Populist Policies Boomerang On Yingluck Govt

[Skywalker69]

Finance Minister to Extend First-home Loan Program, Increase Price Cap

The Finance Ministry is looking to extend the first-home buyer loan program by another year and increase the cap for an eligible home's value to two million baht after it has received a lower-than-expected number of applications.

Deputy Finance Minister Wirun Techapaiboon said his ministry is considering extending the first-home buyer loan program by another year after having received a meager number of applications.

He added that his ministry will also consider revising the cap for an eligible home's value up from originally one million to two million baht, as property prices have increased recently and so that the program is accessible to those buying homes valued higher one million baht.

However, Wirun noted it has yet to be decided whether the new cap is applicable for the home's market value or the approved loan amount since many first-home owners have bought homes with higher prices than the cap, but their loan amounts granted by banks do not exceed it.

The deputy finance minister said he will push through the proposal as soon as possible to prevent any hiccup in the implementation of the program.

In addition, he said his ministry has instructed the Government Housing Bank to offer long-term loans with low monthly repayment for existing customers in the wake of rising cost of living.

According to the deputy finance minister, home loans account for 19 percent of the gross domestic product. The ministry is looking to increase the figure to 25 percent as the property market is regarded as the country's key economic driver.

However, the 25-percent target is still lower than the current figure in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, whose home loans-to-GDP ratio is 30 percent.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-23

So, extend something that was never actually started?

If so as of when and how many homes were bought?

And what is the median income of those home buyers?

What is the political allegence of those home buyers?

Not many of the PTP woters in the North East could afford to.

[ianf]

I believe the PTP's election promises, the demonisation of the coup which created an us against them mentality and the perception of a generous, man of the people Thaksin were the catalysts that got the PTP elected.

However, now the chickens come home to roost, the reality is slowly dawning that the real agenda hasnt been about making the lives of the electrate easier as promised, or more democractic but been all about greed and corruption.

Thaksin and his government have been shown not to be about the people but to only care about Thaksins needs, his need to return as a hero, his need to regain his wealth and his need to compensate his supporters. That why the big ticket items has been pouring out the parliments door, rice, onions ect subsidies, dams, rail links, ports in Myamar ect ect, anything that has a big kick back, the list goes on.

With this in mind it is obvious that under the current financial climate, even with an unprecedented increase in debt the election promises cant be funded alongside the massive corruption required to pay back Thasksins political supporters.

For example the promise of wage and salary rises have already resulted in price gauging and inflation to compensate for the percieve effect they would have on profit margins if they were universally implemented.

As this true agenda is revealled by the actions of the PTP the electrates eyes are opening, the fun ride is becoming a car crash, the reality is becoming apparent and support for Thaksin is dwindling this will make Thaksin and his backers more desperate.

"demonisation of the coup"

??

That - all by itself - is an amazing statement.

Yes it is an amazing statement in that it hits the nail right on the head. Demonisation is one of the tools in Thaksin's war chest.

[slapout]

Waza has expressed quite well what many have forcast when "promises to secure votes" were being thrown about like water on our most recent holiday. It would appear that there will be no backing down, on these populist scams, by the present government, as per the absent leadersactions and interview.statements.

I am afraid that that we will contine to hear boasts of accomplishments by individuals and further pleas for trust and patience, eventually they will proclaim, they see the light at the end of the tunnel. I figure they will not recongize that light as another train approaching, thus expect a hell of a train wreck before this is said and done.

[waza]

Finance Minister to Extend First-home Loan Program, Increase Price Cap

The Finance Ministry is looking to extend the first-home buyer loan program by another year and increase the cap for an eligible home's value to two million baht after it has received a lower-than-expected number of applications.

Deputy Finance Minister Wirun Techapaiboon said his ministry is considering extending the first-home buyer loan program by another year after having received a meager number of applications.

He added that his ministry will also consider revising the cap for an eligible home's value up from originally one million to two million baht, as property prices have increased recently and so that the program is accessible to those buying homes valued higher one million baht.

However, Wirun noted it has yet to be decided whether the new cap is applicable for the home's market value or the approved loan amount since many first-home owners have bought homes with higher prices than the cap, but their loan amounts granted by banks do not exceed it.

