For those who don't follow the press much I attach a link to a series of articles released by the Government concerning agriculture here. Have a read to get a quick snapstock of 2012 and trends

http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6575&a=2

Plus MOF Jan 2013 report

http://www2.mof.go.th/economic_report_detail.php?id=86

Increased output means nothing without sales. ie rice.

Dig a bit further and the picture is a bit more realistic. I have been looking at some banking data for Isaan and provinces trying to work out how this increase in consumer spending is possible. The commercial banks are extended past deposit levels and the loans being used for some amazing stuff.

Khon Kaen banks have some 43% of loans not backed by deposit and over 54% of loans are for personal consumption, the amount outstanding 116Billion. Sounds familiar? Regionally, in the North East some 33% of the population are farmers that represent 57% of the employed here. The banks support the agricultural sector with less than 2% of their loans. Uhm.......

I was talking with my friend and I told him that ( in Issan ) the climate and environment reminds me of the American state of Florida. The only thing missing was the numerous likes and rivers. I started to show him pictures of my family that now live in Florida because they got tired of the Canadian winters.

When displaying the pictures, in my head I've notice the higher quality of homes and much more noticeable wealth.

How could one are area of the world be much more wealthier than another when both regions have the same resources

and geography.

I guess that the people of Florida have a superior education system than here. It could be the culture and its attitude towards education

and labour.

I suspect that it has to do with economic policies which help to benefit Bangkok at the expense of the rest of the country.

I might be wrong, but its my feeling more capital moves from Issan and goes toward Bangkok.

There must be government polices that could improve economic situation here in Issan and the country as a whole.

When displaying the pictures, in my head I've notice the higher quality of homes and much more noticeable wealth.

How could one are area of the world be much more wealthier than another when both regions have the same resources and geography.

I guess that the people of Florida have a superior education system than here. It could be the culture and its attitude towards education and labour.

Yes, Mike ... you have hit the nail on the head

It has nothing to do with farm gate prices achieved, the minimum wage of 300 baht, the GDP of the country, nor the productivity of each worker.

It does beggar your question of "How could one are area of the world be much more wealthier than another when both regions have the same resources and geography."

I have no idea ... but your post has enlightened me ... ... thanks for sharing.

.

...and it just won't fail to amuse me how the Thais would boast superiority when it comes to comparing themselves against Burma, Laos and Cambodia...but stop dead on track when Vietnam and the Philippines were mentioned.