In a seminar titled "How to Eradicate Poverty: Views from the Grassroots" organised by Chulalongkorn University's economics faculty, representatives from grassroots organisations concurred that the populist policies of Thaksin Shinawatra have benefited them, even if temporarily. But they could not agree on how these policies will affect them in the future.

Boonyuen Siritham of the Consumers Network of Samut Songkhram minced no words when she declared that the Bt30 healthcare scheme is not what the government claims.

"It does not allow patients to receive all cures for all diseases," she said.

The universal health policy is the product of a 15-year effort by grassroots organisations striving to come up with workable health plans for all Thais, particularly those living in rural areas. "So, it is not an original idea of Thaksin," Boonyuen said.

She admitted that with the village fund, some villagers have money to spend as new capital to expand their farming and to do other things.

"But without good management and intelligence, they end up with more debts and being used by politicians," she said.

Boonyuen said it is sad that the village fund teaches lots of people that they can just spend money because the government will come to rescue them anyway.

"These people become lazy and stop being self-reliant, which eventually leads them to more debts," she said.

Her comments were challenged by a representative of the Caravan of the Poor, Chad Srivipha from Buri Ram. She said all of Thaksin's populist policies work excellently in Buri Ram.

"With Bt30, you can get the best eye doctors and the best drugs as well," she said, challenging those who face difficulties elsewhere to visit Buri Ram, which is the stronghold of Newin Chidchob, a ranking Thai Rak Thai member and a close lieutenant of Thaksin.

Other leaders were more practical, assessing the populist policies and offering solutions to eradicate poverty in rural areas.

They concluded that they want more capital and rights to manage resources in their areas, as well as a better understanding of market mechanisms, in order to increase the value of their agricultural products.

Veeraphol Sopha, from the People's Organisations Network of Thailand, said farmers are becoming less independent as they are victimised by free-trade agreements (FTAs).

"Every time there is a [new] FTA, the agricultural sector will be sacrificed," he said.

Veeraphol said new laws do not help farmers because they impede farmers' traditional ways of life. He suggested, for instance, that in the future Thai farmers will no longer be able to do their own rice planting with their own choice of seed. "The government will want us to buy rice seeds from a private company," he said.

Somkiart Phonphai of the Assembly of the Poor said the best way to cope with poverty is to increase the knowledge of poor people so they know how to use and manage their resources.

"They know their areas better than anyone else," he said. "Let them decide what they want to do with their lives." 

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation