Somkid: Government has done more for the poor than its predecessors did in 5 years

[aussieinthailand]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

Eric Loh, Stop it! Stop it now!

You know the junta fan club hate it when international and independent organisations facts and figures are used to back up your claims...

You will also notice every time these facts and figures are pointed out to them they ignore it and pretend it's not true because they think they are right regardless.

[Holy Cinema]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

..........along with the many other charges, should he ever bother to come back.

Knowing the Shinawatras as intimately as you do, do you expect the kids to pay their B16 billion they owe the Thai people, or move abroad permanently and stiff those they claim to love so much?

Boring!! Seems you know the Shins better than most people, you sycophants are all the same, you are all conspicuously absent in threads that don't portray the Junta in the hallowed light, but you rise like bloated corpses as soon as the Shins are mentioned, coincidence?

You all sit back and hurl insults at Thai's that don't go along with your version of Eutopia, think eveyone who doesn't see the Junta as a good thing, as "Red shirt" and yet the small minority, yes, you're a minority never seem to question where the Riches of all the Richest Generals in the worlds came from, or how they're able to sit on SOE boards as directors, whilst also claiming salary from the MOD, how it was possible to sell land at a massive profit, but no mention of the tax that would be due on it, and yet, in every single thread pertaining to the Shins, you lot can't see past your own noses, and take a look around and see that what and who is currently running the country, are not ay better by a long shot, except this crowd have declared themselves now and forever "off limits" you can't see an issue with their amnesties, but Christ on a cross, it was like eating live babies with pitchforks when it was about Thaksin !!

The majority of anti Junta also despise Thaksin and the PTP, but you lot don't want to acknowledge that, some of you need to go and see proctologists, as that Thaksin bug up your rectums seem to make you squirm and wriggle around a lot

[halloween]

..........along with the many other charges, should he ever bother to come back.

Knowing the Shinawatras as intimately as you do, do you expect the kids to pay their B16 billion they owe the Thai people, or move abroad permanently and stiff those they claim to love so much?

Boring!! Seems you know the Shins better than most people, you sycophants are all the same, you are all conspicuously absent in threads that don't portray the Junta in the hallowed light, but you rise like bloated corpses as soon as the Shins are mentioned, coincidence?

You all sit back and hurl insults at Thai's that don't go along with your version of Eutopia, think eveyone who doesn't see the Junta as a good thing, as "Red shirt" and yet the small minority, yes, you're a minority never seem to question where the Riches of all the Richest Generals in the worlds came from, or how they're able to sit on SOE boards as directors, whilst also claiming salary from the MOD, how it was possible to sell land at a massive profit, but no mention of the tax that would be due on it, and yet, in every single thread pertaining to the Shins, you lot can't see past your own noses, and take a look around and see that what and who is currently running the country, are not ay better by a long shot, except this crowd have declared themselves now and forever "off limits" you can't see an issue with their amnesties, but Christ on a cross, it was like eating live babies with pitchforks when it was about Thaksin !!

The majority of anti Junta also despise Thaksin and the PTP, but you lot don't want to acknowledge that, some of you need to go and see proctologists, as that Thaksin bug up your rectums seem to make you squirm and wriggle around a lot

I understand that it is inconvenient to mention ANOTHER B16 billion stolen from the Thai people by your heroes, and that you'd rather to talk about anything else, but could you do it in fewer words, just to save the bandwidth.

[elgordo38]

It sounds like someone is just blowing their own horn

Pick me of the floor and take me to the laughter room.

[Holy Cinema]

..........along with the many other charges, should he ever bother to come back.

Knowing the Shinawatras as intimately as you do, do you expect the kids to pay their B16 billion they owe the Thai people, or move abroad permanently and stiff those they claim to love so much?

Boring!! Seems you know the Shins better than most people, you sycophants are all the same, you are all conspicuously absent in threads that don't portray the Junta in the hallowed light, but you rise like bloated corpses as soon as the Shins are mentioned, coincidence?

You all sit back and hurl insults at Thai's that don't go along with your version of Eutopia, think eveyone who doesn't see the Junta as a good thing, as "Red shirt" and yet the small minority, yes, you're a minority never seem to question where the Riches of all the Richest Generals in the worlds came from, or how they're able to sit on SOE boards as directors, whilst also claiming salary from the MOD, how it was possible to sell land at a massive profit, but no mention of the tax that would be due on it, and yet, in every single thread pertaining to the Shins, you lot can't see past your own noses, and take a look around and see that what and who is currently running the country, are not ay better by a long shot, except this crowd have declared themselves now and forever "off limits" you can't see an issue with their amnesties, but Christ on a cross, it was like eating live babies with pitchforks when it was about Thaksin !!

