Northern farmers to blockade Asian Highway

[Jay Sata]

Those chickens are coming home to roost ...

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

Well, there can be absolutely no doubt now that the CT Government of Yingluck is in Dire Straits.

She is a Local Hero in some parts of Thailand!

[englishoak]

Thats the problem with making promises you cant keep, I would say this is far more a problem for PTP than the mob in BKK, if you betray the electorate you will pay the price, if not sooner then certainly later. The north is ripe for a party to spring up with real policies and integrity, it dosn't need PTP like it needs them and when the people realise that itll be game over for PTP and its powerbase:)

What is the bettingthat this new shiny party that springs up is owned and controlled by none other than.............. ???????

Maybe yes maybe no.

Just because the farmers are protesting dosnt mean they wont vote for PTP ...... after all who else are they going to vote for the dems who have no interest in bettering their lot ? I don't think so.

Its a real shame these people have been rolled over forever and they arnt going to get what they need from PTP just a bad deal and they wont even get that with the dems.

When a party shows up in the north with some real interest in helping the rural poor then they will have a real chance, until then they will be as they have always been a serf class

[noitom]

Thai distribution of wealth is on.

[SamMunich]

Don't underestimate the will of the PTP bosses here and in Dubai to find some money, the legal way or any other. To lean on the Bank of Thailand to print more money is just one of many possibilities they will try. And/or lean on the BAAC. Or the Krung Thai Bank, or...

They need to find a way to pay the farmers. Another alternative is to guaranteee the middlemen the money, if said middlemen buy the receipts from the farmers. Paying middlemen might come cheaper than paying farmers the full amount. But if even the middlemen don't get their money, then they will campagn for other candidates in the next elections and will make their shift of support known.

The whole reason, why Tkasin an Co. are pushing for the February election is, that the later the more angry the farmers will be with PTP over the broken promisses.

Also, in case the elections will be moved and the Dems will then decide to join, the Dems will not gain much of those votes either. Maybe parties like Banharns' or Newins' party will gain from the weakness of the PTP.

But for now, let's wait and see, how the farmers' drama unfolds.

As it says in Kill Bill: 'First things first'

[aimbc]

You see, for all those PT supporters, YS should have taken Suthep's offer and resign. Now she will be impeached and sent to jail. And the sad part is, she won't even know why. She can sure thank her big brother for it.

[aimbc]

Well, there can be absolutely no doubt now that the CT Government of Yingluck is in Dire Straits.

She is a Local Hero in some parts of Thailand!

The only reason people will still pick her, is they do not want to loose face for believing in her. And no, it's not a Thai thing. A lot of TV poster are the same. Trying to defend this sorry of an excuse administration.

[englishoak]

Well, there can be absolutely no doubt now that the CT Government of Yingluck is in Dire Straits.

She is a Local Hero in some parts of Thailand!

The only reason people will still pick her, is they do not want to loose face for believing in her. And no, it's not a Thai thing. A lot of TV poster are the same. Trying to defend this sorry of an excuse administration.

its not like there is much choice now is there ? its not like there are many alternatives ... i havnt heard one manifesto from any party ever come to think of it... how the hell can people know what a party actually stands for without one ?

[Robby nz]

And the latest from elsewhere :

Ayutthya farmers have started to protest about not being paid, A lady from the Dept of Ag and Trade has told them they have to be patient as there many ahead of them in the line.

Farmers say that for the 2012-13 crop 1.57 billion was pledged and 630 million has yet to be paid.

Lady has said the Dept will meet with the Rice policy committee and the BACC to try to find solutions to the problem.

For full story look yourself, cant link to that one.

[Robby nz]

It gets even worse for the Govt :

The chairman of the Thai Farmers Ass says they will take legal action against the govt for losses estimate at 80 Billion caused by late payment.

They apparently have lawyers working on a class action.

[Ron19]

Those chickens are coming home to roost ...

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

It's no joke,they are in dire straits.

[webfact]

Angry farmers to protest as government misses another payment promise
Business Reporters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- GROUPS OF MORE than 2,000 farmers from the North will escalate their protests after the caretaker government failed to meet its promise to pay for the pledged rice yesterday by the deadline.

The farmers said they would block the Asia 117 route from Phitsanulok to Nakhon Sawan.

Today the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will hold a press conference on the rice-pledging scheme case, naming those against whom it will press charges.

Prasart Phongsivapai, a member of anti-graft body, said yesterday the charge of corruption in the rice-pledging project could cover Phum Saraphon, the former deputy commerce minister as well as former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom in addition to some senior officials at the ministry and private companies involved in the deal.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was not included, as she was never under investigation over the scheme, he said.

