Govt owes disaster-hit farmers THB 5 billion

[ramrod711]

They would travel by buses, trains, cars to Bangkok Sunday, he said.
Besides, he said, there would be rallies at many public places in Chiang Mai to voice opposition to the unjust rulings.

The rallies in Chiang Mai are a colossal flop, at the north gate there are often more people on stage than protesters.

[love1012]

Farmers affected by natural disasters

Is raping available assets, and the sending them abroad (as well as pocketing the majority of them) a natural disaster?

I'd personally say that is an organised disaster, created by a raping PTP government, and its member actors.

I could be wrong, however.

You are wrong. The caretaker government is not allowed to disburse any funds outside of already budgeted "maintenance expenditures.

if they'd done it when it was due there wouldn't be this problem in the first place stop making pathetic statements

[love1012]

Welcome to another election where voters are bullied bribed and beaten until they vote red ..........another election where the second biggest party is not allowed to stand in the north east another election where people turn up only to find they've voted already another election where redshirts don't allow anyone else a chance except their puppet Master another snout in the trough for 5 years another day in Thailand. A joke country with a joke democracy a Joke Government and a Joke man in Dubai running the show!! Good now with the people firmly back under Thaksin the Dictators heel we can look forward to amnesty for all criminals again Poor Thailand shackled to a dictator and half the country dent know it, a quarter benefit from it and the other quarter are bombed into accepting it.

[davehowden]

Maybe time the farmers bought some insurance or got a new job instead of relying on the government/ Buddha or other handouts?

[chainarong]

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The " cabinet " is hamstrung by the constitutional need to go through the EC. So here's an idea - as Thaksin clearly has so much cash to burn - why doesn't he pay it ?

There is a slight possibility that the government might default on the re-payments.

[gabruce]

It is all;

"Govt owes"

"Govt denies"

"Govt denounces"

Never'

"Govt successfully implemented"

"Govt alleviated"

"Govt took the criticism on board"

"Govt share the blame"

One can be assured that even though these farmers will be paid compensation and be paid for their rice within weeks if they step aside to make way for an interim govt that will have full govt powers the PTP will not. They say they care, but their actions state otherwise.

I don't agree. Nobody wants to pay the farmers.

They all say they do, but nobody does -- and actions speak louder than words.

I guess we will have to wait and see what the Democrats do when they are elected.

I think that they will complain that they shouldn't have to pay, that the prior government should have handled their bills instead of leaving it for the next government to handle. They will probably also remark, perhaps quietly, that they would never be as rapacious, stupid, and incompetent as the PTP. Then they will pay the farmers post-haste.

Here's hoping Chalerm doesn't try to become a Democrat!

[rebelplatoon]

Funny that even within the small environment of TV the profanities, lies, counter lies, blame shifting, rhetoric of both sides of the divide is able to make all and everyone so sure they are right. Problem is both sides are wrong.

PTP is hanging onto power won t let go at an enormous cost, Suthep wants what HE wants, Jatuporn keeps spreading vitriolic hatred and a monk that should be interested in workin on his and his followers enlightenment has more body guards than Saddam at his peak.

Meanwhile the Senate tries to find a way out but are ignored. The Dems made proposals for a way out but were turned down. Is there ANYONE still thinking about this country and the people?! There IS common ground, if you believe the politicians. Go for it. THEN the farmers will get what s due and the country can be taken forward.

[Mentors]

How long do we have to listen about the farmers. The farmers are owed this and that. The farmers have been bought and partially paid for by PTP! I do hope they get their money for their overpaid rice, but give me a break! What about infrastructure.

The roads in Bangkok can handle 4-5 million cars max, but now there are 8 million plus. The roads are completely gridlock!

I understand why people are sick and tired of all this vote buying. Thailand's going backwards with no infrastructure projects being pursued! Leave the farmers alone. Let them grow rice and sell it on the free market! That's the career they chose, so let them be happy! No more Vote Buying by anyone! It maybe already too late for Thailand to recover before manufacturing starts moving to Indonesia! Has anyone taken a Taxi in bangkok lately! I haven't because you can walk faster than a Taxi can move!

