Democrats Attack Govt On Airport, Lack Of Rail Spending, Rice Subsidies: Thailand

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Democrats attack govt on airport, lack of rail spending, rice subsidies

WICHIT CHAITRONG,

KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Opposition MPs expressed concern over the quality of runway repairs at Suvarnabhumi Airport, inadequate railway investment and huge losses from the government's rice-subsidy scheme during yesterday's debate of the Bt2.4-trillion budget bill for fiscal 2013.

Samart Ratchpolsit, a Democrat MP, said the budget of the Transport Ministry should be cut by 5 per cent since it still allocated large resources to road systems, rather than railways.

Such investment would not reduce the country's high logistics costs, which are currently 18 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), he said, pointing out that developed countries have logistics costs of only 10 per cent of GDP.

He blamed the government for failing to invest in a double-track railway planned for by the Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

The Abhisit government planned to invest in four double-track railway routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the North; Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai in the Northeast; Rayong in the East; and Padang Besar in the South. The Yingluck Shinawatra government, however, has maintained plans for only one route - Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The South route has been shortened to Hua Hin, while the Northeast branch will go only as far as Nakhon Ratchasima.

Samart also attacked the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning's Bt400-million plan to study the railway system, saying many studies have been done by previous governments.

He was also worried about recent repairs of one of the runways at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He said underground water could still cause damage to the runway, which would erode airlines' confidence in the capacity of Thailand to be a hub of air transport in the region. Last month, runway repairs resulted in high costs for airlines, as planes had to wait to land and passengers faced delays, the MP said.

As the government plans to build another runway at Suvarnabhumi, it must make sure that the construction can withstand the underground water, he said.

Samart accused the government of discriminating against some of the airlines that plan to move back to Don Mueang Airport as part of a plan to ease congestion as Suvarnabhumi. The government has offered many incentives to new airlines that plan to move to Don Mueang, but not to those that have used Don Mueang in the past, he said.

Supatchari Thammaphet, another Democrat MP, recommended that 2 per cent be trimmed from the Bt70-billion budget allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. She said the government had been unable to solve farmers' problem of low prices, while taxpayers were expected to foot the bill for the expensive rice-subsidy policy.

The rice-pledging scheme has resulted in lost export opportunities totalling Bt100 billion, she said, adding that the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), which implemented the rice subsidy, is expected to lose about Bt100 billion.

Rubber-sheet prices during the Abhisit government were high, peaking at Bt180 per kilogram, but have fallen during the Yingluck government to about Bt70 to Bt75 per kg, she said.

During the Budget Bill debate yesterday, the opposition continued to question the government on transparency. It pressured the government to hand over reports of how it had spent budgets of Bt110 billion and Bt30 billion to tackle flood-related problems. The Democrats first requested the reports on Wednesday.

Bangkok MP Wilas Chanpitak said he had found irregularities in projects of the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, alleging that gifts given to children were quoted as costing Bt165, while the actual cost was below Bt100. Moreover, he found photocopies of identity cards were requested from people attending a ministry-sponsored trip, and were asked not to sign their names on the photocopies. In another case, people were asked to sign as having received Bt400 from a ministry project, when they actually received Bt200.

Speaking on the budget of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, MP Somboon Utaiwienkul said the government should invest more in the promotion of sports.

"Do you [the House committee on the 2013 Budget Bill] know that the Department of Physical Education receives only Bt2.5 million for its project to promote domestic technologies to develop sports science and technology?," he asked.

"Thailand is going to the Olympics, right? The project to promote sports science to develop basic sports potential was allocated at Bt4.5 million for the whole year," Somboon said.

-- The Nation 2012-08-18

[Ricardo]

As the government plans to build another runway at Suvarnabhumi, it must make sure that the construction can withstand the underground water

Since the main foundations for the third runway appear already to have been laid a few years ago, this ought to be easier to do now, and any remedial/drainage-works necessary can be carried-out, before they lay the expensive layer(s) of tarmac on top.

One might ask any of the past several governments, why they stopped working on it, part-way through the engineering works ? But better late than never, I guess.

[SuneeTH]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

[Orac]

"Thailand is going to the Olympics, right? The project to promote sports science to develop basic sports potential was allocated at Bt4.5 million for the whole year," Somboon said.

I think somebody should tell Somboon that the Olympics were last week.

[ramrod711]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

It's his job to quetion the government and attempt to make them accountable to the voters. That is democracy, just because you get elected doesn't mean you get a free rein to waste the peoples money and resources.

[Thaddeus]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

It's his job to quetion the government and attempt to make them accountable to the voters. That is democracy, just because you get elected doesn't mean you get a free rein to waste the peoples money and resources.

Correct of course, but, at least 53% of the house would disagree with you.

[takatukaland]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

[OzMick]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

You are of course aware that, with the exception of free diesel, that those are Democrat policies which were actually implemented while in government, but have now been degraded or cancelled by the incumbents? Perhaps I expect too much of you.

[Reasonableman]

Definition of 'Pork-Barrel Politics'

A slang term used when politicians or governments "unofficially" undertake projects that benefit a group of citizens in return for that group's support or campaign donations. This spending mostly benefits the needs of a small select group despite the fact that the entire community's funds are being used.

Also referred to as "patronage".

Investopedia explains 'Pork-Barrel Politics'

For example, let's say a city has a large number of potholes, spread evenly throughout its communities. If the mayor took campaign contributions from a group of wealthy residents in exchange for a promise to fix the potholes in their neighborhood first, this would be pork-barrel politics.