The deputy finance minister said he will push through the proposal as soon as possible to prevent any hiccup in the implementation of the program.

In addition, he said his ministry has instructed the Government Housing Bank to offer long-term loans with low monthly repayment for existing customers in the wake of rising cost of living.

According to the deputy finance minister, home loans account for 19 percent of the gross domestic product. The ministry is looking to increase the figure to 25 percent as the property market is regarded as the country's key economic driver.

However, the 25-percent target is still lower than the current figure in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, whose home loans-to-GDP ratio is 30 percent.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-23

There is a school of thought that believe this is just a sceme for a few people to offload some flood damaged investment properties.

[Buchholz]

First Car Buyer scheme is flawed

Pattanadesh Asasappakij

The excise tax-exemption policy for first-car buyers, which was announced by the government late last year, can be viewed as a policy that makes it easier for those with low incomes to purchase an automobile, as well as help domestic auto-makers to sell more vehicles.

However, if studied carefully, the policy contains a large number of flaws that need to be corrected. To date only 30,000 people have signed up.

This clearly shows that there is a problem, as auto sales haven't undergone any stimulation. The 1,500cc-engine-size limit has also caused buyers, who have placed orders for vehicles with larger engines, to cancel bookings and purchase vehicles that pass the requirement.

In terms of consumers, those with low salaries don't fully benefit from the scheme either. This is because a large number of people purchase their first car after they graduate or during their first three years of work. They normally go for a new or a used car and would lose the right to participate in the First Car Buyer programme.

Meanwhile, grandpa and grandma in the countryside, who have owned rusty used trucks before, might also want to enjoy the tax break on a new vehicle to replace their unreliable truck. But they have lost the right, and the old truck they have won't fetch enough for a down payment either, as the car scheme has caused a plunge in used vehicle prices.

And the single-cab pickup trucks that farmers use will get just over Bt10,000 in tax reduction while luxurious four-wheel-drive off-road pickup trucks with full option get a tax break of as much as Bt100,000.

The rule that states the buyer must own the vehicle for at least five years is also uncontrollable. Perhaps, Cabinet members are rich and have never purchased a used car. That's why they are unaware that more than 90 per cent of used car sales in Thailand is done through a "floating transfer". This allows the vehicle to be sold right away.

Next comes an interesting question. Mr A has just graduated from university, which means that he has never worked and paid any taxes. He then enters the First Car Buyer programme and enjoys a Bt100,000 tax rebate. In this case, is Mr A - who has never paid any taxes in his life and enjoys the excise tax exemption - considered as taking advantage of others in society?

There are, in fact, many other questions about the car scheme, but the important thing I want to point out to the government is their mistake in launching this programme, which will completely destroy the automobile industry that Thailand has been nurturing for so many years. This includes the eco-car project that the government went all out to promote. As soon as the First Car Buyer programme was announced, potential eco-car buyers started to change their minds.

That's because eco-cars are not bound to a hefty excise tax so the tax rebate is not much. On the contrary, larger subcompacts such as the Mazda2, Honda Jazz and City, Toyota Vios and Yaris, offer savings of up to Bt100,000, making them a better buy.

Similarly, single cab pickups get excise tax rebates of less than Bt30,000 while 4-door models, which had been labelled luxury vehicles by previous governments and suffered from higher duty, enjoy rebates of Bt80,000 to Bt100,000.

Used-car dealers can be considered as dead due to the programme, since the finance minister came out to say that used cars have no excise duty and he doesn't know how the rebate could be carried out.

So a used car purchased by a dealer for Bt500,000, which has already suffered from a plunge in resale value due to the eco-car project, gets a second bullet from the First Car Buyer programme.

It begs the question: is helping a particular business while killing another the right thing to do?

And after the programme takes effect, those who want to sell used cars will suddenly suffer from lower resale value. For example, if a particular car is worth Bt600,000 and qualifies for the First Car Buyer programme, the buyer will get a Bt100,000 excise duty rebate. So whenever this model is sold in the used car market, the second buyer will consider that the first received the rebate from the First Car Buyer programme. This creates a resale price vacuum in the used car market for models included in the programme as some buyers get the tax return and some don't.

