Reforms, Cabinet For Poor Thais Needed : Thaworn

[webfact]

Reforms, cabinet for poor needed : Thaworn

By THE NATION

Published on April 5, 2010

BANGKOK: -- Problems highlighted by reds could be 'solved by govt-initiated efforts'

In response to red-shirt demonstrators' complaints about social inequality, Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said yesterday the government could undertake reforms to resolve such complaints.

But the moves would take time, and that would mean the red shirts would not see Parliament dissolved anytime soon.

"The government must reform the country's structure," Thaworn said. "We can start by first organising public forums and inviting all parties to air their opinions."

He said he had already raised this issue at Democrat Party meetings.

Tens of thousands of red-shirt protesters have been rallying in Bangkok to demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House of Representatives within 15 days.

Abhisit leads the Democrat Party, of which Thaworn is a key member.

While the red shirts are widely perceived as rallying for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the red-shirt leaders have lately highlighted the issue of a class war.

Referring to themselves as "phrai" or grass-roots people, the red are now challenging the Thailand's aristocrats.

Thaworn yesterday insisted that problems raised by the protesters could be solved through government-initiated efforts.

"The government should now start developing guidelines for reforming the country."

He said it was high time the government brought about social equality through various measures, such as imposing a property tax.

Thaworn also suggested that the government establish a Cabinet for the poor.

"This Cabinet will focus on the poor and their problems," he said.

He believed the Education Ministry, the Public Health Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry should work closely with the Cabinet for the sake of the poor in a bid to better the lives of the underprivileged.

"For example, they should have access to public healthcare and better access to loan services," Thaworn said.

He said the government should provide free vocational training for poor people, and low-cost fertiliser to farmers.

"Schools in remote areas should also be as good as those in Bangkok," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[rreddin]

These are fine words. It will just be rhetoric until they are translated into effective action. True, none of the suggestions can be implimented overnight, but a start should be made immediately by setting out a timetable for their achievement to which the government is not only committed, but for which it is held accountable. That would be a positive step to ending the political turmoil endured since 2006.

[Jerrytheyoung]

These are fine words. It will just be rhetoric until they are translated into effective action. True, none of the suggestions can be implimented overnight, but a start should be made immediately by setting out a timetable for their achievement to which the government is not only committed, but for which it is held accountable. That would be a positive step to ending the political turmoil endured since 2006.

I agree. This is the way to defuse the situation: allocating an important share of the budget for implementing a set of measures for supporting the poorest population. If not, it is only intentions....."hel_l is paved with good intentions-[/b] French proverb"

Edited April 5, 2010 by Jerrytheyoung

[hammered]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

[jdinasia]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

Along with more decentralization, allowing provinces to elect their own governors.

[hammered]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

Along with more decentralization, allowing provinces to elect their own governors.

Elected governors would be good. There also needs to be some better form of check, balance, auditing of local administrative body money too. And financial training or something. Right now it is a shambles and about a million percent worse than central government

[jdinasia]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

Along with more decentralization, allowing provinces to elect their own governors.

Elected governors would be good. There also needs to be some better form of check, balance, auditing of local administrative body money too. And financial training or something. Right now it is a shambles and about a million percent worse than central government

Agreed, the central government would certainly be practicing good oversight by positioning an Auditor General in each province that was untouchable enough not to HAVE to bend to local whim.

[Bagwan]

What ever happened to the brave lady Auditor General who railed against Government exceses? Attempts were made to dismiss her but after a two year wait for a hearing the courts came down on her side. All a a misunderstanding of course. I suggest that she be at the centre of a massive clean up.

[moresomekl]

These are fine words. It will just be rhetoric until they are translated into effective action. True, none of the suggestions can be implimented overnight, but a start should be made immediately by setting out a timetable for their achievement to which the government is not only committed, but for which it is held accountable. That would be a positive step to ending the political turmoil endured since 2006.

