Farmers lodging lawsuit against Thai govt for failed payment

[webfact]

Farmers lodging lawsuit against govt for failed payment
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 21 - Farmers from several rice-producing provinces called on the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) today to seek legal assistance in filing a lawsuit against the government for its failed payment for the rice they sold to the state under the rice subsidy scheme.

Prasit Boonchoey, leader of the Thai Rice Farmers Association, and farmers from many provinces charged the caretaker government with postponing payments six to seven times and recently announced an indefinite delay, pending a decision by the Election Commission (EC).

He said farmers would not propose any resolutions for it is the duty of the caretaker government to jointly find measures with the EC to pay farmers as soon as possible.

"The farmers do not know when they will be paid. They have to lodge lawsuits with the Civil and Criminal courts to take legal action against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in her capacity as chairperson of the National Rice Policy Committee, and state officials concerned," he said.

He called for sympathy to farmers who have delivered rice to the government and have been indebted at Bt50,000-100,000 per household.

Suparb Simsen, a farmer representative from Phetchabun, handed over rice delivery certificates from over 100 farmers to the Lawyers Council. The farmers were given the certificates after selling rice to the government but have yet to be paid.

She said almost all farmers in Phetchabun have not received payments but their debts have piled up.

"The government is currently in difficult position. We are ready to wait for payment from the new government," said Ms Suparb.

Some farmers said the government must return the rice to them if it fails to meet it payment obligation. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-21

[Robby nz]

They should be and probably will be claiming for interest on all overdue payments.

Around the same interest charged by loan sharks would be fair, plus another 5% for worry and trauma.

[noikrit]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

[jaidam]

Nobody wanted to see this, least of all Thaksin. The team of servants will be spending time scraping the stuffed camel and hummus of the walls from when dear leader heard the news. Poor guy has had a terrible run of luck recently, and it just doesn't seem to end.

[seajae]

having owed farmers this money for months the govt are now trying to blame the EC and the red supporters in here are trying to keep on the same line but the farmers are finally seeing through all the bullsh*t. Taking them to court isnt the answer as the ptp dont even listen to what the courts say and besides, they have already blown all the money through their own personal graft and greed. The election is looking more and more shaky as those supportersd that the govt relies on to keep them there are now turning on them, with a little over a week to go to the vote I dont like yl's chances of re election if the vote is even held. Lets see what the scumbags that are trying to push all the ptp/red lies in here have to say about this, but we already know they will point the finger at the EC and suthep, its all they can do as they are unable to tell the truth just like their "glorious leader".

[seajae]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

you can bet they have already paid the red support bases already and those in their own voting areas, their deceipt is finally landing back at their feet. The ptp have sent the government/Thailand down the perverbial gurgler with their greed and dishonesty, lets hope we start to see the courts jailing these criminals for their actions or lack of them.

[PatOngo]

Maybe they'll be more cautious in the future for being sucked in by populist policy

[Tatsujin]

Maybe they'll be more cautious in the future for being sucked in by populist policy

Probably not unfortunately . . .

[worgeordie]

Suing the Government, good luck with that !, throwing good money

after bad.

regards Worgeordie

[FangFerang]

Suing the Government, good luck with that !, throwing good money

after bad.

regards Worgeordie

I don't know about that, and please don't regard this as antagonistic. They have iron clad proof in an environment where the judges may or may not favor the embroiled indebted party. Every other kangaroo has a different handler in court here, which is a balance of power of sorts. Thailand is full of surprises. I hope this is a pleasant one. As a farang, I feel great compassion towards this group.

They are contesting important monies that are less than I make in a month. That speaks bleak volumes about their situations. No one should be using them as political footballs, but that is exactly what is happening.

Thais deserve better than this.

[Valentine]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MPs_elected_in_the_Thai_general_election,_2011

[Scamper]

As the protest movement is now including farmers, one suspects Pheu Thai will have greater difficulty in framing their narrative. It is hard to imagine them using the divisions of class to their benefit now. Even Thida or Jatuporn would have difficulty saying " elite " to farmers who are asking that their contract be honoured. The word " elite " had such a ring at their gatherings. Such a sure-fire way to stoke the rage. But it is hard to apply that, now that farmers have joined the chorus of dissent. Of course, the upshot is that the " elites " have always been in power. They were never replaced. And in fact, this administration has become - by far - the most " elite" in history, if the hoarding of cash, the promotion of private benefit, and privilege is any measure for such a distinction.