The majority of anti Junta also despise Thaksin and the PTP, but you lot don't want to acknowledge that, some of you need to go and see proctologists, as that Thaksin bug up your rectums seem to make you squirm and wriggle around a lot

I understand that it is inconvenient to mention ANOTHER B16 billion stolen from the Thai people by your heroes, and that you'd rather to talk about anything else, but could you do it in fewer words, just to save the bandwidth.

you're still boring, not my heroes either, I despise them as much as I do expat sycophants !!

I wonder where you all will be when everything the current trufflers have finished, where there's ZERO checks and balances, or accountability !! and all is revealed about their antics.

[halloween]

I understand that it is inconvenient to mention ANOTHER B16 billion stolen from the Thai people by your heroes, and that you'd rather to talk about anything else, but could you do it in fewer words, just to save the bandwidth.

you're still boring, not my heroes either, I despise them as much as I do expat sycophants !!

I wonder where you all will be when everything the current trufflers have finished, where there's ZERO checks and balances, or accountability !! and all is revealed about their antics.

The NACC seems quite active at the moment, I can only assume the 60% cut funding was restored, if not increased. There is a new court for politicians and office holders also. Land officers seem unusually active recovering national park and usurped SPK land, even the BIB seem more diligent (at least not re-defining perjury). Perhaps you meant some other "checks and balances"?

[Hawk]

"Thailand is the best performer among exporting countries as far as exports are concerned. "

I do not agree.

[Holy Cinema]

I understand that it is inconvenient to mention ANOTHER B16 billion stolen from the Thai people by your heroes, and that you'd rather to talk about anything else, but could you do it in fewer words, just to save the bandwidth.

you're still boring, not my heroes either, I despise them as much as I do expat sycophants !!

I wonder where you all will be when everything the current trufflers have finished, where there's ZERO checks and balances, or accountability !! and all is revealed about their antics.

The NACC seems quite active at the moment, I can only assume the 60% cut funding was restored, if not increased. There is a new court for politicians and office holders also. Land officers seem unusually active recovering national park and usurped SPK land, even the BIB seem more diligent (at least not re-defining perjury). Perhaps you meant some other "checks and balances"?

No I meant with this current mob, you know, the military that are off limits, but then you know this, you also know what I mean, and who I'm talking about, but you chose to be obtuse about it.

How much land has been reclaimed in Surat Thani by the way ? How many beach front properties all over the Similan Islands have been crushed to the ground? I'm all for grabbing back land, including the land the Army " grabbed" for their golf courses, but hey.....it's pretty selective whilst the Junta are in power

[halloween]

you're still boring, not my heroes either, I despise them as much as I do expat sycophants !!

I wonder where you all will be when everything the current trufflers have finished, where there's ZERO checks and balances, or accountability !! and all is revealed about their antics.

The NACC seems quite active at the moment, I can only assume the 60% cut funding was restored, if not increased. There is a new court for politicians and office holders also. Land officers seem unusually active recovering national park and usurped SPK land, even the BIB seem more diligent (at least not re-defining perjury). Perhaps you meant some other "checks and balances"?

No I meant with this current mob, you know, the military that are off limits, but then you know this, you also know what I mean, and who I'm talking about, but you chose to be obtuse about it.

How much land has been reclaimed in Surat Thani by the way ? How many beach front properties all over the Similan Islands have been crushed to the ground? I'm all for grabbing back land, including the land the Army " grabbed" for their golf courses, but hey.....it's pretty selective whilst the Junta are in power

What you think you wrote is not what I think I read. I am quite happy to see many more prosecutions, especially of those protected by the prior regime. Evidence of the current government doing more for the people.

I haven't heard of land being reclaimed in Surat Thani. If there was encroachment here, I would have thought one or other of the Shin governments would have looked into it. If you have concerns over specific areas, please call the hotline.

[Holy Cinema]

you're still boring, not my heroes either, I despise them as much as I do expat sycophants !!

I wonder where you all will be when everything the current trufflers have finished, where there's ZERO checks and balances, or accountability !! and all is revealed about their antics.

The NACC seems quite active at the moment, I can only assume the 60% cut funding was restored, if not increased. There is a new court for politicians and office holders also. Land officers seem unusually active recovering national park and usurped SPK land, even the BIB seem more diligent (at least not re-defining perjury). Perhaps you meant some other "checks and balances"?

No I meant with this current mob, you know, the military that are off limits, but then you know this, you also know what I mean, and who I'm talking about, but you chose to be obtuse about it.