Yes it is as you say , a step in the right direction that must be supported very very soon by a time table and accountability by the governement , publicly announced on TV , as i suppose the red shirts leadership would only insist on immediate dissolution of the parliament if consulted now while their supporters are on the street .

[moresomekl]

Suggest they call it the NEW DEAL ...

[kurtgruen]

Nation:

"The government should now start developing guidelines for reforming the country."

He said it was high time the government brought about social equality through various measures, such as imposing a property tax.

Thaworn also suggested that the government establish a Cabinet for the poor.

"This Cabinet will focus on the poor and their problems," he said.

He believed the Education Ministry, the Public Health Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry should work closely with the Cabinet for the sake of the poor in a bid to better the lives of the underprivileged.

"For example, they should have access to public healthcare and better access to loan services," Thaworn said.

He said the government should provide free vocational training for poor people, and low-cost fertiliser to farmers.

"Schools in remote areas should also be as good as those in Bangkok," he said.

That's the best thing I have heard in Thai politics, in years. Yes, this would definitely be a major step in the right direction.

As for property taxes, I am in total agreement, as long as they levy it mostly against land owners, who are "holding" property, without making us of it. There is a lot of land just sitting there, owned by middle class and rich people in this country, which should be taxed.

There also needs to be a working system, that taxes landlords or land/buildings. Doing so, could raise lots of money for much needed social programs in this country.

Let's hope, they actually follow through on their talk, with action. It would definitely level the playing field a bit

[MengWan]

These measures are in line with what has already been done by the actual government ...

The "Property Tax" is in the pipe-line from some time now !

But, whatever this government does, it will be discounted by the thaksinites ...

Any efficient measure that could be put on place will be either removed or turned

around by a thaksinite gov't ...

The interest of the thaksinites is to keep poor and un developed Thailand as it is

now, just stir up (radio, TVs, Newspapers ...) and recirculate money in the pockets

of Jatuporns, Nattawuts and lesser soldiers of that maffia ...

[LST]

Nation:

"The government should now start developing guidelines for reforming the country."

He said it was high time the government brought about social equality through various measures, such as imposing a property tax.

Thaworn also suggested that the government establish a Cabinet for the poor.

"This Cabinet will focus on the poor and their problems," he said.

He believed the Education Ministry, the Public Health Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry should work closely with the Cabinet for the sake of the poor in a bid to better the lives of the underprivileged.

"For example, they should have access to public healthcare and better access to loan services," Thaworn said.

He said the government should provide free vocational training for poor people, and low-cost fertiliser to farmers.

"Schools in remote areas should also be as good as those in Bangkok," he said.

That's the best thing I have heard in Thai politics, in years. Yes, this would definitely be a major step in the right direction.

As for property taxes, I am in total agreement, as long as they levy it mostly against land owners, who are "holding" property, without making us of it. There is a lot of land just sitting there, owned by middle class and rich people in this country, which should be taxed.

There also needs to be a working system, that taxes landlords or land/buildings. Doing so, could raise lots of money for much needed social programs in this country.

Let's hope, they actually follow through on their talk, with action. It would definitely level the playing field a bit

The government needs a balance act in governing a country. Any people-oriented policy is a good policy especially towards eliminating hardcore poor and narrowing the income gaps among the people. They could actually fine tune the Property Tax with few categories - the size of land, the type of land and the ownership period of the land. This is not only fair to genuine land buyer for using the land in good cause, it could also elminating the speculation & opportunist (buy and sell in short period of time frame). Ultimately, appointing the right person to implemting the policy is equally important. Thailand has may good policy and system but not exercise effectively.

[quiksilva]

I think we can all agree that this is what is needed to make the quality of life more equitable across society, and its very reassuring to see these items being discussed, and frankly they should just get on and implement these measures now.

They should not be demeaned as mere bargaining points, they need to happen regardless. Although the fact that the Reds are not demanding these policies quite clearly shows that their true political motives are less than altruistic.