[newcomer71]

I feel sympathy for farmers that are really in big distress with those missing payments.

Big misjudgment by Government that thought they would have enough liquidity but ended up so clearly short.

This policy has been a disaster. If Government made it for just an harvest as an una tantum for help out farmers, maybe still would have been acceptable.

But this ways was just a disaster waiting to happen... All my solidarity for poor farmers!

[KireB]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

The in-laws in Chiang Rai were paid months ago. They are active red shirts, so maybe that speeds up the payment process.

Edited January 21, 2014 by KireB

[Sunisalom]

Pravit Unda-Dressa, from the WMWU (We make words up), confirmed all of this.

HE SAID,,,,,,,,, WALOBollocks.

[Skywalker69]

Nobody wanted to see this, least of all Thaksin. The team of servants will be spending time scraping the stuffed camel and hummus of the walls from when dear leader heard the news. Poor guy has had a terrible run of luck recently, and it just doesn't seem to end.

Karma, "som nam na"!!!

[icommunity]

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

Edited January 21, 2014 by icommunity

[Baerboxer]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

you can bet they have already paid the red support bases already and those in their own voting areas, their deceipt is finally landing back at their feet. The ptp have sent the government/Thailand down the perverbial gurgler with their greed and dishonesty, lets hope we start to see the courts jailing these criminals for their actions or lack of them.

Nope. In-laws live in a very red area of Isaan and still waiting as are all their relatives and friends. They've probably paid off in CM and those where they thought there would be real trouble. But they can't scrape enough together to even pay their supporters.

[Baerboxer]

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

Agree legal redress is the correct way. Certainly, no sane person condones violence. They should indeed exercise care, with politicians of any party looking to manipulate or repeatedly lying to them and making false promises.

Democracy is more than holding elections - and allowing elected governments to do whatever they want.

Suing the government will be interesting as this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like. Interesting to see if the court asks for an explanation of where the money spent to date as actually gone as only a small proportion seems to have reached the farmers.

[Pormax]

Good Luck !!! I wonder if anyone has the break up of what areas/ provinces that have been paid and the areas that have not been paid in relation to being a PTP support area or not ???? ...... Civil question ..... Has anyone got any FACTS on that ??? or is it just random ??? ....

The in-laws in Chiang Rai were paid months ago. They are active red shirts, so maybe that speeds up the payment process.

I don't believe that if they are 'red' shirt activists that they will be or have been paid. The area where my wife and family live is in the province of Buriram and this, is or should I say was, a 'red' stronghold. No payments forthcoming. Many of the families are now getting desperate borrowing money to pay back loans from the bank and are talking about switching sides or not voting at all.

[Baerboxer]

Nobody wanted to see this, least of all Thaksin. The team of servants will be spending time scraping the stuffed camel and hummus of the walls from when dear leader heard the news. Poor guy has had a terrible run of luck recently, and it just doesn't seem to end.

Thaksin's response - call a state of emergency to stop the farmers publicly protesting and joining up with all the other anti-government protesters. There is too much becoming public knowledge now, in addition to all the impending corruption charges and probes. Time to lock things down and suppress the truth by controlling information and removing pesky rules and HR.

The gamble now is army still sit on fence, riot police break up protesters, farmers intimidated to shut up, "sort" an election win, push through amnesty and 2.2 trillion, dismantle the checks and balances and back in business and on track for the Shin dynasty again.

That's one hell of a gamble - but what's he personally got to loose ? He's increased his wealth by 450% since sis took over, has other nationalities, there's no extradition requests and he's a multi-billionaire. He might loose out on coming back in the short term if the army do react, but that's about the limit of his personal risk.

[icommunity]

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

Agree legal redress is the correct way. Certainly, no sane person condones violence. They should indeed exercise care, with politicians of any party looking to manipulate or repeatedly lying to them and making false promises.

