Much of what I read here about the Thai economy seems to be centered on tourism and the value of the Bhat. I just came across a very good article in Reuters regarding the collapse of rice farming in NE Thailand and the economic disruptions.

Worth a read.

Don't know if I can add the link, but here it is:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/01/us-thailand-politics-idUSKCN0RU2R820151001

Thanks for sharing, that's definitely worth a read. One theory is that the previous government, who already had strong support in the NE, started the rice pledge to win over voters in the central region where they have three harvests per year as opposed to the two in the North East. So those in the NE were the government's biggest supporters, weren't the main beneficiaries and yet now are the biggest losers. The real story here is that they'll probably all vote the same way again if and when democratic elections are held.

Back in 2011 when Yingluck proposed the rice pledge scheme, almost everyone could see it was doomed to fail in a classic boom and bust scenario with a good dose of institutionalized corruption mixed in. The real solution back then was the same as it is now: farmers should diversify, become more efficient and develop new techniques. Yet the new government's response is to suggest another 'cash injection'.

Everythings great, everyone is happier, well done General, not that I can say otherwise

Thanks for sharing, that's definitely worth a read. One theory is that the previous government, who already had strong support in the NE, started the rice pledge to win over voters in the central region where they have three harvests per year as opposed to the two in the North East. So those in the NE were the government's biggest supporters, weren't the main beneficiaries and yet now are the biggest losers. The real story here is that they'll probably all vote the same way again if and when democratic elections are held.

Back in 2011 when Yingluck proposed the rice pledge scheme, almost everyone could see it was doomed to fail in a classic boom and bust scenario with a good dose of institutionalized corruption mixed in. The real solution back then was the same as it is now: farmers should diversify, become more efficient and develop new techniques. Yet the new government's response is to suggest another 'cash injection'.

Im not a big fan of H.M but its about time they all went back to a sufficiency economy.

I think you'll find the following topic pretty much covers this:

Rising anger in Thailand's boom-to-bust Isaan

Please continue there.

Closed.