[Jerrytheyoung]

Yes agree also on the idea of decentralisation that I have already promoted few days ago.

However it is now just INTENTIONS. It will be credible the day a sufficient BUDGET will be announced to implement the measures.

the Government is just playing rhetoric, one more step is required to be credible.

[moresomekl]

But, whatever this government does, it will be discounted by the thaksinites ...

Yes quite right . My gf tells me that Abhisit is ruining the country by loaning money while the "peasant"- billionaire repaid all the IMF loans and that land owners will be ruined by all the taxes .

Wonder where she got such idea

[somo]

It seems the goverment and writers here at last agree the reds have a point.

I am not a takhsin fan but the reds do have a good reason for demonstrating against the inequalities in Thailand and without their admirable persistence these issues would never be highlighted. It is why they should not give up now but get a clear timetable for change.

[Jerrytheyoung]

"But, whatever this government does, it will be discounted by the thaksinites ..." (citation)

If such a policy is announced by the PM, with a timetable, a budget, a set of immediates measures (rice and rubber prices), ....I do believe than most Northern farmers will listen, they are wiser than some pretend and they can make the difference between the Thaksin supporters and the real defenders of their cause. Sure the Government will get some support from the reasonable people: the vast majority.

If you say that it is useless because the Red Shirts will discount everything, you destroy the only chance of ending this 2 or 3 years conflict in a peaceful way. In fact you become an objective allied of those who want blood: Red Shirt or Yellow Shirts extremists.

As westerners, we should call to an Honourable end. Red Shirts will claim it is the result of their actions and the Government will be able to say , he is the first to do it after years of inactivities. Everybody should end "saving his own face".

As westerners, we should push to this solution and not bury it....

[hammered]

"But, whatever this government does, it will be discounted by the thaksinites ..." (citation)

If such a policy is announced by the PM, with a timetable, a budget, a set of immediates measures (rice and rubber prices), ....I do believe than most Northern farmers will listen, they are wiser than some pretend and they can make the difference between the Thaksin supporters and the real defenders of their cause. Sure the Government will get some support from the reasonable people: the vast majority.

If you say that it is useless because the Red Shirts will discount everything, you destroy the only chance of ending this 2 or 3 years conflict in a peaceful way. In fact you become an objective allied of those who want blood: Red Shirt or Yellow Shirts extremists.

As westerners, we should call to an Honourable end. Red Shirts will claim it is the result of their actions and the Government will be able to say , he is the first to do it after years of inactivities. Everybody should end "saving his own face".

As westerners, we should push to this solution and not bury it....

A lot of truth in that.

The land and inheritance taxes that Korn has mentioned already are good ideas too. Not original in wealth redistribution terms but a good idea. Trouble is getting that through a self interested parliament. However, if it did go through it would signal the rich are willing to sacrifice for the poor

[moresomekl]

"But, whatever this government does, it will be discounted by the thaksinites ..." (citation)

If such a policy is announced by the PM, with a timetable, a budget, a set of immediates measures (rice and rubber prices), ....I do believe than most Northern farmers will listen, they are wiser than some pretend and they can make the difference between the Thaksin supporters and the real defenders of their cause. Sure the Government will get some support from the reasonable people: the vast majority.

If you say that it is useless because the Red Shirts will discount everything, you destroy the only chance of ending this 2 or 3 years conflict in a peaceful way. In fact you become an objective allied of those who want blood: Red Shirt or Yellow Shirts extremists.

As westerners, we should call to an Honourable end. Red Shirts will claim it is the result of their actions and the Government will be able to say , he is the first to do it after years of inactivities. Everybody should end "saving his own face".

As westerners, we should push to this solution and not bury it....

Definitely it is not useless , and I hope for early implementation .

[junkofdavid2]

Yes, helping poor people might "help" prevent chaos like what's going on now.

