Ex-ministers defend rice scheme via YouTube video
THE SUNDAY NATION January 18, 2015 1:00 am

Answer on Yingluck's behalf all questions posed by NLA

FOUR FORMER MINISTERS in the previous government led by Yingluck Shinawatra defended its rice-pledging scheme yesterday on her behalf via the YouTube video-sharing website.

The ministers answered all 35 questions posed by members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) during an inquiry session on Friday, as part of an impeachment process against Yingluck, who is accused by the National Anti-Corruption Com-mission of negligence leading to corruption.

Yingluck did not show up for the inquiry session and the NLA resolved not to allow her lawyers or representatives to answer the questions on her behalf.

Former deputy prime minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisal, former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, former prime minister's office minister Varathep Ratanakorn, and former deputy commerce minister Yanyong Phuangrach answered the 35 questions posed by NLA members via YouTube. Niwatthamrong explained the necessity of the rice scheme - that it was Pheu Thai Party's campaign, while other parties had a similar campaign.

He said that governments in other countries support agricultural products by subsidising at least 50 per cent of the farmers' average income, while Thai state subsidies also cover agricultural products in addition to rice.

In regard to the graft case, Kittiratt said the government had 14 processes to prevent corruption, including a panel appointed to scrutinise and reduce risks that could affect the country.

"There was also a proposal to reduce the price of the rice scheme, but it was strongly opposed by farmers along with the opposition party leader," the former finance minister said.

He said every time the government was accused of corruption, they did not stay still and appointed a subcommittee to eradicate corruption, which was headed by former minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Kittiratt also claimed that the rice-pledging scheme did not affect business negatively, saying the country should also note the beneficial aspects of the project as well. One NLA question asked why the government insisted on continuing with the rice-pledging scheme when related agencies voiced opposition to it.

Niwatthamrong said: "The National Anti-Corruption Commis-sion [NACC] forwarded documents to the government, [but] it only showed suggestions about the case, and the government then has received those suggestions on improving the project and strengthening the plan to prevent corruption."

In regard to the Office of the Auditor General, the former deputy PM said after the statement of project opening OAG did not propose to cancel, but one document on January 1, 2014 includes cancelling the project, which then the government was defunct already. (?)

Deputy Commerce Minister Varathep said the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)'s claim that only one-fourth of farmers benefited from the rice scheme, but he did not understand how TRDI obtained such a figure, because up to 79 per cent of farmers received approximately Bt200,000.

"The NACC and NLA must see the accused as innocent prior to going to the justice system and if there is not enough information for a case the accused should be released, not perceiving the accused as guilty from the start," Varathep said.

He insisted that the NLA could not pursue the impeachment process further, because the punishment for such an offence covers a five-year ban from politics, but the military government had stated that the 2007 Constitution was now defunct, and the NACC's claim they had the legal authority to proceed was not considered lawful. However, the former commerce minister claimed that the rice-pledging scheme also increased rice prices on the world market, but they needed to be higher.

Meanwhile, NLA member Kittisak Rattanawaraha accused Yingluck yesterday of disrespect for failing to acknowledge the questions beforehand. "The exam paper was not leaked," said Kittisak, who was a member of the panel that asked questions. The former PM's failure to attend and answer questions by herself, showed she could not bring notes to read as answers - because she did not know what she would be asked.

He explained that NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai had informed both the accused and accusers about the process earlier - that whoever comes on the first day must come to answer again. And both sides understood this clearly.

He also insisted that Yingluck had to come personally to answer the questions put by the assembly because the NLA had clearly sought her presence.

"It can be considered that Yingluck showed disrespect to the NLA, because each question was addressed directly to the accused", the subcommittee member said. Kittisak later urged the public to scrutinise this issue themselves, because the NLA had given an opportunity for the accused to come until 6pm on Friday, yet she did not show up.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Ex-ministers-defend-rice-scheme-via-YouTube-video-30252114.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-18

"He said every time the government was accused of corruption, they did not stay still and appointed a subcommittee to eradicate corruption, which was headed by former minister Chalerm Yoobamrung."

