PM Prayut says he feels ashamed because he still cannot make farmers live better

[webfact]

PM says he feels ashamed because he still cannot make farmers live better



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said today that he felt ashamed of himself every time he came across a farmer working in the field under the scorching sun whenever he was travelling in a chauffeur-driven car because he still could not make the farmers live a better life.

However, he said he would like farmers to take pride in their career because they are the “backbone of the country” and “if the backbone is broken, a man will die or become paralysed.”

On the eve of the Rice Day and National Farmers Day tomorrow, the prime minister today presided over a ceremony to present awards to outstanding farmers and agricultural institutes.

The prime minister urged farmers to stop bickering among themselves and to stop dividing among themselves in accordance with their political loyalties, saying that it is now the time for the country to move forward and to leave behind political divide.

He blamed existing huge rice stocks as one factor for suppressing paddy price. Populist policy such as the rice pledging scheme has done a lot of damage to the country, he said, however, adding that selective populist policies may be necessary but for temporary basis only.

The prime minister warned farmers of the effects of climate change which resulted to irregular rainfalls, drought and flooding. To cope with these unpredictable problems, he said rice cultivation management was in need of overhaul with the introduction of zoning, proper irrigation system, the use of good rice seeds for cultivation and greater use of organic fertilizer.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-says-he-feels-ashamed-because-he-still-cannot-make-farmers-live-better


-- Thai PBS 2015-06-04

[Always18]

Maybe he should consider distributing largesse from his aircon limo next time he feels so bad about it................I'm sure that will make him feel a lot better.

[cumgranosalum]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

[baboon]

I am sure he will allow himself plenty of time to turn things around...

[Anthony5]

Time to step down when you're ashamed that you're incompetent.

[Plutojames88]

It's a positive sign .

He is correct that it is very shameful and reflects greatly on his pathetic failures.

But given he claims to feel the self disgust and shame he should be applauded.

However , if he can't improve things let the Others who could back in power , and admit defeat.

[uty6543]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

[worgeordie]

The first thing to do, should be to educate them in basic finances, don't spend

more than you earn, save some for a rainy day,and finally diversify the crops

they grow, growing rice as a mono culture crop,leaves them at the hands of

middle men,World prices,and if a disease strikes you have lost the lot.

regards worgeordie

[cms22]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

Wonderful. I love your innocence. So gullible! LOL

[kingalfred]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

really? The last lot were"experts in democracy" The rice scheme did so much for the farmers, thanks to the politicians they supported!

[oneday]

Here's a short list for you to start working on Mr. Prayut.

1. Universal garbage service to every home in Thailand.

2. Universal electric service to every home in Thailand.

3. Better maintenance on roads and more roads to make it easier for people to get to and from their homes and schools.

4. Free government transportation to and from school for at least grade school children.

5. Higher educational standards.

6. Government sponsored educational scholarships for the brightest students.

7. Government sponsored program to educate bright students to become future doctors providing they commit 10 years to a government hospital.

[PS2]

He can build these huge fans for farmers on the fields.

[Thrilla]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

Wonderful. I love your innocence. So gullible! LOL

So, ....I can mark you down as ..'For corruption'

[maidee]

600 million baht in the bank

well, he can always go back and play general and leave the real job to ....

nahhhhhhhhhhh, who am I kidding, army, police, politicians...

it's all about me me me

[Lee4Life]

He can build these huge fans for farmers on the fields.

I am hoping that you are just being coy when you call wind powered turbines "huge fans" ? It actually wouldn't be a bad idea to install those here, given the amount of hot air blowing around these days

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

<snip> The people that commited suicide did so because the people that brought your dear great leader to power, cut off funding to pay these farmers. Your dear great leader have cut farm prices by half and then gave the farmers B 15 000 to keep them quiet and now is claiming he is sorry not have improved their lives. How pathetic !!! If the farmers are so happy about your dear great leader lets have a referendum on which constitution the people prefer, let them choose between 1997, 2007 or 2015 constitution. Let your dear great leader allow free speech on which constitution the people would prefer. Then after the people have chosen a constitution lets have an election under the constitution the people have chosen.

