created employment and organic growth? What projects have been canceled? Maybe there are no projects to cancel because there were never any to begin with aside from ADB projects decided upon long ago? The ASEAN summit was for political purposes only. Investment takes a back seat.

My, you think small.

The 14th ASEAN Summit and its related summits will be held here from April 10-12. The related summits are an important and integral part of the 14th ASEAN Summit held on Feb. 28-March 1, 2009 in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The Summits' theme "Acting Together to Cope with Global Challenges" captures the spirit and commitment of ASEAN, as a people-centered organization, in working for the benefit of the ASEAN peoples, together with its Dialogue Partners and the United Nations.

The summit begins in the evening of April 10, 2009 with an informal working dinner of the ASEAN leaders. ASEAN Plus One Summits with China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, respectively, are scheduled for April 11, to be followed by the ASEAN Plus Three Summit and ASEAN Summit Plus One with India in the afternoon.

On April 12, the East Asia Summit (EAS), or the so-called ASEAN Plus Six Summit, will be held amongst the leaders from the ASEAN member countries and the leaders of six ASEAN dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit is scheduled to be convened on April 12, 2009. This summit will be an opportunity for ASEAN leaders and Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest including development, food and energy security, climate change, disaster management, and issues of the global financial crisis.

12th ASEAN-China Summit

The leaders of ASEAN member Countries and China will review the development of ASEAN-China relations in the past years and discuss how to further deepen relations between the two sides. Among others, a speedy implementation of ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement will be emphasized. In addition, they will also exchange views on regional and international issues affecting the region.

12th ASEAN-Japan Summit

The leaders of ASEAN member states and Japan will meet and review the developments in ASEAN-Japan relations during the past years and discuss how to further deepen relations between the two sides. At the meeting, the leaders will be presented with a report of the ASEAN-Japan Eminent Persons Group (EPGs) which will recommend measures to deepen and broaden ASEAN-Japan strategic partnership in the coming years.

12th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit

The leaders of ASEAN member states and ROK will review the developments in ASEAN-ROK relations during the past years and how to further enhance relations between the two sides. The President of ROK is also expected to announce the holding of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit on June 1-2, 2009. The situation in the Korean Peninsula will also be discussed.

12th ASEAN Plus Three Summit

The leaders of ASEAN member countries, China, Japan, and Republic of Korea will meet and review ASEAN Plus Three cooperation with emphasis on regional cooperation in response to food and energy security, and natural disaster that affect the region. The summit will also endorse the establishment of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Fund with an initial fund of three million U.S. dollars to support the implementation of the 2nd Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation and the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan. In response to the on-going food and energy prices volatility, the leaders of ASEAN Plus Three will adopt the Chiang Mai Statement on ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Food Security and Bio-Energy Development.

4th East Asia Summit (EAS)

The leaders of ASEAN member countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea will meet to discuss on strategic issues of common interest and concern that affect the region. The summit this year will focus on the issues such as food and energy security, global financial situation, and disaster relief cooperation and management. The Leaders also expect to adopt the Chiang Mai Statement on EAS Disaster Management which will tap expertise in the region on disaster response and relief.

3rd ASEAN-UN Summit

The 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit is scheduled to be convened on April 12, 2009 in Pattaya, Thailand. The leaders of ten ASEAN member states will meet with the secretary-general of the UN and heads of agencies and programs in the UN system. The summit aims at promoting and strengthening ties and cooperation between ASEAN and the UN in various aspects beneficial to the peoples in the region.

These topics may include: impacts of the current global financial crisis and measures such as social protection to help cushion the impacts affecting the peoples; cooperation to achieve internationally agreed development goals including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); cooperation in disaster management to explore ways to enhance capacity in the region including Post-Nargis recovery efforts; cooperation to strengthen food security in the region through, for example, resource management, especially, water resources.

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/...cial-crisis.htm

Now it's your turn. Provide a source to back up your argument.

[BHA83]

However briallaint oxford graduate Absts did that in hsi first month in power as he was told it would make him popular.

kind of hard to do right when he has such an entrenced belief(common to PAD members) that Issan people are ignorant peasants, who shouldn't be allowed to contradict their superiors.

Is this something that Abhisit has said personally? And if so, could you share the source? Or are you making the connection because of his connection with PAD?

Your reply above is one reason I cannot be bothered to take part in topics on this forum.

You ask questions fair enough, some people will have the answers and some will give opinions which surely is what a forum is about.

Sometimes those opinions are serious and sometimes they are witty (to the writer!).

But if those opinions do not fit your line of thinking, then that same old line comes out 'prove it! or in your case 'share your source'.

If I told you yesturday, I asked a young lady here in Bangkok who comes from Essan and is studying to be a lawyer, why the poor put up with the inequalitys they suffer she said "It's our place". So they know their low class because thats what they are led to believe and they except that!

Now you say 'prove it' it is a conversation between two people, and statments cannot always be proved.

Sometimes peoples beliefs or opinions on here infuriate me. But everyone is entitled to their say. If you want more facts read the news or search the net.

Your last question seems like you are asking for peoples opinions. Must we prove it?

I'm bored with the prove it boys! Must I prove it?

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

<geriatrickid' post='2671010' date='2009-04-16 20:03:28'>

What? Where is this "money" supposed to come from? The big donor countries in the region such as China and Japan are only investing now in places that are buying their products or that have something they need. (i.e. China is seeking resource raw materials and energy supplies). Look at the ASEAN member nations, which ones were planning to invest in Thailand to the extent the investment would have created employment and organic growth? What projects have been canceled? Maybe there are no projects to cancel because there were never any to begin with aside from ADB projects decided upon long ago? The ASEAN summit was for political purposes only. Investment takes a back seat.>

Here's more for you to consider.

China, ASEAN to conclude FTA negotiation during premier's Thailand trip BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will conclude their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation during Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming Thailand trip for ASEAN involved meetings. As a highlight of the 12th summit between the ASEAN and China (10+1), the two sides would ink an investment deal, which marks the conclusion of the FTA negotiation, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue told a press briefing.

China and the ASEAN had agreed to establish a free trade area by 2010. "This goal will be achieved on schedule," Hu said. Besides the 10+1 summit, Wen's trip from April 10-12 to Pattayain Thailand will also include the 12th summit between the ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK)(10+3), the 4th East Asia Summit, and the breakfast meeting of leaders from China, Japan, and the ROK.

Wen will discuss with leaders of the ASEAN countries measures to combat the global financial crisis, and offer proposals to boost east Asian cooperation. "China attaches great importance to these meetings, and will attend in the spirit of increasing confidence and cooperation," Hu said.

"We will work with other participants to build Asian nations' confidence in development, promote pragmatic cooperation in east Asia, safeguard developing countries' interests and jointly survive the global financial crisis," he noted.

Hu also expressed China's expectation to push forward the integration process of ASEAN and the building of ASEAN Community.

All concerned parties should support the ASEAN's effort in promoting the integration process, he said, especially calling for assistance to less developed ASEAN countries.

As to the prospect of China-ASEAN relations, the assistant foreign minister said the two sides should try to maintain the growth of bilateral trade, increase investment and expand cooperation in infrastructure facility construction and tourism.

"We will consider increasing assistance to the less developed ASEAN countries to help them overcome the current difficulties," he noted.

In the financial area, Hu said countries in the region should facilitate financial cooperation, expand foreign exchange reserve and speed up putting into operation the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

China and the ASEAN have established a strategic partnership aiming at peace and prosperity and have defined 11 major cooperative fields such as agriculture, information and communication, transportation, tourism and human resources exploitation.

The ASEAN, founded in 1967, groups 10 members of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/...nt_11151245.htm

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are likely to sign an investment treaty this week, capping long-running talks for a comprehensive trade agreement, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday. China signed an initial free trade agreement with the 10 members of ASEAN in November 2002, and both sides had set 2010 as a deadline for a broader pact. The major ASEAN economies include Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

"It appears that this measure will be smoothly completed on time," Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue told a briefing ahead of meetings in the Thai resort town of Pattaya. The meetings start on Friday between ASEAN and various dialogue partners, including China.

