OPEN HOUSE
Krirk-krai: farmers' high subsidy policy not bode well in long term
Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet criticised the high farmers' subsidy that the previous government provided to the farmers, saying that the high subsidy would discourage farmers from improving their productivity, a burden to the state.
Speaking at the Open House with Economic Ministers today he said, "Farmers should live with dignity..We cannot play politics on him. Not spoil them year by year and year after year."
He said that the system is needed to be able to take care of itself. To reduce the subsidy, "It's not an easy decision... We have to bite the bullet".
He outlined seven points that he would like to achieve; drive export growth, ensure farmers' living standard that they would live in dignity and sustainable; consumer welfare protection through development of trade law, capacity bu8ilding for enterprises, educational improvement, free and fair trade, Asean integration and structural adjustment.
Krirk-krai also envisioned his view on international trade, we'll pursue the best way for Thailand to move on is to have a safe staging of our liberalisation and globalisation.
He said Asean is our destiny - shared interest as part of ASEAN. We'll do our utmost to see that our integration materialise in good time. We aim at 0-5% tariff cut in 16 years.
Concerning whether the interim government would make any decision on the FTA, Kriak-krai said that if any free trade talks prove to be of mutual benefits we should not wait.
Nonetheless, he said that the interim government would try to encourage the political participation in the process. The government would nonetheless create the adjustment programme.
He said that he saw Thailand as a trading nation. 65 per cent of Thailand's GDP is export. Thai export and import accounts for more than 130 per cent of GDP, something the current government would strive to maintain. He said that he would like to see Thailand become a service industry, now Thailand has more 12 sectors and 100 sub sectors.
He also answered a question from the floor about the change of foreign business law in Thailand. He said the government is going to review and look at the technicality. Let me assure you.. (the new law) would be much more transparent so I hear your concern, I noted your point, and we tried to rectify that.
Jeerawat Na Thalang and Ki Nan Tsui
The Nation
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