I live in Korat, so only occasionally need to visit BKK! I take BTS and MRT the whrole time I spend there! Taxi's are a Joke!

Yes wonderful, more money and infrastructure for the giant Bangkok and most nothing for upcountry, especially to the South.

This is one of the problems this country face.

[Civil War]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

They don't have any powers, and neithr do the pretend government.

We need a complete government that is is non-PTP to pay these people....

But it ios not allowed unless Thaksin has full power, then they can be paidf

[Local Drunk]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

It not the EC that forbids it... It's the law.

[kimamey]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

That's right but I wonder if something couldn't be done by agreement between the political parties. I'm sure I read that there was a time limit for the caretaker government which has long passed. In these circumstances which aren't adequately covered by the constitution it was right to extend that limit as it would by irresponsible to have a situation where there was no government at all. I'm assuming that's what happened but maybe I'm wrong. If that's what happened then I can't see why there can't be a solution to this and the rice payments. Of course the money can't be released to the caretaker government for the very reasons you state but if it could be announced as a joint agreement between the parties then that might be possible.

[Baerboxer]

Farmers affected by natural disasters

Is raping available assets, and the sending them abroad (as well as pocketing the majority of them) a natural disaster?

I'd personally say that is an organised disaster, created by a raping PTP government, and its member actors.

I could be wrong, however.

You are wrong. The caretaker government is not allowed to disburse any funds outside of already budgeted "maintenance expenditures.

Yes, and the caretaker government knew that when they chose to dissolve the lower house. Did they fail to make adequate prior plans: a) because they are too dumb, they couldn't care less, c) they knew there was a massive cash flow problem as they couldn't get their hands on the 2.2 trillion and billions remain unaccounted for, or d) all of them.

Take your pick, The whole mess was created by a government intent on getting an amnesty for a crook whilst allegedly siphoning billions.

The caretaker government have shown that their somewhat cavalier approach to finance, budgeting, transparency and accountability has led to far more problems than any they have solved.

[kimamey]

Maybe time the farmers bought some insurance or got a new job instead of relying on the government/ Buddha or other handouts?

I think that's a bit unfair. At the price they were promised rice farming probably seemed a good choice. where they might have been a bit naive is if they thought that price would stay in the long term. The government tried to cut it last year but backed off after threats of protests.

I don't know what the arrangements are for drought compensation as I've never heard of them but they seem like a more long term seasonal thing.

Edited May 18, 2014 by kimamey

[SOTIRIOS]

......long overdue.....the money was allocated....as for so many other programs and schemes.....but.....disappeared.....

....when will such actions ever be deemed 'criminal'......this is insane.....

[moe666]

Farmers affected by natural disasters

Is raping available assets, and the sending them abroad (as well as pocketing the majority of them) a natural disaster?

I'd personally say that is an organised disaster, created by a raping PTP government, and its member actors.

I could be wrong, however.

You are wrong. The caretaker government is not allowed to disburse any funds outside of already budgeted "maintenance expenditures.

You know that's not true if they got off there hands permission can be obtained to hand out funds if it doesn't create a burden for the next government

[moe666]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

That's right but I wonder if something couldn't be done by agreement between the political parties. I'm sure I read that there was a time limit for the caretaker government which has long passed. In these circumstances which aren't adequately covered by the constitution it was right to extend that limit as it would by irresponsible to have a situation where there was no government at all. I'm assuming that's what happened but maybe I'm wrong. If that's what happened then I can't see why there can't be a solution to this and the rice payments. Of course the money can't be released to the caretaker government for the very reasons you state but if it could be announced as a joint agreement between the parties then that might be possible.

As it has been posted here many times they can get permission from the Election Commission to hand out funds if it doesn't create a problem for future government, the red shirt supporters keep on making excuses for this incompetent government will you not ask them to take responsibility for there actions or lack of.

[kimamey]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

That's right but I wonder if something couldn't be done by agreement between the political parties. I'm sure I read that there was a time limit for the caretaker government which has long passed. In these circumstances which aren't adequately covered by the constitution it was right to extend that limit as it would by irresponsible to have a situation where there was no government at all. I'm assuming that's what happened but maybe I'm wrong. If that's what happened then I can't see why there can't be a solution to this and the rice payments. Of course the money can't be released to the caretaker government for the very reasons you state but if it could be announced as a joint agreement between the parties then that might be possible.