This will however never happen as you and his supporters only give lip service to the concept of democracy. Your dear great leader has done nothing to improve the living standard of poor people in this country. If he wants improve their living standards why doenst he share his B 680 mil fortune ?

Edited June 6, 2015 by soundman
Paid to post comment.

[Artisi]

It's a positive sign .

He is correct that it is very shameful and reflects greatly on his pathetic failures.

But given he claims to feel the self disgust and shame he should be applauded.

However , if he can't improve things let the Others who could back in power , and admit defeat.

It was the "others" who have been in power for ages that have brought the country to the point that it is now - so do you honestly think they would make any improvements if allowed back. Edited June 4, 2015 by Artisi

[phoenixdoglover]

Here's a wild idea. Cancel the recently announced buffalo breeding program, and earmark the funds for farm loans.

[saltandpepper]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

<snip> The people that commited suicide did so because the people that brought your dear great leader to power, cut off funding to pay these farmers. Your dear great leader have cut farm prices by half and then gave the farmers B 15 000 to keep them quiet and now is claiming he is sorry not have improved their lives. How pathetic !!! If the farmers are so happy about your dear great leader lets have a referendum on which constitution the people prefer, let them choose between 1997, 2007 or 2015 constitution. Let your dear great leader allow free speech on which constitution the people would prefer. Then after the people have chosen a constitution lets have an election under the constitution the people have chosen.

This will however never happen as you and his supporters only give lip service to the concept of democracy. Your dear great leader has done nothing to improve the living standard of poor people in this country. If he wants improve their living standards why doenst he share his B 680 mil fortune ?

How a bout checking your facts before posting?

The red manual seems to be your only source of information.

[Fat Haggis]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

Do You mean experts like Yingluck and Co who balls up the rice scam so badly that some farmers committed suicide others lost their land and lots are now deeper in debt than ever before. I think now they realise they were conned they are happy with a retired general who is doing the best he can for the country.

I am sure before too long he will come up with a way that improves the lives of the poorest farmers without leaving it open to corruption.

<snip> The people that commited suicide did so because the people that brought your dear great leader to power, cut off funding to pay these farmers. Your dear great leader have cut farm prices by half and then gave the farmers B 15 000 to keep them quiet and now is claiming he is sorry not have improved their lives. How pathetic !!! If the farmers are so happy about your dear great leader lets have a referendum on which constitution the people prefer, let them choose between 1997, 2007 or 2015 constitution. Let your dear great leader allow free speech on which constitution the people would prefer. Then after the people have chosen a constitution lets have an election under the constitution the people have chosen.

This will however never happen as you and his supporters only give lip service to the concept of democracy. Your dear great leader has done nothing to improve the living standard of poor people in this country. If he wants improve their living standards why doenst he share his B 680 mil fortune ?

How a bout checking your facts before posting?

The red manual seems to be your only source of information.

The facts have never been put out there regarding farmers suicides, as to what their debts were, how long they had said debts, and what were they doing to reduce these debts, all to easy to say the cause was the previous regime, but correct me if I'm wrong but farmers, not just rice farmers mind you have still committed suicide under the present Regime, shall we pass judgement on them too?

[masquerade]

Here's a short list for you to start working on Mr. Prayut.

1. Universal garbage service to every home in Thailand.

2. Universal electric service to every home in Thailand.

3. Better maintenance on roads and more roads to make it easier for people to get to and from their homes and schools.

4. Free government transportation to and from school for at least grade school children.

5. Higher educational standards.

6. Government sponsored educational scholarships for the brightest students.

7. Government sponsored program to educate bright students to become future doctors providing they commit 10 years to a government hospital.

I agree fully with the above, but right now I would settle for town water 24/7 instead of a trickle 2 hrs morning and evening when it suits them. I know it's a hard task as we live in a village a full 10 km from a provincial capital.

