Dhanin Calls For Caution In Populism: Thailand

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Dhanin calls for caution in populism

Achara Deboonme

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Dhanin Chearavanont, chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, called for a cautious government approach towards populism, to avoid a Greece-like crisis.

He said the government should focus more on creating opportunities, including a Bt2-trillion investment in irrigation, support for rubber and fuel-crop plantation, and the opening of a casino to promote tourism.

"Thailand is in the infant stage in terms of populism. We've just begun to show sympathy for the poor. Still, we should avoid becoming a welfare state like Greece, as that does not encourage people to work. When the government's finances are poor, welfare should be adjusted to reflect that," he said at the Securities and Exchange Commission's 20th Anniversary Symposium.

He supported the government's rice-pledging scheme to guarantee farmers' income, but said the process should be amended. All farmers should be able to sell rice at the price to any millers. The government should start releasing the stockpile only when it can fetch a high price, or when the rice can be processed for higher-value products.

Dhanin told the audience that Thailand had enormous potential for more farming and more investment in the 24 million rai of irrigated areas to increase yield and farmers' incomes.

To boost the tourism industry, he supported the opening of casinos, encouraged by the fact that gaming revenue in Singapore is now the world's third-highest, after Macau and Las Vegas. He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling. He also suggested the abolition of value-added tax and import tariffs on luxury goods. With a greater number of tourists, this would benefit the entire nation, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-07-28

[Schmackos]

To boost the tourism industry, he supported the opening of casinos, encouraged by the fact that gaming revenue in Singapore is now the world's third-highest, after Macau and Las Vegas. He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

While it might be a good idea for the Thai Economy, will it be good for the Thai people?

What is a unique Thai gambling game?

[Skywalker69]

To boost the tourism industry, he supported the opening of casinos, encouraged by the fact that gaming revenue in Singapore is now the world's third-highest, after Macau and Las Vegas. He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

While it might be a good idea for the Thai Economy, will it be good for the Thai people?

What is a unique Thai gambling game?

Some people makes big bucks on the illigal Casinos, I think they would like to keep it that way.

[Payboy]

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

It does, its called the stock exchange. Few people controlling the house always win.

[whybother]

"Daphin calls for caution in populism"

Too late.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Maestro
Deleted nonsensical part of post.

[Jaivin2011]

Is this Thai Chinese Monopolists from CP (aka Cancer Producer Group) trying to become the next Prime Minister. The poor farmers upcountry should do something about it and bring him and his whole family down.

[noitom]

Of course he's encouraging government investment in farming. He's the farming monopoly in Thailand. He cautions on populism - giving the poor a fair shake. Sounds like an elite privileged comment.

Can you imagine a casino in or near Bangkok? The corruption that's rampant in Thailand and overlating a casino operation on that? They have the gall to compare a potential Thai casino to Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore.

[Thai at Heart]

Being the most important businessman in mainland china and se Asia, he is probably best mates with the owners if the sands and various other casino owners who have been very busy in macau and Singapore the last few years.

Of course, any Thai casino would be a 51% joint venture to make sure thais wouldn't be exploited by foreigners. i wonder if he knows anyone willing to be the 51% partner?

[Schmackos]

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

It does, its called the stock exchange. Few people controlling the house always win.

I think I like your thinking !

[tlansford]

He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am not a fan of gambling. There is nothing that says people against legal gambling are not aware of the gambling taking place now, and it strikes me that people promoting gambling as good for the country / economy are perhaps more hypocritical.

[phiphidon]

He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am not a fan of gambling. There is nothing that says people against legal gambling are not aware of the gambling taking place now, and it strikes me that people promoting gambling as good for the country / economy are perhaps more hypocritical.

"and it strikes me that people promoting gambling as good for the country / economy are perhaps more hypocritical."

and / or may allegedly have links to those who run gambling in other countries......................

[doggie888888]

Hey, if I had billions made off the backs of a poor and uneducated population, I'd also caution against populism. As I am not willing to pay more taxes nor share my wealth, the government can go start a casino and tax the gaming revenues, even if such profits come from the poor and uneducated masses.

Ain't it great to be rich in an corrupt and feudal system.

[JurgenG]

Is this Thai Chinese Monopolists from CP (aka Cancer Producer Group) trying to become the next Prime Minister. The poor farmers upcountry should do something about it and bring him and his whole family down.

It's really funny, you travel the world but you find everywhere the same discourse.

Take this post for example. you replace Thai Chinese by Jews and if you have the typical western rant by your white supremacist / right winger extremist.