Saying that with a straight face must take a high degree of political skill.

What a pack of A-holes trying to usurp the system by getting in and answering on her behalf, putting words in her mouth.

And look who they are, 3 who are at present being investigated for corruption within the scheme and a self confessed liar.

I see in the BKK post that Niwattumrong said that PT made improvements to an old scheme to really get farmers out of poverty.

I wonder then if he can explain why they are now deeper in debt than they ever have been before.

Their main anti corruption measure was cutting the budgets of the NACC and other anti corruption agencies and of course the amnesty bill which had it gone through would have forgiven all corruption within the scheme.

And they say they put Chalerm in charge of preventing corrupting, what a wonderful choice.

And they say the dont know where the TDRI got their information.

Im sure they dont, nobody was supposed to know. And they forgot to mention that the World Bank and others have also come out with similar numbers.

I suspect that words are not going to help here and documented proof of what they say will need to be produced, but does that exist ?

"He said every time the government was accused of corruption, they did not stay still and appointed a subcommittee to eradicate corruption, which was headed by former minister Chalerm Yoobamrung."

Saying that with a straight face must take a high degree of political skill.

Just putting the words "eradicate corruption" in the same sentence as that drunken, bent buffoon Chalerm is enough to bring anyone undone !

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

I like Yingluck. Out of two, I'd definitely give her one, but when it comes to her intellect...... well let's just say that she's lucky breathing is an involuntary action.

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

She can't. It's that simple.

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

The problem would be every time she said she didn't understand the question it would be a genuine response not a delaying tactic.

In a country where taking responsibility for one's actions, or lack of, isn't done she's happy in her belief she did nothing wrong since she never attended any meetings of the committee she chaired and never followed up on what was being done. She did admit that at one time she thought something was wrong but the thought passed and that was that.

Don't expect to much from her she only answered 3 questions in parliament when she was PM

Yingluck - the PM who's always missing

She has also only answered three queries - one put forward by a government MP and two others by Democrats.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665100-yingluck-the-pm-whos-always-missing/

Does anyone have a link to the Youtube video of this? i would like to be able to see it for myself. My searching of YouTube has has not been a success.

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

IMO it is too late for that - they have already made the whole thing into a ridiculous circus by releasing the questions before YL actually attends in person, the people she sent to represent her should have been removed from the building or not allowed to enter (BIO) and proceedings delayed until she appeared in person or was arrested and brought there by force.

It's amazing how Thais can make a real mess of stuff when it comes to official procedures or being unable to write them correctly in the first place

This Charter writing is a fine example, it should only contain high level law and rights - you can only wash your dog on Sundays should not be in there.

As for the OP - some tasty names listed right there getting bolder by the day, it won't be long before a charming Charlerm gets into the mix - you heard it here first

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What a pack of A-holes trying to usurp the system by getting in and answering on her behalf, putting words in her mouth.

And look who they are, 3 who are at present being investigated for corruption within the scheme and a self confessed liar.

I see in the BKK post that Niwattumrong said that PT made improvements to an old scheme to really get farmers out of poverty.

I wonder then if he can explain why they are now deeper in debt than they ever have been before.

Their main anti corruption measure was cutting the budgets of the NACC and other anti corruption agencies and of course the amnesty bill which had it gone through would have forgiven all corruption within the scheme.

And they say they put Chalerm in charge of preventing corrupting, what a wonderful choice.

And they say the dont know where the TDRI got their information.

Im sure they dont, nobody was supposed to know. And they forgot to mention that the World Bank and others have also come out with similar numbers.

I suspect that words are not going to help here and documented proof of what they say will need to be produced, but does that exist ?

In reality everything said by these 4 scaly characters in their youtube stuff is just smoothing with no real deep substance.

What would be very interesting is to see them squirm if cross examined in some way.

This also displays they have no respect for due process.