"A bright spot of the Ten Plus One meeting will be the signing of an investment agreement, and this will signify that negotiations for a free trade zone including China and ASEAN have been completed," Hu said of the meeting bringing together the 10 ASEAN member states and Beijing.

http://www.javno.com/en-economy/china-asea...t-summit_249596

China will sign an investment agreement with ASEAN over the weekend to mark the completion of free-trade area (FTA) talks, a senior official said yesterday. The pact will be inked at the 12th China-ASEAN Summit in Pattaya, Thailand, which Premier Wen Jiabao will attend.Calling it a highlight of the summit, Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue said yesterday it means FTA negotiations have been concluded. China and ASEAN, with a combined population of 1.9 billion, have agreed to complete implementing all FTA agreements by 2010. "It seems that it will be completed smoothly on schedule," Hu said. Trade last year between China and ASEAN stood at $230 billion, up 14 per cent compared with 2007. "We should promote the FTA and do all we can to maintain trade growth," Hu said.Wen will also attend the 12th summit between ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), the 4th East Asia Summit, and the breakfast meeting of leaders from China, Japan and the ROK.

Wen will elaborate on China's proposals to strengthen cooperation with East Asian countries and fight the global economic crisis. "The financial crisis is a serious challenge to both China and ASEAN, and we should help each other like we did during the 1997 Asian financial crisis," Hu added. He called for China and ASEAN to increase investment in each other's markets, primarily in infrastructure such as railways, roads, airports and bridges.

http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=5086&sec=2

The East Asia Summit, which collapsed in chaos on Saturday, was meant to provide an opportunity for leaders of half the world's population to discuss responses to the global financial crisis. The Asian leaders were also scheduled to sign an investment pact with China and put the final touches on a regional currency pool to help member nations fend off speculative attacks and capital flight.

"The summit has been delayed and can be reopened, but we lost a good opportunity" to discuss financial cooperation and combat protectionism, said Zhou Fangye, of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

http://www.javno.com/en-economy/scuttled-s...n-crisis_250556

[ozzydom]

Apologies in advance to those who are bored with Thai politics, but understanding more about the possible future of Thailand is important to me.

I was hoping that someone else would put this question forward so I could just lurk, but here goes...

Beating Thaksin means winning hearts, minds of the poor

Does anyone know what Abhisit's exact plans are for helping the poor of Thailand? I've read that he's taken on some of Thaksin's policies, but not all. And I've only read blanket statements as to what they are.

Abhisit takes on Thaksin's key program

So does anyone know what the exact plans are, and their timelines?

Also, does he have more immediate plans that'll (hopefully) convince poor of Thailand that they are a priority? Something more than the 2000 baht allowance? Because so far they are (obviously) not convinced.

Assuming that there are more protests to come, another question I have is this: If Thailand injects money immediately in the direction of the poor now, in a way they understand, over all, wouldn't the debt be smaller than what is happening now due to the protests? So in a way, wouldn't doing something seemingly bizarre - even going against the grain of an economist - benefit the country?

And a final question: What action would the poor of Thailand understand? 

IMHO, cash handouts do little for the self esteem of the poor whose numbers contain a high proportion of folk who farm rice either for sustenance or as their sole means of making a little profit for their families .

Toxins 30 baht health care scheme was one of his smart moves in winning over the Isaan people something comparable and ongoing is needed for this government to "hang their hat on".

An ongoing (as opposed to a one off ) scheme giving fertilizer and seed subsidies and a fixed inflated price for the rice produced.

Whether the Government would need to write off the costs or the mega rich (usually Chinese owned) rice mills would need to lower their margins I dont know ,possibly a combination , but at least it would give the battlers an ongoing bigger slice of the pie.

There are also huge tracts of Crown land in Thailand (not National Parks )which could be utilised by splitting it into lots to be used by small farmers for a peppercorn rental to farm and give increased income to the family.

These types of projects which are in the publics eyes and minds long term are the way to positively influence people and the way they think.

I, by the way have lived and farmed in an Isaan village for eight years and have some small insight into their needs and wants.