To date, there has been no news of how the programme will end. Many are calling for it to be extended past the December 31 deadline as auto-makers can't keep up with demand as they have not fully recovered from last year's massive flood.

-- The Nation 2012-05-02

[Buchholz]

First-car tax rebate program to see possible extension

BANGKOK, 14 May 2012 (NNT) – The government is set to extend the tax privilege period for first-time car buyers, given only 20,000 applicants out of the targeted 500,000 have, so far, signed up for the program.

Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai has disclosed that the government is considering whether to extend the 100,000-baht tax rebate scheme for first-time car buyers, stating that the decision will be reached within 2 months.

The project's initial target has been set at 500,000 applicants; however, only 20,000 have requested the tax rebate so far.

Thus, the government is looking to stretch out the program's period to allow the public to fully enjoy the benefits of the offer.

In case of an extension, the program's deadline will be postponed to March or April 2013. However, if the government chooses to maintain the date initially set at the beginning of the program, which is the end of 2012, those who place an order for a car within this year will be eligible for rebates. Previous conditions, however, stipulated that the program's applicants will receive a refund once they have finalized the purchase and obtained a car registration within 2012.

-- NNT 2012-05-14

Edited May 14, 2012 by Buchholz

[TomTao]

First-car tax rebate program to see possible extension

BANGKOK, 14 May 2012 (NNT) – The government is set to extend the tax privilege period for first-time car buyers, given only 20,000 applicants out of the targeted 500,000 have, so far, signed up for the program.

Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai has disclosed that the government is considering whether to extend the 100,000-baht tax rebate scheme for first-time car buyers, stating that the decision will be reached within 2 months.

The project's initial target has been set at 500,000 applicants; however, only 20,000 have requested the tax rebate so far.

Thus, the government is looking to stretch out the program's period to allow the public to fully enjoy the benefits of the offer.

In case of an extension, the program's deadline will be postponed to March or April 2013. However, if the government chooses to maintain the date initially set at the beginning of the program, which is the end of 2012, those who place an order for a car within this year will be eligible for rebates. Previous conditions, however, stipulated that the program's applicants will receive a refund once they have finalized the purchase and obtained a car registration within 2012.

-- NNT 2012-05-14

Where do you apply? Thinking of getting a car in my wife's name in a few months time, be handy to have a ฿100,000 reduction in the price.

[kerryk]

"Only one populism policy could be deemed as progressing and that is the women's development fund. More than 10 million women have joined the fund since it was launched on Women's Day on March 8."

I hadn't heard about that one before. Can someone explain what it is?

Thanks, Terry.

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Signing up is not the same as actually making it

DO SOMETHING...

Your implication is that no women have gotten anything. The fund is only a couple of months old but....

I guess you have factual information to support your innuendo? You can present it here. Or did you just make it up?

On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything.

[sbk]

Off topic posts defaming the former PM have been removed. This kind of name calling really isn't acceptable and you must know that.

Keep it on topic, this is aboiut the effect of the populist policies, thanks

[OzMick]

"Only one populism policy could be deemed as progressing and that is the women's development fund. More than 10 million women have joined the fund since it was launched on Women's Day on March 8."

I hadn't heard about that one before. Can someone explain what it is?

Thanks, Terry.

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Signing up is not the same as actually making it

DO SOMETHING...

Your implication is that no women have gotten anything. The fund is only a couple of months old but....

I guess you have factual information to support your innuendo? You can present it here. Or did you just make it up?

On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything.

Why do you assume the question was rhetorical?

Note to Animatic - Kerry says you should not ask a question unless you have proof of the answer.

[kerryk]

"Only one populism policy could be deemed as progressing and that is the women's development fund. More than 10 million women have joined the fund since it was launched on Women's Day on March 8."

I hadn't heard about that one before. Can someone explain what it is?

Thanks, Terry.

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Signing up is not the same as actually making it

DO SOMETHING...

Your implication is that no women have gotten anything. The fund is only a couple of months old but....