How much land has been reclaimed in Surat Thani by the way ? How many beach front properties all over the Similan Islands have been crushed to the ground? I'm all for grabbing back land, including the land the Army " grabbed" for their golf courses, but hey.....it's pretty selective whilst the Junta are in power

What you think you wrote is not what I think I read. I am quite happy to see many more prosecutions, especially of those protected by the prior regime. Evidence of the current government doing more for the people.

I haven't heard of land being reclaimed in Surat Thani. If there was encroachment here, I would have thought one or other of the Shin governments would have looked into it. If you have concerns over specific areas, please call the hotline.

No you just chose to misread, I don't hold that against you.

Like I said earlier,obtuse.

[Rc2702]

The guy moaning about his headman is on the money in one sense and backs Somkids claim. There were funds available to the farming communities but the regional distribution (headman) misused the funds.

Your argument is aimed at the wrong end of the scale it seems.

[rickudon]

Well, ignoring all the Thaksin and Junta bullshit, are people better off? Certainly SOME people are better off, as the construction boom still goes on even if it results mainly in empty houses, hotels and shophouses.

Rice farmers now have to contend with low prices, half the small farmers our way are either not growing or have substantially reduced areas. We were not badly affected by the drought, and water (in the wet season) is not an issue. It just isn't economic if you have to buy in labour and hire machinery.

Small scale Egg producers were killed off last year when the market was flooded by cheap eggs (CP i was told), the price dropped by up to 20% but surprise, surprise, feed prices went up .....

About a quarter of the village shops (the rented ones) have closed up because they couldn't make enough to buy new stock AND pay the rent. In town and on the main roads there are plenty of shop houses empty - when i asked why, the rents being asked where astronomical. There is no supply and demand working, it is pay the asking price or we leave it empty for as long as it takes (some have been empty for years). No wonder so many sell on the streets, there is an immense barrier between being a street trader and a shop keeper. Next time you applaud the government for clearing the pavements, ask yourself where they can go .......

One of the largest hotels in Udon was completed about 2 years ago, reasonable price and swimming pool. But of their 240 rooms it is rare to see a light on at night or a car in their car park. The only busy place is the swimming pool (open to the public). Who ever owns it is not interested in making money, just somewhere to park their wealth.

Those are the contrasts between rich and poor.

[gamini]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

Thailand was experiencing an economic boom during these years and would have achieved these figures whichever government was in power

[gamini]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

..........along with the many other charges, should he ever bother to come back.

Knowing the Shinawatras as intimately as you do, do you expect the kids to pay their B16 billion they owe the Thai people, or move abroad permanently and stiff those they claim to love so much?

Boring!! Seems you know the Shins better than most people, you sycophants are all the same, you are all conspicuously absent in threads that don't portray the Junta in the hallowed light, but you rise like bloated corpses as soon as the Shins are mentioned, coincidence?

You all sit back and hurl insults at Thai's that don't go along with your version of Eutopia, think eveyone who doesn't see the Junta as a good thing, as "Red shirt" and yet the small minority, yes, you're a minority never seem to question where the Riches of all the Richest Generals in the worlds came from, or how they're able to sit on SOE boards as directors, whilst also claiming salary from the MOD, how it was possible to sell land at a massive profit, but no mention of the tax that would be due on it, and yet, in every single thread pertaining to the Shins, you lot can't see past your own noses, and take a look around and see that what and who is currently running the country, are not ay better by a long shot, except this crowd have declared themselves now and forever "off limits" you can't see an issue with their amnesties, but Christ on a cross, it was like eating live babies with pitchforks when it was about Thaksin !!

The majority of anti Junta also despise Thaksin and the PTP, but you lot don't want to acknowledge that, some of you need to go and see proctologists, as that Thaksin bug up your rectums seem to make you squirm and wriggle around a lot

I don't support military coups. But I give credit to the government where it's due. This government has done a lot of good things but you sort of people crudely bash everything they do, good or bad. I find your post in very bad taste and it reveals your poor education. You distort everything and give no proof of your accusations. I guess it hurts you that Somkid, a former Taksin's finance minister praises the government. Coming from him, its a bit hard to refute.

[Enoon]

..........along with the many other charges, should he ever bother to come back.

Knowing the Shinawatras as intimately as you do, do you expect the kids to pay their B16 billion they owe the Thai people, or move abroad permanently and stiff those they claim to love so much?

Boring!! Seems you know the Shins better than most people, you sycophants are all the same, you are all conspicuously absent in threads that don't portray the Junta in the hallowed light, but you rise like bloated corpses as soon as the Shins are mentioned, coincidence?

