Fishermen, isaan farmers voice anger

Fishermen in the South yesterday threatened to resume their protests after accusing the government of making an empty pledge to subsidise the cost of diesel for their industry.

"Fishermen were tricked into calling off the protests and now the agencies concerned refuse to implement the promise to sell diesel at a discounted price," said Si Chon Fishing Association chairman Sutham Witchutraipob.

Sutham said the Thai Fishing Association, an umbrella group for the industry, would convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to decide the next move to force the government to honour its pledge.

In a separate development, the Isaan People's Assembly held a rally at Nakhon Ratchasima.

Protest organiser Chuchart Chonsawat said farmers from 19 northeastern provinces had four demands to solve the plight of the farming sector: the government should lower the prices of all grades of petrol and diesel by Bt5 per litre; cap prices of all essential goods; make all officials do their job in an honest and straightforward manner; and intervene within five days to solve the people's grievances.

The farmers threatened to hold a mass protest if their demands were not met within the five-day deadline.