I guess you have factual information to support your innuendo? You can present it here. Or did you just make it up?

On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything.

Why do you assume the question was rhetorical?

Note to Animatic - Kerry says you should not ask a question unless you have proof of the answer.

The question was written, "HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????" That is an all caps shout with 4 question marks. I think it is safe to assume it was rhetorical.

[Reasonableman]

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2642.php?id=42564

... Thailand attached high priority to gender equality, promotion of Thai women’s roles, poverty eradication, discrimination and domestic violence. The Royal Thai Government has set up the Thai Women Development Fund worth 7.7 billion baht (around 250 million USD) to empower Thai women with opportunities, especially women in the rural areas. At present, six million women have registered to the programme."

[whybother]

http://www.mfa.go.th...42.php?id=42564

... Thailand attached high priority to gender equality, promotion of Thai women’s roles, poverty eradication, discrimination and domestic violence. The Royal Thai Government has set up the Thai Women Development Fund worth 7.7 billion baht (around 250 million USD) to empower Thai women with opportunities, especially women in the rural areas. At present, six million women have registered to the programme."

1,283 baht each?

[Buchholz]

http://www.mfa.go.th...42.php?id=42564

... Thailand attached high priority to gender equality, promotion of Thai women’s roles, poverty eradication, discrimination and domestic violence. The Royal Thai Government has set up the Thai Women Development Fund worth 7.7 billion baht (around 250 million USD) to empower Thai women with opportunities, especially women in the rural areas. At present, six million women have registered to the programme."

and just who is the Yingluck-appointed Supervisor for the Thai Women's Development Fund worth 7,700,000,000.00 baht?

Link to photo:

http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-6964-Mugabe%20fixer%20made%20Thailand%20minister/news.aspx

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Nalinee Taveesin

Thailand PM promotes Mugabe fixer

A Thai businesswoman slapped with United States sanctions for alleged business dealings with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's wife, Grace, has been appointed a Cabinet Minister. Nalinee Taveesin was named Prime Minister's Office Minister in a cabinet reshuffle Tuesday by Premier Yingluck Shinawatra, ignoring the fact that she is black-listed by the US for business dealings with the Mugabe's wife.

Taveesin -- then an ordinary Thai businesswoman -- was added to the list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) by the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in November 2008.

The US OFAC accused her of facilitating a number of financial, real-estate and gems-related transactions on behalf of Grace Mugabe and other Zimbabweans on the SDN list.

Continues:

http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-6964-Mugabe%20fixer%20made%20Thailand%20minister/news.aspx

New Zimbabwe - 18/01/2012

[animatic]

Seems we get trolled today.

Som nom na.

Edited May 15, 2012 by animatic

[animatic]

"Only one populism policy could be deemed as progressing and that is the women's development fund. More than 10 million women have joined the fund since it was launched on Women's Day on March 8."

I hadn't heard about that one before. Can someone explain what it is?

Thanks, Terry.

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Signing up is not the same as actually making it

DO SOMETHING...

Your implication is that no women have gotten anything. The fund is only a couple of months old but....

I guess you have factual information to support your innuendo? You can present it here. Or did you just make it up?

On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything.

No, it what not an rhetorical question. Your assumption might have been.

And at the time I wrote it the sum total was ZERO!

And the sign up number of 10 million women was purely hyperbole,

since at this point in time 2012-04-20, (almost 2 months ago);

a ) There was not even an administrative agency ikn place for taking their names,

It had not been created or had ANY personell chosen.

No one to even count those signed up.

b ) Only existing were on site created sign up sheets in Ampurs,

and no adress to send them too. No official documentation existed,

let alone even having been sent to a printer.

c ) No one COULD had gotten a satang,

because there was no one to give them out.

But don't let context and accuracy get in the way or your rant against me.

Edited May 15, 2012 by animatic

[tlansford]

"Only one populism policy could be deemed as progressing and that is the women's development fund. More than 10 million women have joined the fund since it was launched on Women's Day on March 8."

I hadn't heard about that one before. Can someone explain what it is?

Thanks, Terry.

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Signing up is not the same as actually making it

DO SOMETHING...