You all sit back and hurl insults at Thai's that don't go along with your version of Eutopia, think eveyone who doesn't see the Junta as a good thing, as "Red shirt" and yet the small minority, yes, you're a minority never seem to question where the Riches of all the Richest Generals in the worlds came from, or how they're able to sit on SOE boards as directors, whilst also claiming salary from the MOD, how it was possible to sell land at a massive profit, but no mention of the tax that would be due on it, and yet, in every single thread pertaining to the Shins, you lot can't see past your own noses, and take a look around and see that what and who is currently running the country, are not ay better by a long shot, except this crowd have declared themselves now and forever "off limits" you can't see an issue with their amnesties, but Christ on a cross, it was like eating live babies with pitchforks when it was about Thaksin !!

The majority of anti Junta also despise Thaksin and the PTP, but you lot don't want to acknowledge that, some of you need to go and see proctologists, as that Thaksin bug up your rectums seem to make you squirm and wriggle around a lot

I understand that it is inconvenient to mention ANOTHER B16 billion stolen from the Thai people by your heroes, and that you'd rather to talk about anything else, but could you do it in fewer words, just to save the bandwidth.

Quick, find some more billions to add to the "lump" that keeps getting quoted in the circular mantra of those who seek to use past crimes to obfuscate and justify present ones.

It "buddies up" very well with The Great Defenders decree that he cannot be held legally liable for whatever he did, or does in the future, banishing criminal culpability to "The Time Before" that has to be constantly referenced.

[Eric Loh]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

Thailand was experiencing an economic boom during these years and would have achieved these figures whichever government was in power

A diversion of the topic but good for you to bring the economic situation up. Really illustrate the difficulty of the Thaksin government in managing the economic following the currency and financial crisis. Thailand was up in debt with the IMF, massive unemployment, export down, banks bankruptcies, companies folding, real estate collapse and recession. The biggest problem was the massive unemployment that drove large amount of people back to the provinces and adding to poverty. You may not like the man but he did acknowledge the challenges and made it through the recession and pay off the IMF loan well in advance and built up Thailand reserves from zero. He did made the domestic economy the growth engine with his emphasis on the poor. If that is not true, please educate me.

Similar with Yingluck government following the big flood. You know the details. Agricultural land flooded, industrial factories lay off, foreign companies threatened to leave and recession looming. Her policies resuscitate the weak economy. Didn't there?

[ramrod711]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

The 30 baht health care scheme was absolutely useless, the democrats made it free and didn't improve it one iota. Many of the clinics had no supplies, no competent workers and the doctors were bottom of the barrel. Even the desperately poor would travel further to get medical attention even though they had to accrue debt to do so. A good friend of mine has two sons that are doctors, one was top of his class and works in a teaching hospital, the other "isn't as clever" in her words, and went to work in a government institution. My wife's aunt who was poor went to a clinic for care under the 30 baht scheme, was turned away because they didn't have bandages. You really should learn more about that particular Thaksin plan before you hold it up as some shining achievement.

[Eric Loh]

Tiring to read all you clever foreigners whining and complaining about everything and thinking you know everything best. If its so terrible just go back to where you came from. The Shinawatra governments have only used the poor to enrich themselves as they are easy targets. Build a 200 meter paved road in the village and get the votes. Pay the poor to buy votes etc. Does anyone believe that those thieves care about the poor? If the thieving kids of Thaksin cared so much why did they evade paying billions in taxes through fraudulent manipulations. Buying shares from daddy for 1 baht and selling them five minutes for over 49, and pay zero tax!!

For the genius who wrote that the people have to pay rent for shops, really do you think people should rent shops for free? Are the shops rent free where you come from?

I assume that you know better than most of us and hope to get your views of the following: -

1. You say Thaksin didn't care about the poor. What then is your view of the 30B health care scheme, Village Fund and OTOP which were his pet projects. Many economist commented it help the poor and narrow the income inequality.

2. Can you explain the rating report from Thailand NESDB that poverty rate fell from 42.33% in 2000 to 10.94% in 2013. Same report put the number of poor at 25.8% in 2000 to 7.3% in 2013.

3. Why you think he is still so immensely popular in the poor north and north east.

As for the tax evasion, it has nothing to do with the work he did with the poor and up to the justice system to charge and convict him and his children.

The 30 baht health care scheme was absolutely useless, the democrats made it free and didn't improve it one iota. Many of the clinics had no supplies, no competent workers and the doctors were bottom of the barrel. Even the desperately poor would travel further to get medical attention even though they had to accrue debt to do so. A good friend of mine has two sons that are doctors, one was top of his class and works in a teaching hospital, the other "isn't as clever" in her words, and went to work in a government institution. My wife's aunt who was poor went to a clinic for care under the 30 baht scheme, was turned away because they didn't have bandages. You really should learn more about that particular Thaksin plan before you hold it up as some shining achievement.

A healthcare scheme praised by WHO and adopted by Dem and the current government is useless because your wife's aunt can't get a bandage. Got it.