Democracy is more than holding elections - and allowing elected governments to do whatever they want.

Suing the government will be interesting as this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like. Interesting to see if the court asks for an explanation of where the money spent to date as actually gone as only a small proportion seems to have reached the farmers.

I suggest you substantiate the accusation that "this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like."

Edited January 21, 2014 by icommunity

[Sydebolle]

Maybe some people would be well advised if they head to the departure lounge of Swampi anytime soon - the heat is on it seems ;-)

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The unfortunate thing here is... these same farmers would be perfectly happy if the current government continued pillaging the country's finances, that being the finances of all Thai people -- if they could -- to continue paying inflated prices for their rice.

But sometimes, what's good for particular groups or individuals isn't necessarily good for the larger population or country. This is certainly one of those cases.

You kind of have to wonder how these farmers ever thought the government was going to be able to continue paying them inflated prices for their rice when the government never could turn around and sell that same rice in the open market for those same kinds of prices. But I guess in this sad story, the farmers didn't ponder that question too deeply.

[eddie61]

Nobody wanted to see this, least of all Thaksin. The team of servants will be spending time scraping the stuffed camel and hummus of the walls from when dear leader heard the news. Poor guy has had a terrible run of luck recently, and it just doesn't seem to end.

Poor?????

[moe666]

Maybe some people would be well advised if they head to the departure lounge of Swampi anytime soon - the heat is on it seems ;-)

Let us know if it is crowded

[Baerboxer]

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

Agree legal redress is the correct way. Certainly, no sane person condones violence. They should indeed exercise care, with politicians of any party looking to manipulate or repeatedly lying to them and making false promises.

Democracy is more than holding elections - and allowing elected governments to do whatever they want.

Suing the government will be interesting as this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like. Interesting to see if the court asks for an explanation of where the money spent to date as actually gone as only a small proportion seems to have reached the farmers.

I suggest you substantiate the accusation that "this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like."

How about saying they wouldn't recognize certain rulings from the constitutional court for starters. I'm sure you can research the rest if you are interested.

Governments must lead by example, follow the rules and procedures and respect the law and courts. If there are laws that need changing then the government of the day must change them in accordance with the correct procedures, not simply disagree. A government and its members are not above the law.

[Basil B]

Nobody wanted to see this, least of all Thaksin. The team of servants will be spending time scraping the stuffed camel and hummus of the walls from when dear leader heard the news. Poor guy has had a terrible run of luck recently, and it just doesn't seem to end.

He is not a poor guy.

[icommunity]

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

Agree legal redress is the correct way. Certainly, no sane person condones violence. They should indeed exercise care, with politicians of any party looking to manipulate or repeatedly lying to them and making false promises.

Democracy is more than holding elections - and allowing elected governments to do whatever they want.

Suing the government will be interesting as this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like. Interesting to see if the court asks for an explanation of where the money spent to date as actually gone as only a small proportion seems to have reached the farmers.

I suggest you substantiate the accusation that "this particular former government has a track record of not respecting court decisions it doesn't like."

How about saying they wouldn't recognize certain rulings from the constitutional court for starters. I'm sure you can research the rest if you are interested.

Governments must lead by example, follow the rules and procedures and respect the law and courts. If there are laws that need changing then the government of the day must change them in accordance with the correct procedures, not simply disagree. A government and its members are not above the law.

I researched. The government did not at any time rejected court ruling. If you still have the track record to prove otherwise, please share with us. I hope the judges respect the law and not violating the rights of the lawmakers. A court is not a law making body. They should make ruling based on evidence and justice - not interpreting law in making their law, conjecture, personal opinions, speculation, their dreams.

[tingtongteesood]

 

I think this is the right thing to do - suing the Government for non-payment instead of using street thugs to resolve your grievances. However, I think they should exercise care in not falling prey to politicians whose aim is trying to use them to achieve the objective of seizing power through undemocratic means.

 

Since Thailand DOESN'T have democracy in the first place your argument is specious at best. If the current administration of criminals is ousted then there is a slim chance Thailand may creep closer to really having semblance of true democracy...