Your implication is that no women have gotten anything. The fund is only a couple of months old but....

I guess you have factual information to support your innuendo? You can present it here. Or did you just make it up?

On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything.

No, it what not an rhetorical question. Your assumption might have been.

And at the time I wrote it the sum total was ZERO!

And the sign up number of 10 million women was purely hyperbole,

since at this point in time 2012-04-20, (almost 2 months ago);

a ) There was not even an administrative agency ikn place for taking their names,

It had not been created or had ANY personell chosen.

No one to even count those signed up.

b ) Only existing were on site created sign up sheets in Ampurs,

and no adress to send them too. No official documentation existed,

let alone even having been sent to a printer.

c ) No one COULD had gotten a satang,

because there was no one to give them out.

But don't let context and accuracy get in the way or your rant against me.

not that rhetorical questions are not your style, ...

As for

"But don't let context and accuracy get in the way or your rant against me."

&

"since at this point in time 2012-04-20, (almost 2 months ago);"

who put the extra month between April & May?

with a second point on accuracy, the linked article from reasonable man was April 5th, 2 weeks before your post that talks about "nothing" it was at 6 million women signed up...

So with you being so precise and accurate, why would readers not take your post as a rhetorical question? It had nothing to do with the facts and you did not seem to be looking for any real answers...

[animatic]

...

not that rhetorical questions are not your style, ...

As for

"But don't let context and accuracy get in the way or your rant against me."

&

"since at this point in time 2012-04-20, (almost 2 months ago);"

who put the extra month between April & May?

with a second point on accuracy, the linked article from reasonable man was April 5th, 2 weeks before your post that talks about "nothing" it was at 6 million women signed up...

So with you being so precise and accurate, why would readers not take your post as a rhetorical question? It had nothing to do with the facts and you did not seem to be looking for any real answers...

And where is anything to show for this in the month since then?

Talk, talk, talk. A nice talking point in a ASEAN meeting but "where's the beef"?

Who actual has done anything with any of this money?

Is there ANY proof that this has actual happened for any Woman in Thailand?

Does anyone her know ANY WOMAN,

who has actually benefited from this project?

An actual benefit, not a sign-up, and not someone chosen as a village interface?

Just a simple citizen getting some benefits from this PR. masterpiece.

It would be lovely if this actually happened, worked and enriched the lives of Thai women.

Public relations blurb.

http://thailand.prd....php?id=6212&a=2

a figure of 5 million women.

And this from Sat, 03/10/2012

http://www.oananews....evelopment-fund

A target of 10 million women, not much else

http://www.nationmul...l-30177692.html

With unclear objectives and obscure operation plan, big doubts remain where the fund will fit into the picture.

http://www.nationmul...h-30176380.html

"However, the government has not come up with details on how it will fairly distribute the fund. As things stand, most ordinary women in local communities do not know anything about this plan. Judging from the government's performance in distributing flood relief supplies and money, there is no guarantee that the disbursment will be effective in reaching those most in need.

This money must not go only to women with political connections. It must not be manipulated for political purposes."

"(15/02/2012) The Government will officially launch the National Development Fund for Women on March 8, which marks International Women’s Day. Out of Thailand’s population of 65 million, more than 33 million people are females."

So this is 2 months since it was first set up.

Right now you are debating the poster, me, and not the content.

I have been on the subject, which is not you or your opinion of me.

Edited May 15, 2012 by animatic

[kerryk]

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Is anyone implying that the above is not a rhetorical question?

[animatic]

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Is anyone implying that the above is not a rhetorical question?

Tiansford for one.

And no that was a direct question.

to quote you:

"On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything."

The government has said it "will make available" 100 million for each province.

It has said in it's PR blurbs:

1 ) it has started holding hearings

2 ) created management sub-committees.

3 ) looking for local village reps,

But not once has it EVER, in published english,

said it has distributed funds to members.

The last searched show nothing by Government PR publication

and not one says distribution has become.

I am taking this from their own PR. blurbs.

You seem far too desperate to make them look better,

than they are working to look good themselves...

There are also 2 The Nation articles basically asking similar questions to mine.