However, the charged officials could continue in their posts until the anti-graft body found grounds to indict them, he said.

The move follows farmers' disappointment at the delay in payment for the pledged rice. The government had promised to release the funds yesterday. Farmers at Phichit yesterday stood in line to receive their payment for the 2013-14 harvest season from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, but they did not receive it. They have kept their rice sales certificates for two months, which show only Bt180 million was paid to them on Monday, according to a reporter.

Phichit's group of farmers will lead the protest along with others from Nakhon Sawan, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet and Phitsanulok.

Yesterday, Warong Dechgitvi-grom, a former Democrat Party MP at Phitsanulok, urged the farmers to oust caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, instead of waiting in a vain hope for the payment of Bt130 billion for the pledged rice.

"The government cannot do as it promised...It's now the fourth time, saying it would pay for the pledged rice by the exact date [the government had said it would pay by January 15]," he said.

Caretaker Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai yesterday conceded the government could not pay all farmers for the pledged rice by yesterday as promised, "due to the difficulty of the process".

The BAAC has gradually paid the farmers Bt3 billion a day. However, he said the government believed it could use the BAAC's liquidity first, in line with the Cabinet meeting's previous approval.

The funds for the pledged rice have come from sales of rice, the government's budget and BAAC's liquidity.

Since 2011 to 2013, the Yingluck government has sold about 10 million tonnes of rice on a government-to-government (G-to-G) contract basis. Since the 2011 deal, the Commerce Ministry claimed it could earn almost Bt180 billion in rice sales under G-to-G contracts with many countries, as well as those from sales under the bidding basis, opened for rice traders.

However, the government has never disclosed any clear information about the G-to-G rice deals, claiming it would affect the trading partner's security.

Observers estimate the government has faced some losses from the G-to-G rice deals. Moreover, during the time the government made deals with the partners, the world rice price fell. The cost of pledged rice is now higher than the market price.

Countries that were said to strike G-to-G rice deals were China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq, and countries in Africa.

Meanwhile, the Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand (AFET) has postponed the bidding for rice from the state's stockpiles from yesterday to next Tuesday in response to demands of rice traders.

The rice for bidding will include white rice 5 per cent and jasmine rice 100 per cent grade B from the 2013-14 harvest season, and the bidding price will rely on AFET's first trading of 2014.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[Thait Spot]

Thats the problem with making promises you cant keep, I would say this is far more a problem for PTP than the mob in BKK, if you betray the electorate you will pay the price, if not sooner then certainly later. The north is ripe for a party to spring up with real policies and integrity, it dosn't need PTP like it needs them and when the people realise that itll be game over for PTP and its powerbase:)

What is the bettingthat this new shiny party that springs up is owned and controlled by none other than.............. ???????

Maybe yes maybe no.

Just because the farmers are protesting dosnt mean they wont vote for PTP ...... after all who else are they going to vote for the dems who have no interest in bettering their lot ? I don't think so.

Its a real shame these people have been rolled over forever and they arnt going to get what they need from PTP just a bad deal and they wont even get that with the dems.

When a party shows up in the north with some real interest in helping the rural poor then they will have a real chance, until then they will be as they have always been a serf class

As we all know, the can't vote for the dems.

Wish the RS would start their own party.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Robby nz]

Maybe yes maybe no.

Just because the farmers are protesting dosnt mean they wont vote for PTP ...... after all who else are they going to vote for the dems who have no interest in bettering their lot ? I don't think so.

Its a real shame these people have been rolled over forever and they arnt going to get what they need from PTP just a bad deal and they wont even get that with the dems.

When a party shows up in the north with some real interest in helping the rural poor then they will have a real chance, until then they will be as they have always been a serf class

As we all know, the can't vote for the dems.

Wish the RS would start their own party.

Yep there needs to be someone who will support the farmers.

Like the Dems did when they were in power when they paid the farmers a direct subsidy.

But that is all forgotten now that the great lie that Abhisit and Suthep murdered the rioters in 2010 has created so much hate.

[NongKhaiKid]

The government can shrug off the protests, dismiss and ridicule them and those involved but what can they say when their own core hit the streets to protest too ?

OK it's about money rather than politics but in Thailand the two are inexorably intertwined and Thaksin has always played the populist policy and cash politics card.

The rice pledging scheme started going downhill on day one and the government has continually lied about the increasingly damaging drain on the public purse to keep its core support onside.

Now it's major self inflicted injury with possibly the worst yet to come.

[englishoak]

Maybe yes maybe no.

Just because the farmers are protesting dosnt mean they wont vote for PTP ...... after all who else are they going to vote for the dems who have no interest in bettering their lot ? I don't think so.