As it has been posted here many times they can get permission from the Election Commission to hand out funds if it doesn't create a problem for future government, the red shirt supporters keep on making excuses for this incompetent government will you not ask them to take responsibility for there actions or lack of.

The trouble is if they borrow money it will be a burden for the future government. I assume that's why they want to use the central fund. It's certainly down to their lack of planning that they're in this position but that doesn't help the farmers. There are ways round this if they really want to.

[geriatrickid]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

EC had nothing to do with the OWED money-should have been paid earlier and well you know it BS GK

Governments settle financial obligations through disbursement from general funds and/or through short term lending. No government ever segregates funds intended for agricultural subsidies for disbursement at a later date. The money is taken from the general account or included in general borrowing as part of a government's general financial activities. This is accomplished in most countries through the issuance of government notes such as treasury bonds. The Election Commission must approve all disbursements and/or borrowing related to the former rice subsidy program. Compounding the issue is that the banks following the Suthep protests and who previously provided the revolving credit facilities, have refused to fund the borrowing. I'll leave the reason of whether this was due to their indirect support given to the overthrow of the elected government or a genuine fear that they would be targeted by Suthep, or a fear that the government was not allowed to borrow without the EC permission, or a combination of all three reasons, to you government experts.

THAILAND RICE NEWS -18 APRIL 2014

Deputy Commerce Minister Y. Phuangrach said he would discuss with N Boonsongpaisarn, the deputy prime minister and commerce minister, a proposal from the Thai Farmers and Agriculturalists Association for the government to request the Election Committee to approval additional borrowings of Bt40 billion from the central budget. "Recently, about Bt10 billion in excess was paid. This shows the government will not miss its repayment obligation. It would likely use borrowings from the budget to pay farmers. "The original plan was for government borrowings to be used to pay farmers, but it was suspended given the caretaker government's situation."The plan was changed to find money to pay farmers and sell rice at the same time."

http://www.gaotradecommodities.com/thailand/

As Reuters reported on Feb. 25, 2014;

The Election Commission has approved a 712 million baht fund to help farmers, as requested by the government," Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, an election official, said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

Yingluck heads a caretaker government with limited borrowing and spending powers. Election Commission approval is needed for certain spending and any new project that would bind the next full government is prohibited

[djjamie]

Is the remaining government doing anything other than saying no to any 3rd party proposals?

A caretaker government has restricted powers of spending.

As you very well know, the Election Commission forbids the caretaker government from disbursing emergency funds as its opinion is that this could influence voter intentions.

EC had nothing to do with the OWED money-should have been paid earlier and well you know it BS GK

Governments settle financial obligations through disbursement from general funds and/or through short term lending. No government ever segregates funds intended for agricultural subsidies for disbursement at a later date. The money is taken from the general account or included in general borrowing as part of a government's general financial activities. This is accomplished in most countries through the issuance of government notes such as treasury bonds. The Election Commission must approve all disbursements and/or borrowing related to the former rice subsidy program. Compounding the issue is that the banks following the Suthep protests and who previously provided the revolving credit facilities, have refused to fund the borrowing. I'll leave the reason of whether this was due to their indirect support given to the overthrow of the elected government or a genuine fear that they would be targeted by Suthep, or a fear that the government was not allowed to borrow without the EC permission, or a combination of all three reasons, to you government experts.