However, at the end of the day, this red-shirt chaos was also caused by the "other group" who closed the airport; and those who didn't remove them from the airport.

How? The airport anarchists are partly to blame by sending the message that the only way to get "results" is to do something chaotic (like closing the airport), and those who didn't remove them share the responsibility... by sending the message "go ahead and do it, we won't remove you, and we may even appease you with power sharing."

After doing that... can you expect the Reds to try anything "peaceful" and then simply "hope" that they'll be listened to?

[TheOldWolf]

rainman & co will call this vote buying

[otherstuff1957]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

The upcountry Puyais (and PT MPs) would fight tooth an nail against a transparent, centrally funded initiative that helped the poor . A program that didn't allow them to get a cut would directly impact their wallets.

They would have to find something negative about anything that the current govt. does to help people.

[kurtgruen]

Yes, helping poor people might "help" prevent chaos like what's going on now.

However, at the end of the day, this red-shirt chaos was also caused by the "other group" who closed the airport; and those who didn't remove them from the airport.

How? The airport anarchists are partly to blame by sending the message that the only way to get "results" is to do something chaotic (like closing the airport), and those who didn't remove them share the responsibility... by sending the message "go ahead and do it, we won't remove you, and we may even appease you with power sharing."

After doing that... can you expect the Reds to try anything "peaceful" and then simply "hope" that they'll be listened to?

It worked! Thanks to Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai and his incompetent gang, who were the ones, doing nothing at the airport. They were also the reasons that things went that far. (In case, you forgot, they were the ones, who ordered the violent crackdown by police, on the PAD protesters, leaving two dead, a guy with his legs blown off and many other injured)

Giving a few crumbs to the poor, to keep them from revolting and to keep them in your pockets at election time, doesn't make Thaksin a hero and he sure as hel_l isn't a peasant, fighting for the cause of other peasants. He was a crooked cop, who cheated and bullied his way to the top.

Yes, this country needs reforms. Yes, the needs of the poor need to be adressed. No, this is not the time to disolve the House. This government is working and needs to be given the chance to complete it terms and it's projects. Thaksin needs to be taken out of the equation. Otherwise, we will not see peace for a long time. If people want to give legitimacy to this so called "red movement", they need to loose Thaksin.

[hammered]

If they actually really set up some cabinet or even a ministry for the poor and funded it, that would be a good start. Currently a lot of money goes to local bodies but there is quite a lot of leakage. A centrally funded intiative would be very welcome I m sure

The upcountry Puyais (and PT MPs) would fight tooth an nail against a transparent, centrally funded initiative that helped the poor . A program that didn't allow them to get a cut would directly impact their wallets.

They would have to find something negative about anything that the current govt. does to help people.

The utterly stupid simplistic analysis of what is going on in Thailand by most analysts misses so many things. One is the attempt by the urban based party to pass legislation that wiull help the rural poor and at the same massively deplete the power of the PTP feudal barons. However, the feudal barons are very powerful and control local information and strike back by demonizing Bnagkok and naything form it, which is nt hard because of its previous reputation. However it leaves psoitive forces on both sides at war and ensures that the negative forces of the winning side will previal. Musnt forget the PTP feudal barons are also the money lenders so if u are skint u cant upset them

[Jerrytheyoung]

Yes, helping poor people might "help" prevent chaos like what's going on now.

However, at the end of the day, this red-shirt chaos was also caused by the "other group" who closed the airport; and those who didn't remove them from the airport.

How? The airport anarchists are partly to blame by sending the message that the only way to get "results" is to do something chaotic (like closing the airport), and those who didn't remove them share the responsibility... by sending the message "go ahead and do it, we won't remove you, and we may even appease you with power sharing."

After doing that... can you expect the Reds to try anything "peaceful" and then simply "hope" that they'll be listened to?

A social conflict is a conflict and during the actions responsabilities have to be supported by both sides: nobody is really clean. So accusing each other of the worst is useless and counter productive. We should stop whining.