Which I saw AFTER writing my questions, but showing I am not the only one,

who see's more smoke than rubber hitting the road with this fund.

Edited May 15, 2012 by animatic

[kerryk]

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Is anyone implying that the above is not a rhetorical question?

Tiansford for one.

And no that was a direct question.

to quote you:

"On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything."

The government has said it "will make available" 100 million for each province.

It has said in it's PR blurbs:

1 ) it has started holding hearings

2 ) created management sub-committees.

3 ) looking for local village reps,

But not once has it EVER, in published english,

said it has distributed funds to members.

The last searched show nothing by Government PR publication

and not one says distribution has become.

I am taking this from their own PR. blurbs.

You seem far too desperate to make them look better,

than they are working to look good themselves...

There are also 2 The Nation articles basically asking similar questions to mine.

Which I saw AFTER writing my questions, but showing I am not the only one,

who see's more smoke than rubber hitting the road with this fund.

I would think it would take a year or two to get a program like that up and running. How soon would you consider reasonable?

[Moruya]

First-car tax rebate program to see possible extension

BANGKOK, 14 May 2012 (NNT) – The government is set to extend the tax privilege period for first-time car buyers, given only 20,000 applicants out of the targeted 500,000 have, so far, signed up for the program.

Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai has disclosed that the government is considering whether to extend the 100,000-baht tax rebate scheme for first-time car buyers, stating that the decision will be reached within 2 months.

The project's initial target has been set at 500,000 applicants; however, only 20,000 have requested the tax rebate so far.

Thus, the government is looking to stretch out the program's period to allow the public to fully enjoy the benefits of the offer.

In case of an extension, the program's deadline will be postponed to March or April 2013. However, if the government chooses to maintain the date initially set at the beginning of the program, which is the end of 2012, those who place an order for a car within this year will be eligible for rebates. Previous conditions, however, stipulated that the program's applicants will receive a refund once they have finalized the purchase and obtained a car registration within 2012.

-- NNT 2012-05-14

Where do you apply? Thinking of getting a car in my wife's name in a few months time, be handy to have a ฿100,000 reduction in the price.

The supplier will help.

Paid after 1 year - although you need to keep the car for 5.

[tlansford]

Yes a lot of women wanting the cash... but

HOW MANY HAVE GOTTEN ANY????

Is anyone implying that the above is not a rhetorical question?

Tiansford for one.

And no that was a direct question.

to quote you:

"On the other hand I could say the fund has given 7,7 million baht to deserving women in 4 provinces. But I wouldn't because I would just be making it up. Same as you are making up that women have not gotten anything."

The government has said it "will make available" 100 million for each province.

It has said in it's PR blurbs:

1 ) it has started holding hearings

2 ) created management sub-committees.

3 ) looking for local village reps,

But not once has it EVER, in published english,

said it has distributed funds to members.

The last searched show nothing by Government PR publication

and not one says distribution has become.

I am taking this from their own PR. blurbs.

You seem far too desperate to make them look better,

than they are working to look good themselves...

There are also 2 The Nation articles basically asking similar questions to mine.

Which I saw AFTER writing my questions, but showing I am not the only one,

who see's more smoke than rubber hitting the road with this fund.

oh, animatic, I don't want to imply that it was a rhetorical question - it was a rhetorical question (But of course, you can plausibly deny it) and your standard fashion to criticize any initiative by this PM.

And I have an opinion of you as well, but I am discussing the content, not my opinion of you.

And here is an initiative - a good one IMO - which in less than 4 weeks after launching has enrolled somewhere around 20% of the entire possible target population - and you come along with the statement, "yes, but how much has been distributed..."

That is not a normal metric of success 4 weeks or even 4 months into a program like this. As you are intelligent, you obviously realize that, which leaves the rest of us to wonder why you would make such off-the-mark comments.

Which brings us back to you posing a rhetorical question in order to criticize a government initiative...

[hyperdimension]

your standard fashion to criticize any initiative by this PM.

Do you really thing it was the initiative of Yingluck?