THAILAND RICE NEWS -18 APRIL 2014

Deputy Commerce Minister Y. Phuangrach said he would discuss with N Boonsongpaisarn, the deputy prime minister and commerce minister, a proposal from the Thai Farmers and Agriculturalists Association for the government to request the Election Committee to approval additional borrowings of Bt40 billion from the central budget. "Recently, about Bt10 billion in excess was paid. This shows the government will not miss its repayment obligation. It would likely use borrowings from the budget to pay farmers. "The original plan was for government borrowings to be used to pay farmers, but it was suspended given the caretaker government's situation."The plan was changed to find money to pay farmers and sell rice at the same time."

http://www.gaotradecommodities.com/thailand/

As Reuters reported on Feb. 25, 2014;

The Election Commission has approved a 712 million baht fund to help farmers, as requested by the government," Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, an election official, said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

Yingluck heads a caretaker government with limited borrowing and spending powers. Election Commission approval is needed for certain spending and any new project that would bind the next full government is prohibited

13th of September 2013 - The cabinet approved a total budget of 270 billion baht for the government’s rice pledging scheme, Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Puangraj. The PTP said they had the money. They lied.

16th of September - THE FINANCE MINISTRY’s sub-committee assessing the cost of the rice pledging scheme fears the scheme will break budget. The PTP were warned.

8th of October - The World Bank said that the rice pledging scheme had proven to be the most costly and would ring up a bill of 115 billion to 150 billion baht per harvest. The reply - Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan today categorically dismissed the World Bank’s estimate that the Thai government will incur up to 400 billion baht in losses from the rice pledging scheme for two harvests. He went on to say the Finance Ministry should help secure more funding to meet the 270 billion baht target already approved by the cabinet to be used for the 2013-14 harvests. They said they had the money. They lied.

12th November 2013 - IMF called on Thailand to ditch rice support scheme. The PTP said no. The PTP were warned.

9th of Decmeber 2013 - House dissolved.

You can see fault with the EC for following the rule of law yet you cannot see fault with the PTP after they were warned 3 times in the 3 months leading up to dissolution that they would run out of money. They told the public numerous times they did have the money for the season up to February, 2014 which was a lie yet you ignore those lies. And the cherry on the cake is the Deputy PM denouncing the World Bank, demanding to know where they got the figures while saying they were wrong and the PTP were right.

Guess what…..The PTP were wrong!

So geri did the PTP lie or not? Or will you say I need 5 links to every fact and documented proof of everything with hand written signatures because my FACTS don't suit your agenda?

Edited May 18, 2014 by djjamie

[valvenus]

Just add the 5 Billion to Yingluck's IOU bill to the farmers of 120 Billion.

[Chris Lawrence]

"Is it time out for Thailand's political elites? Their steel grasp on state organs, like the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, to retain power is a rearguard action from factions grasping for air. Demands by the establishment for sweeping political reform over a general election is a delaying ploy to regroup."

"Stacked with Yingluck allies, the government views elections as the best way to resolve the crisis. The opposition, led by Suthep Thaugsuban and his People's Democratic Reform Committee, are pushing hard for sweeping reform of the parliamentary system before another election takes place. Another key PDRC mission is to wipe Thai politics clean of Thaksinite influence.

Thailand's old elites broadly consist of the royalist civil service, the judiciary and the army. Newly rich Bangkok-based middle-classes have swelled their ranks.

The old elites have lost touch and richer Bangkokians want to preserve their position. What it amounts to is a detachment from the rearranging sentiments of the Thai masses."AlJarzerra 18.05.2014

This stop payment is a way to piss off the farmers via Sutheps thugs.

They want changes to their constituion ( wasn't this constituion designed by the military in a previous coup, which is in fact part of the old Bangkok elite? which is the crew that Suthep represents?), what do they want to change?

This non-payment to farmers, the backbone of Thailand and its people shows poor judgement; why are the PDRC unpopular outside Bangkok?

I read a book on this once; Animal Farm, the pigs are up on their hind legs and feel more superior.

[BillyBobThai]

Is crop insurance not allowed in Thailand ??

[billd766]

Farmers affected by natural disasters

Is raping available assets, and the sending them abroad (as well as pocketing the majority of them) a natural disaster?

I'd personally say that is an organised disaster, created by a raping PTP government, and its member actors.

I could be wrong, however.

You are wrong. The caretaker government is not allowed to disburse any funds outside of already budgeted "maintenance expenditures.

Why did the PTP government "when it was in session" and not dissolving itself make the provision for the payments during the time leading up to its dissolution then?

They must have known that the farmers HAD to be paid, or was it just an "honest mistake"?