Farmers gather and prepare to oust Thai government

[h90]

Those pesky fake farmers at it again ?

yes the fake farmer would like to oust the fake premier.

Unless some fake red shirts shoot at them...but maybe some fake guards protect them.

[djjamie]

Those pesky fake farmers at it again ?

Of course.

Some more 'agenda laundering" by the PAD-Dem's, trying to project their agenda via groups that pretend to be unrelated.

Very careful not to show the linkages to, and instigation from the PAD-Dems, coup-mongers and all their anti-democratic friends.

I see they have all been issued affinity coloured T-shirts,

Anyway, we have seen it all before, in one form or another. One of the primary ones being elements of the Medical establishment.

Shame on you man! As if the farmers don't have enough reasons to feel sick and tired of this corrupt PT bunch. They are suffering and dying and you still keep preaching they only protest because of the Dems.

I would not worry. This person reminds me of Marty McFly in that movie "Back to the Future"

He refers to the PAD who were dissolved in 2009. Refers to a coup that happened in 2006. Refers to the PTP electoral mandate of 2011. If one was to work within this timeline Thailand was still #1 rice exporter which would also explain why he feels the scheme is a success! He is living in the past!

I would like to see Marty go further back in time to say 1992 when thaksin was the coup monger.

If this is just fanciful thinking then we could all just wait 8 years for "today and now" to catch up with the TVF time traveller and you can rest assured that when the reality of this time and place sinks in we can all be assured a different and more realistic perspective will be displayed.

Lets hope he uses the time traveling skills to warn yingluck NOT to disregard that democratic principle called the "rule of law" or use the PTP mandate to force through unconstitutional bills and most importantly to warn her that the amnesty bill under the guise of a reconciliation bill will cause the country to be on the brink of civil war.

The ironic thing though is just like her inability to head warnings or take criticism as a sign of good faith from the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the Environmentalists, the corn farmer, rubber farmers, rice farmers, medical association, rural teachers, academics, Supa, global economists, IMF, private banks, GSB, the EC, AoT, the courts, military, bangkok middle class, business owner, state enterprise staff, Buddhist monks, civil servants, labor unions, Green Politics group, Thai Constitution Protection Association, The Thai press, NIDA poll, Bangkok Poll and Khaosod she won't listen to the time traveller either.

Edited March 20, 2014 by djjamie

[fab4]

Let's take this to the ballot box... Let's see if PTP are still so sure they will win with a landslide...

... I think not.

They will be lucky to garner enough votes to be a viable 'second party' in any future coalition!

And they know it.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

So you were unconscious when the election started on February 2nd? I can't think of any other reason why you were not aware of a national election and the lengths the PDRC and to a certain extent the EC went to try and ensure it didn't happen.

It's still ongoing by the way.

[tim armstrong]

And now farmers get a reality check as price of rice is going lower and lower so the income will decrease. Ignorance is expensive and now farmers will be financially punished. They knew that their produce was not worth the money government offered. Very interesting story. Let's hope they have learned this lesson well.

Someone who writes things like that obviously has very little understanding of what went on.

All of the farmers had been paid for at least one crop and in some cases up to four crops in the time the scheme was in operation so had every reason to trust that they would be paid again.

It was not their business how the scheme was administered and not their place to keep checks on the Govt.

They were told that their crop would be bought from them at certain prices, so go for it and produce the crops, which they did.

It was not their fault that the scheme was unsustainable and that mountains of unsold rice built up.

Don't know if you have ever been in a rice farming area and seen how many of the farmers live, if you had you would certainly not blame them for wanting to improve their lot ,as this scheme promised to do.

They are in no way to blame for the predicament they find themselves in now, no matter how much you and others try to twist things to call it selling their vote.

Had those in the PT Govt done as they should and made budget provisions to pay the debts to the farmers before dissolving the house then the farmers would not be protesting now, there would be no need for the desperate efforts to raise loans, nor to be selling rice at below market price as is reported elsewhere today.

The Govt selling stockpile rice is now in direct completion with the farmers who have no choice but to sell the crop they are harvesting now for whatever price they can get.

It has been reported that some farmers have only been offered 3,000 b per ton and the price is certainly down to 5,000 b, lower the than cost of production .

Then there are the debts many have been forced to take on through non payment.

If you have never been on the bones of your bum yourself and can find no empathy with the farmers at least try a little sympathy.