I wonder how many ' white lies ' one of the witnesses told this time but it's ok as they were only ' white ' and not serious.

I stopped a long time ago at being amazed over the sheer cheek of this type of person here who has no hesitation or guilt and fronts up, spouts off and expects to be believed because of who he is or at least thinks he is.

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

The problem would be every time she said she didn't understand the question it would be a genuine response not a delaying tactic.

In a country where taking responsibility for one's actions, or lack of, isn't done she's happy in her belief she did nothing wrong since she never attended any meetings of the committee she chaired and never followed up on what was being done. She did admit that at one time she thought something was wrong but the thought passed and that was that.

That reminded me of one of my favourite jokes of all time

Shortened version

A (certain hair coloured) lady who refused to move after occupying a seat in 1st class with an economy ticket on a flight to Miami, after many attempts to convince her to move to economy before the plane could take off the co-pilot intervened and said - I'll handle this, he whispered something in her ear and she immediately got up and when to her economy assigned seat without another word. Eventually one of the cabin crew asked him what he had said - he simply replied - I told her 1st class was going to New York

I suppose she will now answer any questions put to her

"What they said",

regards Worgeordie

Yingluck need to answer the questions herself. It's that simple.

shins and accountability.... Good luck!

Yea just think of all the poor rice farmers that have facebook accounts

A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

I suppose she will now answer any questions put to her

"What they said",

regards Worgeordie

If asked to re-cap what was said on her behalf she can always say she doesn't exactly know since she wasn't at the hearing in line with her policy of not attending meetings.

A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

You wish ! I think it has got to the stage where most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense and the only ones to worry about being "incensed" are the redshirts and they will not lift a finger unless there is a dollar in it for them.

Personally I would like to see them try something, but I can't see those toothless tigers doing much. Opportunist cowards the lot of them.

A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

You wish ! I think it has got to the stage where most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense and the only ones to worry about being "incensed" are the redshirts and they will not lift a finger unless there is a dollar in it for them.

Personally I would like to see them try something, but I can't see those toothless tigers doing much. Opportunist cowards the lot of them.

you think too mut, so how many YS supporters do you know who are tired of her?. As usual you are spouting rubbish again.

A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

You wish ! I think it has got to the stage where most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense and the only ones to worry about being "incensed" are the redshirts and they will not lift a finger unless there is a dollar in it for them.

Personally I would like to see them try something, but I can't see those toothless tigers doing much. Opportunist cowards the lot of them.

you think too mut, so how many YS supporters do you know who are tired of her?. As usual you are spouting rubbish again.

Coming from a red propaganda monger like yourself your flame is laughable. The only time you comment is to disagree with someone's opinion. Try posting something of merit instead of your usual nasty red rubbish.

A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

You wish ! I think it has got to the stage where most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense and the only ones to worry about being "incensed" are the redshirts and they will not lift a finger unless there is a dollar in it for them.

Personally I would like to see them try something, but I can't see those toothless tigers doing much. Opportunist cowards the lot of them.

you think too mut, so how many YS supporters do you know who are tired of her?. As usual you are spouting rubbish again.

Coming from a red propaganda monger like yourself your flame is laughable. The only time you comment is to disagree with someone's opinion. Try posting something of merit instead of your usual nasty red rubbish.

Before the 2011 election the yellow cheerleaders were spouting the same line. 'The reds & Thaksin are finished' they frothed! You ask for merit from others but make totally unsubstantiated claims of "most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense". You have as much merit as the terrorist monk.

hahahahaha, even her own party know how mentally deficient she is so they go online and answer the questions before she stuffs them up. Really have to wonder at the mental abilities of this bunch as well seeing they are also being hit with corruption in regard to the same scheme, this is simply their wa\y to try to bluff the reds/farmers in the north before the truth comes out to show exactly what they all have done plus they didnt want yl to put them in deeper with her own answers. Pretty bad when her own people dont trust her to be able to answer questions herself

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A very shrewd move. This will be shown around Lanna & Isaan before the verdicts come up, thereby incensing her supporters even more.

In other words the get very quick very quickly club using the situation to get one step closer to a possible /maybe new trough.

In other words more disrespect for moral approaches to building balanced democracy.

you think too mut, so how many YS supporters do you know who are tired of her?. As usual you are spouting rubbish again.

Coming from a red propaganda monger like yourself your flame is laughable. The only time you comment is to disagree with someone's opinion. Try posting something of merit instead of your usual nasty red rubbish.

Before the 2011 election the yellow cheerleaders were spouting the same line. 'The reds & Thaksin are finished' they frothed! You ask for merit from others but make totally unsubstantiated claims of "most of her supporters have tired of her nonsense". You have as much merit as the terrorist monk.

'Terrorist Monk'? 'Thaksin'?

and here I was thinking this was about the 700 billions the RPPS as 'self-financing' scheme lost the country.

Next we'll discuss the value of "it must be true, I saw the clip on youtube"

So, did the legal team of Ms. Yingluck forward the youtube clip to the NLA? Did they include the written statement with Ms. Yingluck confirming to agree with the clips contents and to see it as the answer she would otherwise have given herself if only she had had the time to do so?

BTW 'subsidy'? The RPPS was not a subsidy, it was a 'self-financing' scheme, didn't need reservations in the National Budget. Even the day before the scheme formally started Kittirat stated that the costs of 440 billion Baht would be regained by the sale of rice.

hahahahaha, even her own party know how mentally deficient she is so they go online and answer the questions before she stuffs them up. Really have to wonder at the mental abilities of this bunch as well seeing they are also being hit with corruption in regard to the same scheme, this is simply their wa\y to try to bluff the reds/farmers in the north before the truth comes out to show exactly what they all have done plus they didnt want yl to put them in deeper with her own answers. Pretty bad when her own people dont trust her to be able to answer questions herself

They know she would have no idea about what she was talking about. That's dangerous because she may have been "tricked" into speaking the truth and dobbed them all further in it.

This is the usual PTP Thaksin PR machine working on damage limitation by trying to divert, waffle and spike the questions. The NLA should not have revealed the questions. They requested Yingluck be contacted and told to come in person - but these muppets and her lawyers all claimed they didn't know where she was and that she was non contactable - pathetic. Any Shin apologists on here lap this BS up.

They are trying to set the best scene possible so they can all pretend to be horrified if she is convicted and plead it's a political verdict. And, again, dummies believe a bunch of proven liars.

So, did the legal team of Ms. Yingluck forward the youtube clip to the NLA? Did they include the written statement with Ms. Yingluck confirming to agree with the clips contents and to see it as the answer she would otherwise have given herself if only she had had the time to do so?

BTW 'subsidy'? The RPPS was not a subsidy, it was a 'self-financing' scheme, didn't need reservations in the National Budget. Even the day before the scheme formally started Kittirat stated that the costs of 440 billion Baht would be regained by the sale of rice.

Kittirat lies, admits to lying and sees nothing wrong in it.

Who would believe anything a serial self admitting liar says?

"He said every time the government was accused of corruption, they did not stay still and appointed a subcommittee to eradicate corruption, which was headed by former minister Chalerm Yoobamrung."

Saying that with a straight face must take a high degree of political skill.

He's a confirmed liar - who admits he lies and believes telling lies to be acceptable behavior from a government Minister.

Appointing Chalerm - was this another 90 day job which confirmed there was no corruption? As lucrative successful as when he ran CAPO?

And still Shin apologists will praise Yingluck and say she was the wonderful first female PM, legally elected etc etc.

Yingluck also said, publicly, there was no corruption in her government. (Even though her criminal fugitive brother appointed several ministers who had criminal convictions) to "her" cabinet.

What a complete joke of a government they were - but sadly not funny. And still their supporters here will claim all was well under the Please Thaksin Party and their popular front for mass amnesty for themselves and assorted criminals.