PM highlights Govt's economic measures

BANGKOK, 2 May 2016 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that more than 40 billion baht is being spent on projects aimed at boosting the grassroots economy.

The Thai Premier disclosed that the government had approved a budget of more than 40 billion baht, 90 percent of which has already been disbursed. The money is being spent on projects that are expected to trigger domestic economic activity such as the “Five Million Baht Per Tambon” initiative.

In terms of agriculture, Gen Prayut said the government has procured agricultural equipment to be lent to local farmers. It is intended to help the man on the land reduce production costs, so that they can increase their profit margins when selling their crops.

He pointed out that if the production costs remain high, farmers will remain either poor or in debt.

He explained that the government’s intention is to empower marginalized communities to take charge of their own livelihoods and economic future.

-- NNT 2016-05-02

Remember 2013, when populist policies benefitting farmers were a sign of deep corruption by the incumbent government?

Thailand has evolved so much in such a short period of time.

In his 'world' he thinks they have done brilliantly and his minions confirm that to him daily but in the real 'world' Thais suffer and all I ever hear from Thais I meet is how bad things really are

"He pointed out that if the production costs remain high, farmers will remain either poor or in debt."

Why are production costs "high" ? Details from his speeches always seem to be scant.

Remember 2013, when populist policies benefitting farmers were a sign of deep corruption by the incumbent government?

Thailand has evolved so much in such a short period of time.

Never too late for Prayuth to realize that the power rest with the majority uneducated farmers, not the minority educated urbanites.

The money is being spent on projects that are expected to trigger domestic economic activity such as the “Five Million Baht Per Tambon” initiative

These handouts do not trigger a sustainable economy and are more likely to create more harmful household debt.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce recently reported that the average debt per family is now at 119,061 baht, the highest level in eight years, up from 117,840 baht last year and 87,399 baht in 2009.

Congradulations Prayut.

'The blind leading the blind' comes to mind !

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, meanwhile assured his village fund scheme was not a populist policy.

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/125917

As 90% of this money has been distributed it might be interesting to highlight all the benefits/results from this "non-populist" program?

Examples of follow-up:

How has the economy benefited?

What was the money spent on?

'The blind leading the blind' comes to mind !

The brand leading the bland?

Highlighting the economic mess would be another way of putting it , something akin to a doctor I visited once who said if this doesn't work, we will try something else...................... .

Remember 2013, when populist policies benefitting farmers were a sign of deep corruption by the incumbent government?

Thailand has evolved so much in such a short period of time.

Never too late for Prayuth to realize that the power rest with the majority uneducated farmers, not the minority educated urbanites.

Uneducated doesn't mean they are stupid, but some people that put these guys in power and some of these guys in power believe all poor uneducated people are stupid. Just last week someone in power said "what does gardeners and farmers know about politics ?". That's a big mistake, they are the majority voters in this country, like it or not.