I am French, and as everybody knows our History has been quite turbulent. One of the most difficult things to do is to end a conflict. Few ideas....

First point: We are in Asia and nobody must lose face.

So there must be no winners and no losers, we must stop the fierce debates and find a balanced conclusion which will set up a new equilibrium in the Thai society.

==>As guests of Thailand, it should be our proud to promote the platform on which Red Shirts and Government can stabilise and find the ways of the compromise.

Secondly, there is a "Rapport de Force social" (a balance of Power). How to defuse such a situation? What are the techniques?

For the Government, by negotiating point after point the Red Shirt platform (and over what are the reasons they get a support on), for every done concession, there is an impact on the Balance of Power. When you are estimating that the Balance of Power is no more favourable, you have reach the point where an agreement can be signed. The order in which the concessions are done is also of paramount importance...

The Thai Government must open discussion not only on the Red Shirt core platform but on all relevant issues which affect the Red Shirt supporting population (Farming issues, irrigation, investments in North Thailand, decentralisation...) By bringing positive answers, you reduce every time the Balance of Power... until you can estimate that they cannot mobilise at a sufficient level.

A little of Fiction

One Master for handling such a situation: De Gaulle.

He will have announced on the TV to Thai people: "I have understood what you want, ... Immediately we are taking such and such measures, I give order to the concerned Ministers to open immediately discussions. Our Administration mustr be reformed (decentralisation), this impact our Constitution. Today, Already, I announce that the Budget is revised and a first envelope of XX billions is immediately available for implementing the measures. I invite our opponents to take appointment for discussing the above matters.

The results of the discussions will be proposed to Thai people by way of referendum and General Elections will follow immediately."

[Artisi]

Yes, helping poor people might "help" prevent chaos like what's going on now.

However, at the end of the day, this red-shirt chaos was also caused by the "other group" who closed the airport; and those who didn't remove them from the airport.

How? The airport anarchists are partly to blame by sending the message that the only way to get "results" is to do something chaotic (like closing the airport), and those who didn't remove them share the responsibility... by sending the message "go ahead and do it, we won't remove you, and we may even appease you with power sharing."

After doing that... can you expect the Reds to try anything "peaceful" and then simply "hope" that they'll be listened to?

The only problem with your reasoning is that the " other group" didn't close the airport - that was solely a function of the airport authority who decided to "close" the airport.

[nong38]

The problem with most things in the world is that there is to much say and not enough do. That said it is good that the governemnt sees there is a situation which is obvious and been neglected maybe for too long. That they are willing to try to do something is to be welcomed and although it will take time it is a step in the right direction which all those who have an interest in THAILAND, its future and its people should now support and give it a chance.

In the UK we had a big Irish problem, with good will and time things are a lot better now, still a lot to do,but,ont he way and who would have thought that Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley would sit down and bring things together.

People of Thailand you are now at a cross roads, the choice is yours, a new road or more of this "Only what I say is truly democratic" Whatever that may be.

[rainman]

It worked! Thanks to Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai and his incompetent gang, who were the ones, doing nothing at the airport.

Let's go back a little in time, shall we? You're the farang that was wearing the PAD shirt and yellow headband, posting pictures on the internet, no? I'll see if I can find then again. If your PAD didn't take over the airport, there would be a lot less problems in Thailand now.

[Jerrytheyoung]

It worked! Thanks to Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai and his incompetent gang, who were the ones, doing nothing at the airport.

Let's go back a little in time, shall we? You're the farang that was wearing the PAD shirt and yellow headband, posting pictures on the internet, no? I'll see if I can find then again. If your PAD didn't take over the airport, there would be a lot less problems in Thailand now.

Please we try to cool down and to stop whining: both sides have responsabilities, on this thread we try to be POSITIVE.

Accusing each other to be a supporter of the Yellow or of the Reds is bringing us back and NOWHERE.