Its a real shame these people have been rolled over forever and they arnt going to get what they need from PTP just a bad deal and they wont even get that with the dems.

When a party shows up in the north with some real interest in helping the rural poor then they will have a real chance, until then they will be as they have always been a serf class

As we all know, the can't vote for the dems.

Wish the RS would start their own party.

Yep there needs to be someone who will support the farmers.

Like the Dems did when they were in power when they paid the farmers a direct subsidy.

But that is all forgotten now that the great lie that Abhisit and Suthep murdered the rioters in 2010 has created so much hate.

Dude they DID murder the people in 2010 by allowing live fire in such an area with so many innocents killed it cannot be refuted they allowed thais to be shot and killed by sanctioning the army to open fire, i lived through it same as many of us please take off your sunglasses.

The Dems are NOT an option for the farmers everyone knows it, regardless of anything else the Dems dont give two hoots for the poor farmer, that is why they will continue to vote PTP probably regardless of their anger. They need one from their own, not a shin not another elite but a grass root farmer or rural born and bred visionary.

Edited January 16, 2014 by englishoak

[poisonus]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was not included, as she was never under investigation over the scheme, he said.

Yep... The NACC have something better lined up for Yingluck... (I hope).

Great that Ying and her bro's puppets are using the rice scam as one of their key election campaign strategies..... again.

With a bit of luck, the receipts will be in for the next season's payments to farmers before this season is even paid for.

It is just going to get worse and worse for the government.

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.

[djjamie]

Maybe yes maybe no.

Just because the farmers are protesting dosnt mean they wont vote for PTP ...... after all who else are they going to vote for the dems who have no interest in bettering their lot ? I don't think so.

Its a real shame these people have been rolled over forever and they arnt going to get what they need from PTP just a bad deal and they wont even get that with the dems.

When a party shows up in the north with some real interest in helping the rural poor then they will have a real chance, until then they will be as they have always been a serf class

As we all know, the can't vote for the dems.

Wish the RS would start their own party.

Yep there needs to be someone who will support the farmers.

Like the Dems did when they were in power when they paid the farmers a direct subsidy.

But that is all forgotten now that the great lie that Abhisit and Suthep murdered the rioters in 2010 has created so much hate.

Dude they DID murder the people in 2010 by allowing live fire in such an area with so many innocents killed it cannot be refuted they allowed thais to be shot and killed by sanctioning the army to open fire, i lived through it same as many of us please take off your sunglasses.

The Dems are NOT an option for the farmers everyone knows it, regardless of anything else the Dems dont give two hoots for the poor farmer, that is why they will continue to vote PTP probably regardless of their anger. They need one from their own, not a shin not another elite but a grass root farmer or rural born and bred visionary.

They sanctioned live fire AFTER the brutal terrorists threatened to blow up LPG truck, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charity with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, storming police hospital, storming TV station (where soldiers used rubber bullets and gas), bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, burning fire engines, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks. What would you suggest they do after that? Harsh language and corner time!

I do agree Abhisit should be charged though. Charged with showing too much restraint and letting the brutal terrorists get emboldened to the point where they thought they could get away with anything. BUT that charge does not suit the UDD agenda and they got the PTP into power. SO the murder wraps are more befitting to demonize the opposition.

Of course if you prefer the swell story that the UDD package in the form of innocent people with flowers in their hair signing kombaya around a camp fire while a guitarist wearing a peace symbol necklace with long braided hair is being slaughtered by a weapon firing 300 bullets a second in the merciless grip of a huge demonizing muscle bound soldier that has fire in his eyes and a vendetta to kill as many innocent people as he can. then so be it. The UDD supporters have never let the truth get in the way of a good story before so why start now.

​Anyway I have to go. Apparently Jatuporn is spreading another rumor the military are coming out to start a coup in 30 minutes. I'd better prepare……………………….Again!

Edited January 16, 2014 by djjamie

[ginjag]

Those chickens are coming home to roost ...

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

Well, there can be absolutely no doubt now that the CT Government of Yingluck is in Dire Straits.

Along with BEATLES in the rice

[darren84310]

PTP we now know stands for the Poor Thailand Party.

[Sydebolle]

How nice is that? The farmers were promised money from the government for overpricing rice - a known tool for indirect vote buying.
My guess is, that slowly but surely somebody has to tell these farmers that you can only spend money you have. In this case the money is taken from the taxpayers in Bangkok, who had it with being governed by a bunch of crooks voted into office upcountry.
Where I come from it is called vicious circle - in Thailand it is called democracy

[AloisAmrein]

Typical of the people that vote for Taksin and family. Only do something when they want money for nothing.