So which "initiative(s)" of Yingluck or "her" party would you praise and why? Or is your task here only to defend Pheu Thai and the Red Shirts against criticism?

Edited May 15, 2012 by hyperdimension

[jerrysteve]

The fact is, people don't need the government to help them go broke, they can do that all by themselves. I know a Thai lady who is a chef, with all the certificates etc etc, and who is an excellent chef as well who couldn't get more than 12,000 Baht per month in dismal Thailand. Sometimes, the employer would cheat her out of her pay and get away with it because the Dept of Labor in Thailand is as useless as tits on a boars

She found the oportunity to work on an international cruise ship as a Chef and now makes 65,000 baht per month, and gets paid. She obtained a "Seaman's License" and all the rest of the requirments, has a work permit from Canada, said the with Thailand.

There are opportunities outside of Thailand, and the hell with Nationalism.

.

[jerrysteve]

The Hell with Nationalism and Patriotism...Who the hell needs that, when you need food on the table, and clothes on your children's backs etc etc etc.

Thai people if they have any skills at all, need to seek opportunites outside their country. They need to be taught how to look and where to look.

Screw all government promises no matter what country your fromi.

[OzMick]

"The government has said it "will make available" 100 million for each province.

It has said in it's PR blurbs:

1 ) it has started holding hearings

2 ) created management sub-committees.

3 ) looking for local village reps,"

Would it be foolish of me to expect these people are being paid? For months, even a year or two, before distribution starts? If it's anything like the administration costs of some charities, there ain't going to be much distributed.

What's the chances that those employed will have some prior affiliation to PTP or their red mates?

[Buchholz]

BANGKOK, 14 May 2012 (NNT) – The government is set to extend the tax privilege period for first-time car buyers, given only 20,000 applicants out of the targeted 500,000 have, so far, signed up for the program.

The project's initial target has been set at 500,000 applicants; however, only 20,000 have requested the tax rebate so far.

Where do you apply? Thinking of getting a car in my wife's name in a few months time, be handy to have a ฿100,000 reduction in the price.

The supplier will help.

Paid after 1 year - although you need to keep the car for 5.

Also remember, not all vehicles receive the 100,000 baht. Some makes/models get significantly less (only 10% of that).

One of the reasons The Grande Scheme is receiving such silence with the number of applicants.

The majority of consumers aren't in the market for the fully decked out vehicles.

Clearly, it's not intended for the masses, let alone the rural poor that put this clown show into office.

First Car Buyer scheme is flawed

And the single-cab pickup trucks that farmers use will get just over Bt10,000 in tax reduction while luxurious, four-wheel-drive, off-road pickup trucks with full options get a tax break of as much as Bt100,000.

[mca]

I know of at least 3 people who're getting the full 100k for an entry level Honda City, Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta.

[animatic]

"The government has said it "will make available" 100 million for each province.

It has said in it's PR blurbs:

1 ) it has started holding hearings

2 ) created management sub-committees.

3 ) looking for local village reps,"

Would it be foolish of me to expect these people are being paid? For months, even a year or two, before distribution starts? If it's anything like the administration costs of some charities, there ain't going to be much distributed.

What's the chances that those employed will have some prior affiliation to PTP or their red mates?

Certainly another aspect of this 'program'

1 ) it is a political program top down to the lowest rung

2 ) it allows talking points internationally to make the government look good, regardless of actual actions taken, and the substance of their PR efforts backs this view, so far.

3 ) it can build another network of individuals first beholden to those above them. in the classic Thai hierarchal structure, and thus the proceeds flow through many hands all looking upstream at the source, not down at the potential recipients.

One group here is arguing ludicrously that this is already running,

while Tiansford at least takes a realistic view that a year to get running is minimum, or at least likely.

Which actually is my view on it relative to my comments,

this thing is just a framework at best, and benefits for end users are not happening,

except possibly for those connected individuals, who are hitching their wagon to the

new scheme at various bureaucratic levels.

So those telling my that it is running in blind or blinded defense of the PM's skirts are being absurd.

For the sake of the average Thai I truly hope this government can perform,

but seeing is believing and actions speak much, much louder than words.

Edited May 15, 2012 by animatic