Well said Robby. Its a pity that are not better organised at a national level, as they could bring about some big changes in the marketing of their products. But being inherently conservative, the political stuff is new and frightening for them. But they certainly know about poverty, and the the threat of it again, due to debt and a dishonest government not honouring their contracts, may well stir them into action. As yet they haven't tried refusing to supply food products- as farmers in other countries have periodically done. Hope they get paid soon.

[MunterHunter]

Let's take this to the ballot box... Let's see if PTP are still so sure they will win with a landslide...

... I think not.

They will be lucky to garner enough votes to be a viable 'second party' in any future coalition!

And they know it.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

So you were unconscious when the election started on February 2nd? I can't think of any other reason why you were not aware of a national election and the lengths the PDRC and to a certain extent the EC went to try and ensure it didn't happen.

It's still ongoing by the way.

Not for long, we will have a new one after Friday

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[tezzainoz]

Yingluck already has her speech written

Hi My Northern Friends

It is great to see you all here to protect democracy Thaskin Style

Oh I forgot to add

did you get you cheque I mailed it Yesterday ?

[jonclark]

Let's take this to the ballot box... Let's see if PTP are still so sure they will win with a landslide...

... I think not.

They will be lucky to garner enough votes to be a viable 'second party' in any future coalition!

And they know it.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

So you were unconscious when the election started on February 2nd? I can't think of any other reason why you were not aware of a national election and the lengths the PDRC and to a certain extent the EC went to try and ensure it didn't happen.

It's still ongoing by the way.

Yes they are ongoing that is true.

But at the same time fab4, (and I'm nearly 100% certain on this figure) a turnout of 2.48% of the electorate in Samut Sakorn province to vote in said elections is not a landslide, even if 100% of those voters voted PTP is it?

Without getting sidetracked the only logical and reasonable outcome is a new election, because holding an election under the previous circumstances has left literally millions of voters disenfranchised and that is an outcome that anyone who supports democracy cannot endorse.

The hows, whys and who's are to blame for that is a separate issue and should be dealt with as a separate issue.

The logical outcome is to return to fresh elections with all parties participating.

I think under those conditions and given the events of the last 8 months (as highlighted by the discontentment of farmers - PTP power base) PTP may well find its invincible majority, slightly less invincible and in dire need of a coalition partner to form a decent majority.

I think a hung parliament with a weak mandate will be the result with additional elections 18 months down the line from then due to factional in fighting.

[Basil B]

Don't bother, she will be ousted after the court ruling on Friday.

In your wildest deam, friend

Friday, just another nail in the coffin...

It will take a lot more nails to close the coffin of the UDD/PTP and Shinawatra's, and until it is closed Thailand will have to put up with the awful stink.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Basil B

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Those pesky fake farmers at it again ? alt=whistling.gif width=19 height=18>

Of course.

Some more 'agenda laundering" by the PAD-Dem's, trying to project their agenda via groups that pretend to be unrelated.

Very careful not to show the linkages to, and instigation from the PAD-Dems, coup-mongers and all their anti-democratic friends.

I see they have all been issued affinity coloured T-shirts,

Anyway, we have seen it all before, in one form or another. One of the primary ones being elements of the Medical establishment.

So, once again I ask you Fryslan Boppe. You dare to say here on Thai Visa that this current rice scheme is a successful program, free of corruption and beneficial to both the farmers and the country as a whole?

I have asked you this already several times now, but you dont seem to have the courage to actually come out make this statement (or do you secretly think that the rice scheme is maybe not so good after all).

[Bluespunk]

And now farmers get a reality check as price of rice is going lower and lower so the income will decrease. Ignorance is expensive and now farmers will be financially punished. They knew that their produce was not worth the money government offered. Very interesting story. Let's hope they have learned this lesson well.

The govt offered a price, the farmers took them up on their offer. The farmers handed over the rice and now expect to be paid for it. The govt cannot take goods at a price they offered and then not pay up.

I personally think the whole rice scheme was economic lunacy, but that is down to PT, not the farmers.

[MacWalen]

It was vote buying.

Sent from my GT-I9190 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[billsmart]

NO!!!!! Not until my wife and I get paid for our last year's rice anyway...

[thepool]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It was vote buying.

Sent from my GT-I9190 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

That is NOT the issue!

It may well have been a "vote buying" ploy and probably was.

The issue is that the Government have accepted the farmers product and not paid what was promised. That is not the farmers fault !

Pay The Farmers Ms Yingluck ! ( I am sure the relatives will assist with a few spare Billions !)

[billsmart]

And now farmers get a reality check as price of rice is going lower and lower so the income will decrease. Ignorance is expensive and now farmers will be financially punished. They knew that their produce was not worth the money government offered. Very interesting story. Let's hope they have learned this lesson well.