A number of posters here complain of the lack of sensibility of Asian people toward Nazis' emblems and discourse. A bit hypocritical don't you find ?

Edited July 28, 2012 by JurgenG

[doggie888888]

By the way, Singapore actively discourages its citizens from visiting the casinos there. There are rather steep fees for them to enter the gaming area, restrictions on advertising in Singapore and there are registers of problem gamblers and limits on gambling.

They do not want taxes on gambling revenues to be a cost to their local population. Just a guess but I doubt any Thai casino will adopt the Singapore model.

Edited July 28, 2012 by doggie888888

[chotthee]

By the way, Singapore actively discourages its citizens from visiting the casinos there. There are rather steep fees for them to enter the gaming area, restrictions on advertising in Singapore and there are registers of problem gamblers and limits on gambling.

They do not want taxes on gambling revenues to be a cost to their local population. Just a guess but I doubt any Thai casino will adopt the Singapore model.

Thai casino? What casino? Thaksin casino?

[JurgenG]

By the way, Singapore actively discourages its citizens from visiting the casinos there. There are rather steep fees for them to enter the gaming area, restrictions on advertising in Singapore and there are registers of problem gamblers and limits on gambling.

They do not want taxes on gambling revenues to be a cost to their local population. Just a guess but I doubt any Thai casino will adopt the Singapore model.

Same, China tries to limit the number of its people who are allowed to visit Macau.

[Moruya]

He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am not a fan of gambling. There is nothing that says people against legal gambling are not aware of the gambling taking place now, and it strikes me that people promoting gambling as good for the country / economy are perhaps more hypocritical.

how would people like Chuwitt and Thaksin stand up on that basis?

[MEL1]

I've observed Chearavanont for a number of years, and he isn't a political player in Govnt.

Yes, he's Thailand's richest man, and one of the richest in the world, but he built his company up to the top from the mild foundings of his father.

Yes, people can also comment about CP Foods, quality of it or whatever. That does not distinguish from the fact that he is a very successful man, and ready to be shot at. I disagree with comments about his taking from the poor; he has promoted land use and helped his suppliers for many a year. He isn't disliked in the social community, despite his origins.

I find it a little unfair of some comments, if the posters are not aware of what this man, and his family, have done to promote Thailand and help its people. Time to read up on him, if you don't know his history.

His comments are fair IMHO.

-mel.

[kaspercat]

I also disagree with the many posters here who make racist and uneducated comments.

Dhanin is very down to earth and have close association with the farmers and local villagers.

Their organizations and personal families have contributed millions and a sizable portion of income to help the local up country population.

Please do your research before spouting hate and FUD.

[GiHadOrange]

He said the government should focus more on creating opportunities, including a Bt2-trillion investment in irrigation, support for rubber and fuel-crop plantation, and the opening of a casino to promote tourism.

Isn't the government doing this already or respectively isn't it most likely that the political group around Thaksin would come up with such ideas like opening casinos and trillion baht investments?

[brianP]

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

It does, its called the stock exchange. Few people controlling the house always win.

Same shit different Country!

[brianP]

OH BOY, Gambling in Thailand!! as if there isn't enough of that in every fashion going on already, now legally sanctioned Casinos! Imagine how many of those lottery box people will encircle the casinos getting the gambling Thai's before they even start the gamble. But my main worry is they will go Phillipino. The Philippine people in the USA go nuts for gambling and most of them that do, get in trouble. Of course there are a rainbow of races and colors of addicted gamblers in the US. but i see an Asian thing going on here,not just the pacific islanders too.

Having to work trade shows in Vegas for many years, i see all Philippians are now working at the casinos too. And the big boys in Vegas make Asian gamblers inclusive with their games,food entertainment and Asian Casinos. Will the Thai people go ape shit too? And what about MAFIA?

Think it might thrive here a little? As for the Food giant man, put your money where your mouth is!!! Any wagers on this???

[tlansford]

Thailand is in the infant stage in terms of populism. We've just begun to show sympathy for the poor. Still, we should avoid becoming a welfare state like Greece, as that does not encourage people to work.

Which of the current populist policies encourage people to not work?

[khunken]

Thailand is in the infant stage in terms of populism. We've just begun to show sympathy for the poor. Still, we should avoid becoming a welfare state like Greece, as that does not encourage people to work.

Which of the current populist policies encourage people to not work?

That's not what he said. Becoming is not become.

One related policy which pays people from Isan to come & 'demonstrate' in Bangkok certainly encourages people not to work.