One possible derivation for the phrase comes from the practice of country stores keeping a barrel of salted pork open and available to the public. Certain high-ranking citizens would come by daily to dip into this common fund.

[OzMick]

You can rely on good old PTP to carry on Thaksin's policies - especially the one where the provinces that don't vote his way get shafted.

Double track rail to stop at Hua Hin, despite the number of tourists heading for Samui and Phuket, about 10% of the planned upgrade. But hey, we need a new high speed service to Chiang Mai, AND an upgrade to double track.

[takatukaland]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

You are of course aware that, with the exception of free diesel, that those are Democrat policies which were actually implemented while in government, but have now been degraded or cancelled by the incumbents? Perhaps I expect too much of you.

It was an example what they could do, after all I'm not Thai politican,For now u see and hear them only blaming,like that they will never ever win an election,but they don't have to,next coup is coming sure

[OzMick]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

You are of course aware that, with the exception of free diesel, that those are Democrat policies which were actually implemented while in government, but have now been degraded or cancelled by the incumbents? Perhaps I expect too much of you.

It was an example what they could do, after all I'm not Thai politican,For now u see and hear them only blaming,like that they will never ever win an election,but they don't have to,next coup is coming sure

Actually, they were examples of what the Democrats DID. And before the last election, a majority of polled voters preferred Democrat policies in a blind poll, but went for the populist crap offered by PTP and are now suffering the consequences. Personally, I don't think a coup will be necessary, 3 more years of mismanagement should do the same job. However, the possibility exists that PTP will attempt to force an amnesty bill clearing Thaksin and the various other PTP criminals, and the turmoil caused may trigger a coup to restore order.

BTW pointing out that mismanagement is the job of the opposition. They have no shortage of material to work with.

[hellodolly]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Why are you trying to get him to stop attacking the government. That is his job.

Unlike the PT who's job is to win votes any way they can.

[hellodolly]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

They actually had free health insurance. As for a program he dosen't really have to attack the PT they are shooting themselves in the foot every chance they get.

The Democrats had many plans for improving the lot in life for the people in Thailand. The PT had none just a bunch of promises. The first thing they did was set the people up by saying they were all going to be rich in six months. They never once said a thing about bringing Thaksin back white washed and yet that is what they spent their time and energy on as soon as they got in. Even though there was a major flood to be dealt with. I guess after six months all the elected officials were rich.

Perhaps if the PT would make a attempt to govern in a honest manner rather than white wash their sins and skim as much money as they can the attack on them would not be so big. There will always be people who disagree with you even when you are trying to do the right thing and not get rich off it. But when getting rich off of it no matter if it is good or bad is your main aim of course you are going to be attacked. The excuses they use are so lame only a red shirt could believe them. (ear medicine)

I couldn't attend the cabinet meeting to bring my brother back because my helicopter can not fly at night. Lame brain can't even plan a simple time schedule much less rule a nation.

What other government in the world supplies their leader with a helicopter unfit for flight at night.

"The government has offered many incentives to new airlines that plan to move to Don Mueang, but not to those that have used Don Mueang in the past, he said".

That was a quote from Samar. Do you not find fault with that kind of thinking on the government's part. It is like saying what is good for the goose is not good enough for the Gander.

[hellodolly]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Well that's the problem,he does not have a program at all.last election their program was"thaksin is bad"PTP is bad"I don't wonder why they lost the election.Now 1 yr is over,and still same,same with a program like that I fear democrats can be the ruling government only through a coup.They should stop blaming others,and come up with some program,for example free health insurance,free diesel for farmers free school and uniforms and books for every student,stuff like that,just a thought

You are of course aware that, with the exception of free diesel, that those are Democrat policies which were actually implemented while in government, but have now been degraded or cancelled by the incumbents? Perhaps I expect too much of you.

It was an example what they could do, after all I'm not Thai politican,For now u see and hear them only blaming,like that they will never ever win an election,but they don't have to,next coup is coming sure

With all due respect to you sir I am assuming you are a Thai.

The coup statement coming from a farong is common. But I find it more enlightening coming from a Thai.

[kimamey]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

You can only get votes at an election and since there isn't one you have to convince people to vote for you when the next election takes place. Since the opposition isn't in government it doesn't have the power to carry out any policies so the usual procedure is to put pressure on the government on issues where the opposition feels it's not carrying out it's duties in the best interests of the country. If you do this some of the electorate may consider voting for you when the next electoral opportunity arises. If enough of them do this then you may be able to form a government and carry out the policies you feel are best for the country.

Sitting around saying "You know what we should have done?" "What?" "We should have got more votes at the last election." isn't going to get you very far even in the strange form of democratic governance practised in Thailand.

Basically the opposition are doing their job.

Just took the time to read the rest of the posts and noticed that most are saying the same as me. Just with little or no sarcasm. Sorry I just can't help myself sometimes.

Edited August 18, 2012 by kimamey

[scotbeve]

If Mark spend some times winning votes, he don't have to attack govt now.

Why are you trying to get him to stop attacking the government. That is his job. Unlike the PT who's job is to win votes any way they can.

Ha!!!! The dems won a seat for an MP in a very strong red shirt district.... The reason??? PTP candidate didn't offer any money.... the cost of one envelope to one voter for the dems??? 100 baht only...... sad! And yes, the only way the dems win is by a coup.