Respected rice farmers and fellow Thai citizens,

Today, on behalf of the Thai Government, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify current concerns about the government’s rice pledging scheme.

First of all, I would like to reaffirm the government’s goodwill and objective of the rice pledging scheme. I believe in the project as proposed in the Pheu Thai Party policy platform. The Thai voters also entrusted the party and myself with the project to bring about higher incomes, a better quality of life, wealth, stability and sustainability for Thai rice farmers.

In the past, rice farmers have been perceived as the nation’s backbone as all Thais consume rice as their main staple. We should be grateful to them for the tireless toil. But sadly now, they have been taken advantage of and thus face constant hardship.

During the past 2 years, the government’s rice pledging scheme has been successful, achieving the project’s target to increase earnings of the rice farmers. It has also strengthened the foundation of the grassroots economy and Thailand’s economy as a whole.

With regard to the mobilization of funds for project implementation, it has been clear from the beginning that the sources of funds are:

1) earnings from the sale of rice in the market under the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce, and;
2) the Ministry of Finance’s normal mechanisms in financial management to support the project, including the approval of the  BAAC’s loans to provide funds for the project from public and private financial institutions, in accordance with the amount approved by the Cabinet.

Through this the public has witnessed clear results. Money was transferred directly into the rice farmers’ hands. Thus, the rice pledging scheme has been popular and a source of pride for all concerned.

Respected famers and fellow Thai citizens,

It is a pity that the rice farmers’ aspirations for a better life has recently been marred by political games. I regret and would like to apologize to all rice farmers that their agenda has been taken hostage by the anti-government group, as they continue to obstruct the government’s implementation of the project. But rest assured, no matter how many obstacles the government will face, I am determined not to falter, and will continue to fight for fellow rice farmers of Thailand.

By political games, I mean the attempts made by the anti-government group to overthrow an elected government, and form an undemocratic regime in place. I do respect difference of opinions and the right to peaceful protest. However, since I have returned the power to people through House dissolution, should we not go through the election process and let the people decide on the policies they desire and the government they entrust their power to?

Nonetheless, the anti-government movement has rejected accepted international democratic standards and continues to discredit the government without any concern for damages to the nation’s credibility. They are also ready to use any loophole to stigmatize all platforms in order to derail certain government policies which benefit the people, such as the rice pledging scheme.

At present, they have gone so far as to intercept the government’s attempt to make payments to the rice farmers, including efforts in seeking loans for the revolving funds for the scheme. However if all stakeholders, particularly the financial institutions, are sincere and empathize with the dilemma facing the rice farmers, the rice pledging scheme could move forward without delay. I can assure you that the government is accountable for every single Baht. Bank loans are legally guaranteed and no one can abuse the people’s savings. Thailand’s banks and financial institutions at the current state are secured with a high level of liquidity. Therefore, the loans could easily be released to assist the farmers without risk, and can be managed.

The present scheme is unlike that of the past when mismanagement caused financial institutions to close down. Bank management as well as their staff, including those in the bank unions, should therefore not be skeptical or worried, as budget management for this policy has been in accordance with existing financial regulations of Thailand and that all steps taken are in full compliance with the law and Cabinet resolutions.

Despite the corruption allegations, I wish to assure you that the rice pledging scheme is the right policy and there is no conspiracy to corrupt. However, if there is any wrong doing at the implementation level, I would like to see strict scrutiny and investigation. On this matter I welcome investigations by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, if done without any hidden political agenda or interference. Otherwise, it would be a pity for such a worthwhile project to be discredited, not to mention the investigation process as well.

Respected rice farmers and fellow Thai citizens,

While the fellow farmers are awaiting the pending payments, the government has started immediate measures to mitigate their plight, such as the BAAC’s scheme to extend debt payment due date for another 6 months. In addition, in order for the rice farmers to access loans for the preparation of the next harvesting season, BAAC will expand the credit limit to both current customers and non-BAAC customers.

Lastly, I, on behalf of the government, would like to reassure you that the government will protect and support the interests of rice farmers nationwide. I will not let anyone take advantage of or take Thai rice farmers as hostage in any political ploy. Every effort they take is invaluable to the Thai people and we must not allow this backbone of the nation to be harmed. I therefore call on all sides to have sympathy for the farmers and cooperate so that Thai rice farmers have a good quality of life, higher income and the integrity of human dignity as equally enjoyed by all Thais.

Thank you.