[northernboy]

To boost the tourism industry, he supported the opening of casinos, encouraged by the fact that gaming revenue in Singapore is now the world's third-highest, after Macau and Las Vegas. He said opponents of the idea were hypocrites who were not willing to accept that many Thais are now involved in gambling.

I am surprised that Thailand does not have a legal Casino.

While it might be a good idea for the Thai Economy, will it be good for the Thai people?

What is a unique Thai gambling game?

The stock market is for the local Indian and Chinese. The Thai gambling is I think it is called "marry the Farang", were to bet with your child's life and you can win the house.

[tlansford]

Thailand is in the infant stage in terms of populism. We've just begun to show sympathy for the poor. Still, we should avoid becoming a welfare state like Greece, as that does not encourage people to work.

Which of the current populist policies encourage people to not work?

That's not what he said. Becoming is not become.

One related policy which pays people from Isan to come & 'demonstrate' in Bangkok certainly encourages people not to work.

yes, I couldn't think of one either...

This is The Nation reporting. It is really hard to say what this person's real position on these issues is from the article. The mix of "be careful with populist policies, invest in irrigation, open casinos and kill the luxury goods tax" seems like a strange collection of ideas to throw into a single news piece. There is no clear logic in the article that binds these thoughts together and which reflects the thoughts of someone who is very successful and who is clearly capable of logical thinking.

BTW, this is not a red shirt / Thaksin issue, but thanks for bringing that into the discussion.

[khunken]

Thailand is in the infant stage in terms of populism. We've just begun to show sympathy for the poor. Still, we should avoid becoming a welfare state like Greece, as that does not encourage people to work.

Which of the current populist policies encourage people to not work?

That's not what he said. Becoming is not become.

One related policy which pays people from Isan to come & 'demonstrate' in Bangkok certainly encourages people not to work.

yes, I couldn't think of one either...

This is The Nation reporting. It is really hard to say what this person's real position on these issues is from the article. The mix of "be careful with populist policies, invest in irrigation, open casinos and kill the luxury goods tax" seems like a strange collection of ideas to throw into a single news piece. There is no clear logic in the article that binds these thoughts together and which reflects the thoughts of someone who is very successful and who is clearly capable of logical thinking.

BTW, this is not a red shirt / Thaksin issue, but thanks for bringing that into the discussion.

I partially agree. It's a pity though you didn't admit to twisting his words. I brought the 'demonstration' issue up because it falls into the non-work category & I know how close it is to your heart.

BTW, I don't agree with Dhanin that a welfare state encourages people not to work. There are many examples of very successful welfare states (e..g. Scandinavia) with low jobless. Also, lack of jobs is the major reason for people not being able to work.

[ratcatcher]

Is this Thai Chinese Monopolists from CP (aka Cancer Producer Group) trying to become the next Prime Minister. The poor farmers upcountry should do something about it and bring him and his whole family down.

To paraphrase:

Is this Thai-Chinese from C.M. (Chiang Mai) (aka Thaksin Shinawatra) trying to become the next Prime Minister?

The poor farmers upcountry should do something about it and bring his whole family down.

It would seem that Dhanin Charavananont actually has the interests of Thailand as well as his own at heart.

Thaksin on the other hand merely has his own interests at heart.

[ratcatcher]

<snip>

I partially agree. It's a pity though you didn't admit to twisting his words. I brought the 'demonstration' issue up because it falls into the non-work category & I know how close it is to your heart.

BTW, I don't agree with Dhanin that a welfare state encourages people not to work. There are many examples of very successful welfare states (e..g. Scandinavia) with low jobless. Also, lack of jobs is the major reason for people not being able to work.

Your last line is interesting:"lack of jobs is the major reason for people not being able to work'

Wouldn't that be like saying "lack of food is the major reason for people not being able to eat?".

[khunken]

<snip>

I partially agree. It's a pity though you didn't admit to twisting his words. I brought the 'demonstration' issue up because it falls into the non-work category & I know how close it is to your heart.

BTW, I don't agree with Dhanin that a welfare state encourages people not to work. There are many examples of very successful welfare states (e..g. Scandinavia) with low jobless. Also, lack of jobs is the major reason for people not being able to work.

Your last line is interesting:"lack of jobs is the major reason for people not being able to work'

Wouldn't that be like saying "lack of food is the major reason for people not being able to eat?".

Ok taking it out of context, it does look obvious. Put another way: lack of jobs due to severe austerity doesn't encourage people to work, whether they want to or not. Sound OK?