Rice planting is nothing for you? You think the farmers should work for free?

[tomyummer]

It was only a matter of time. This was the straw to break the camel's back. Jan 15th was way more significant than the start of the Jan 13 protest. It's the true signal to the rest of Thaksin's nation that the current government cannot live up to their plans and promises. Yet another failed program to join the likes of the 30 baht health care, Thai Elite Card, eco car subsidy, and tablet in schools programs to name a few. The rice scheme is the worst because it directly hits actual laborers in their pockets and livelihoods.

This plight and protest is one to truly participate in (not to say the weekend warrior Bangkok protests are for nothing). Curse the government leaders and middle men who screw the farmers. Let the games begin!!

Edited January 16, 2014 by tomyummer

[tomyummer]

Worst part is that the delayed payment has screwed up some farmers cash flow, forcing them to borrow on very unfavourable terms and doing wonders for their indebtedness rather than lifting their standard of living.

Having introduced such a ridiculous policy which has also undermined Thailand's export trade it is intolerable that the government should fail to pay the farmers.

It's most likely some of the local loan sharks that these poor farmers are turning to were actually part of the feeding line for the horrible rice scheme.

[gabruce]

Those chickens are coming home to roost ...

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

They have already sold their rice and delivered it. If they don't get paid they have nothing. I would agree that the portion between market price and the price the government "paid" (or didn't pay yet) is free money, however it's sensible for someone to sell to the highest bidder, so they aren't really at fault for selling to the government, even if they do regret doing so now.

[tomyummer]

Worst part is that the delayed payment has screwed up some farmers cash flow, forcing them to borrow on very unfavourable terms and doing wonders for their indebtedness rather than lifting their standard of living.

Having introduced such a ridiculous policy which has also undermined Thailand's export trade it is intolerable that the government should fail to pay the farmers.

serves them right They wanted this lot and so they have to live with it

I have no sympathy whatever for total fools who keep getting tricked time and again as they have by their savour

Well let them go and ask their saviour now

its pathetic around where I live they worship him and IMO most of them don't have 2 brain cells

They will believe BS that its all Dems fault and elite and then get even more of what they deserve until they are really total slaves and have lost all their land to Taksin and his clan cronies etc

Sorry maybe i feel a bit of pity for them but really I've seen them boasting they will be rich soon now their hero is in charge and even now no one hear would dare to voice anything against Taksin

Its all a hiso plot and fault of Dems who stole all money long ago and Taksin can't help because he used all his money to pay from his own funds the IMF and clear Thailands debts

Though I agree with most of your post I have more sympathy than blame for the farmers. What would you do when your government offers such a plan? Who would you trust? The Democraps didn't help when they were in power and the square head seized upon it. We'll see who else is crying when rice hits 500 thb per 5kg bag. I certainly will.

The farmers need to find their true voice and this may be their only chance. Thailand's position as a agricultural powerhouse needs to be restored.

[Ulic]

Do the farmers think they will get paid quicker by the Democrats?

[Robby nz]

Do the farmers think they will get paid quicker by the Democrats?

They did.

They got paid on time every time when the Dems subsidy was in place.

And that subsidy did not break the bank or the country.

It did not lose Thailand the position of top rice exporter in the world.

It did not create a rice mountain.

It did not lose Thailand's reputation for a quality product.

It did not put farmers in debt.

It did not bring farmers out on the streets in protest.

[les Dennis]

If Thaksin was any sort of man he would have paid it out of his personal millions to help his sister out. Shes got enough on her plate (insert your own rice based joke here).

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ginjag]

If Thaksin was any sort of man he would have paid it out of his personal millions to help his sister out. Shes got enough on her plate (insert your own rice based joke here). Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

She will always have enough on her plate (at meal times) but what about her people ?? some wait 5 months for money. This is my insert-re JOKE

[Ricardo]

Though I agree with most of your post I have more sympathy than blame for the farmers. What would you do when your government offers such a plan? Who would you trust? The Democraps didn't help when they were in power and the square head seized upon it. We'll see who else is crying when rice hits 500 thb per 5kg bag. I certainly will.

The farmers need to find their true voice and this may be their only chance. Thailand's position as a agricultural powerhouse needs to be restored.

"The Democraps didn't help when they were in power"

On the contrary, they ran a more-affordable price-support scheme to help the farmers and paid them directly, avoiding much of the rampant corruption which has plagued the PTP vote-buying scheme all the way.

Having severely-damaged Thailand's rice-growing/exporting industry, the PTP are the last people to trust, to trust to restore it once more.