[ldiablo]

@Uty6543. Why do you feel it necessary to bring Yinluck and Co into a legitimate comment made bycumgranosalum. Did he mention these individuals. No. But in your tiny little brain that seems to ne the only thing you can focus on. Leave your yellow shirt at the door!

Edited June 4, 2015 by ldiablo

[Pormax]

The first thing to do, should be to educate them in basic finances, don't spend

more than you earn, save some for a rainy day,and finally diversify the crops

they grow, growing rice as a mono culture crop,leaves them at the hands of

middle men,World prices,and if a disease strikes you have lost the lot.

regards worgeordie

I applaud what you have said in general as Thais do not seem to be able to manage their finances at all well but this I would suggest is down to the very poor education system especially in the rural areas where there are many who can not read or write. This is also because at a young age many children have to leave school to look after their siblings while the parents went off to find some work.

Unless a family has many Rai, I would suggest in excess of 30, of rice land then there is no way that they can live off the money they make from the crop. Don't forget that the prices for a kilo of rice that is often portrayed, is not what the majority get. It has to be completely dry and of really good quality to get the top price, usually it is 2 -4 baht below what the middle men advertise as paying. So unfortunately what they earn is spent, there is no money to save for a rainy day.

My wife's family are farmers and grow rice and to be honest I have to say that it is a h*ll of a lot of hard work for very little return.

One sister has more than 20 Rai but by the time they take out what rice they need for eating and for re-sowing for next year there is not enough money to feed and clothe a family of 4 for more than 6 months or so. They also have to pay out for the fertiliser, a machine to get the land ploughed, and a machine to cut the rice. The costs involved in this rise every year as does the labour, yet the rice per kilo drops. Also add in the general increase in inflation in Thailand each year.

As regards growing other crops, then this is not as easy as it seems, where land for growing rice is ok, it is not always that suitable for growing other crops.

Edited June 4, 2015 by Pormax

[ldiablo]

@Oneday. But that would surely take away all his focus on the major issue in Thailand which is the lottery pricing.

[Shiver]

I think he's slowly starting to learn baby steps in his new(ish) role. I'm not on anyones side when it comes to politics, though it seems he's making a crude play to gain some sympathy from the north.

I think he believed he could glue the reds and yellows together, and has had a harsh lesson.

"I'm not the fish, and I'm not the chips. I'm the tar tar sauce that makes it all happen" - except he didn't make it happen.

[billd766]

...and that's the only reason? Perhaps he should do what he said he was goiing to do - set up a democracy and then leave it to those who are expert in that field...not a retired general?

You mean experts like Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra, Nattawut Saikua, Jatuporn, Abhisit, Suthep and people of that ilk who are all superbly qualified in the farming industry?

Sort of "professionals" in the farming/agro industry.

[ldiablo]

@billd766. Another fasinating comment from a useless yellow shirt supporter who doesnt have the brain power to look beyony the PTP. You and Uty6543 are both cut from the same yellow cloth.

[wabothai]

Why not get out of your airco mercedes prajuth get your shoes and pants dirty and wet and talk to the people you feel sorry for.

or are you to big for that?

All this talk about sorry is plain hogwash and impresses nobody.

[billd766]

BS General/PM Prat Prayut. Maybe you should have driven your air con limo around the rural sectors advertising your number plate so the locals could win a bit. Instead what do you do, hide the car for the day and only let the secret out amongst a select group.

Perhaps you should do a little research and you may find out that the air con limo does NOT belong to the general but is actually a government vehicle and probably the same one that Yingluck used.

If you went out into rural Thailand among the farmers instead of being a keyboard warrior you may learna few things for yourself too.

Edited June 4, 2015 by billd766

[cumgranosalum]

The first thing to do, should be to educate them in basic finances, don't spend

more than you earn, save some for a rainy day,and finally diversify the crops

they grow, growing rice as a mono culture crop,leaves them at the hands of

middle men,World prices,and if a disease strikes you have lost the lot.

regards worgeordie

Patronising rubbish...