All governments give subsidies to those needing assistance and their favored constituents. These are subsidies to farmers. Subsidies to capitalists include low interest or government-guaranteed loans to "special" industries, tax breaks and exclusions, import/export tariff manipulation, awards of government contracts, etc... The only ignorance the farmers are showing here is not sticking with the government who will favor them over the industrialists and wealthy elites.

[Moouan]

My pool cleaner did not look too happy this morning, I am worried he is about to get together with a few other pool cleaners and oust the government!

[ianf]

You farmer should stop all this trash, where were you people when you voted for this government. Reap what you sow.

Sadly people have often been misled by manipulative rulers. Also many poor people in villages were coerced into voting for Thaksin's lot. If you read about how mass psychology works then you would have more sympathy for the farmers. I feel sorry for uneducated easily led people who are lied to on a daily basis through their popular newspapers and TV channels. But then this is what Thaksin is a past master at: he can control media and local politicians. He can control local villages from afar (what do you think the red village is all about?) and he can ensure that people are scared of voting for any opposition. To do so would estrange them from their communities in some cases and worse than that in others.

[monkeycountry]

And now farmers get a reality check as price of rice is going lower and lower so the income will decrease. Ignorance is expensive and now farmers will be financially punished. They knew that their produce was not worth the money government offered. Very interesting story. Let's hope they have learned this lesson well.

Yes, because history has proven that lessons are learned here all the time

[smileydude]

A lot of cold unsympathetic remarks directed at farmers here. Must be the devil's advocate time of the year.
Yes the farmers were a bit greedy in accepting the subsidy and voting for those who promised it but they have every right to protest and lose faith in those politicians who concocted what is obviously the biggest scam in Thailand's history.
I truly hope they've learned their lesson that when you make a pact with the devil you pay for it and that they need to talk with their votes otherwise nothing is gained.

Edited March 20, 2014 by smileydude

[DLock]

No they won't.

PTP will issue yet another statement saying that the farmers will be paid within 2 weeks.

The farmers will all go home and get drunk and PTP will laugh and laugh and laugh and the farmers repeated gullibility.

In 2 weeks, the farmers will come back again when they don't paid.

Repeat.

[Docno]

Good. Get rid of farm subsidy once and for all.

What a waste of Bangkokian Tax Payer money.

It is obvious that Bangkok people have been paying too much for rice, onion, garlic, palm oil, sugar, etc. It is cheaper to buy Chinese import.

This is exactly the kind of self-serving, self-centred attitude that has been feeding the class conflict tearing this country apart. Bangkok is not a nation unto itself, as much as you might want it to be. Thailand doesn't (or at least, shouldn't) function to keep 'Bangkokians' plump and happy. Bangkok benefits from the produce and labour from the Thai heartland, and the outlying provinces in turn benefit from the wealth produced in Bangkok.

[webfact]

Farmers from western provinces push ahead with move to oust government

BANGKOK, 20 March 2014 (NNT) - A new network of farmers from the western region has mobilized their supporters to Bangkok in a bid to pressure for the resignation of the current administration.

Farmers from Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and other rice-growing provinces head towards the Government Complex in Bangkok in a procession of over 50 motorized farming vehicles and trucks.

Protest leader Rawee Runrueng said that the farmers are demanding for the ouster of the government as they have consistently failed to secure fund to pay back farmers in the rice-pledging scheme. They are calling for a new government to be formed and for money to be paid to all farmers in the program.

The group is expected to join another network already camped out in front of the Commerce Ministry since February 6.

The group vowed to push ahead with their protest despite the government’s claim that 20-billion-baht payment will be distributed to farmers from Wednesday onwards.


-- NNT 2014-03-20

[Bluespunk]

It was vote buying.

Sent from my GT-I9190 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes, but they still have to pay.

[DrTuner]

Pitchforks and torches, please.

[Robby nz]

Farmers from western provinces push ahead with move to oust government

BANGKOK, 20 March 2014 (NNT) - A new network of farmers from the western region has mobilized their supporters to Bangkok in a bid to pressure for the resignation of the current administration.

Farmers from Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and other rice-growing provinces head towards the Government Complex in Bangkok in a procession of over 50 motorized farming vehicles and trucks.

Protest leader Rawee Runrueng said that the farmers are demanding for the ouster of the government as they have consistently failed to secure fund to pay back farmers in the rice-pledging scheme. They are calling for a new government to be formed and for money to be paid to all farmers in the program.

The group is expected to join another network already camped out in front of the Commerce Ministry since February 6.

The group vowed to push ahead with their protest despite the government’s claim that 20-billion-baht payment will be distributed to farmers from Wednesday onwards.

-- NNT 2014-03-20

I suspect they want to be sure they are the ones who get paid out of the 20 billion, or what's left of it.

After all the "Procedures" have been gone through.

That is; all those in power have got their cut and the banks handling fee has been deducted.

[lucjoker]

the farmers are no problem,

they are not smart enough, not their mistake of course,the school system

kept them ignorant .

The rich can only steel from the most ignorant ,and that's what they are.

It will never change ,the farmers will be given a nice promise and that's it.

Nobody (nobody) will help or protect the poor and ignorant,not even the man i have in mind.

[KIWIBATCH]

...and the Govt has lifted the state of emergency (or whatever it was).....TAT have started promoting tourism again with their "tell the foreign diplomats to tell their folk back home that all is (now) well in the the Land of S(insert??).........right in the face of another possible protest from the farmers and their Bangkok based supporters ...and we all know how they pan out

Amazing Thailand....one hand wouldn't have a clue what the other is doing

[gemini81]

Good. Get rid of farm subsidy once and for all.

What a waste of Bangkokian Tax Payer money.

It is obvious that Bangkok people have been paying too much for rice, onion, garlic, palm oil, sugar, etc. It is cheaper to buy Chinese import.

Taste and quality... The best rice is exported for profit and is cheaper in foreign countries than 2nd grade rice is here. Thailand gets the crap. It's the same with the petroleum.

Its the same with the politicians, leaders and businessmen. Most of them go abroad to study and work actually. At least the ladies look damn good.

[lucjoker]

If their will be fighting: take your money out of the bank!

The bank and ATM's will be the first to close their door !

And if it takes a few months.......better have enough cash,so eventually you can buy protection or have a holiday in Cambodia ?

Don't forget to end the troubles ,they need a black sheep ! No side wants to be blamed and loose face,so who do you think they will blame ?

This is the doom scenario,so don't pay any attention at these words.

[SOTIRIOS]

......does that mean that the 20 Billion Baht the government got its hands on just recently...to 'pay the farmers'...has also disappeared...???

....maybe to cover medical costs for someone's 'damaged ligament'......???

[gabruce]

And now farmers get a reality check as price of rice is going lower and lower so the income will decrease. Ignorance is expensive and now farmers will be financially punished. They knew that their produce was not worth the money government offered. Very interesting story. Let's hope they have learned this lesson well.

Someone who writes things like that obviously has very little understanding of what went on.

All of the farmers had been paid for at least one crop and in some cases up to four crops in the time the scheme was in operation so had every reason to trust that they would be paid again.

It was not their business how the scheme was administered and not their place to keep checks on the Govt.

They were told that their crop would be bought from them at certain prices, so go for it and produce the crops, which they did.

It was not their fault that the scheme was unsustainable and that mountains of unsold rice built up.

Don't know if you have ever been in a rice farming area and seen how many of the farmers live, if you had you would certainly not blame them for wanting to improve their lot ,as this scheme promised to do.

They are in no way to blame for the predicament they find themselves in now, no matter how much you and others try to twist things to call it selling their vote.

Had those in the PT Govt done as they should and made budget provisions to pay the debts to the farmers before dissolving the house then the farmers would not be protesting now, there would be no need for the desperate efforts to raise loans, nor to be selling rice at below market price as is reported elsewhere today.

The Govt selling stockpile rice is now in direct completion with the farmers who have no choice but to sell the crop they are harvesting now for whatever price they can get.

It has been reported that some farmers have only been offered 3,000 b per ton and the price is certainly down to 5,000 b, lower the than cost of production .

Then there are the debts many have been forced to take on through non payment.

If you have never been on the bones of your bum yourself and can find no empathy with the farmers at least try a little sympathy.

It would be a good thing for farmers to improve their economic well being. They are also partly responsible for their current plight. Just the same as any supplier for. a business that is insolvent. If I'm a supplier for a business that goes broke and I knew they were in difficulties, then I have responsibility if I don't get paid. I took a risk. Okay, so in this instance the debtor is the Thai government, and they will eventually get their money. It's reasonable to have had concern about payment before when it was obvious that the bills were just piling up without any income (or at least no appreciable income) that there would be payment problems. It's hard to turn down the promise of a higher profit, and as in most cases in business, higher profit can often mean higher risk. That's just the way it is.

I too feel sympathy for the farmers as they are in a very hard place now, some much more so than others.