Government to buy 40 per cent more rice from farmers

Thailand’s ruling government is facing tough times. Now, in an attempt to please rural voters the government has agreed to buy 40 per cent more rice from farmers this year. The plan says that the government will buy 3.5m tonnes of unprocessed paddy rice from farmers at a guaranteed price, up from an original planned 2.5m tonne.

The decision to help prop up rice prices was made as parliament appointed Prasopsuk Boondet, a former judge and now the speaker of the Senate, to mediate between the government and protesters occupying the Government House in Bangkok.

The protestors have threatened to occupy Government House until Samak resigns. In addition to Samak’s removal, the PAD also wants an overhaul of the political system – with the creation of a mainly appointed parliament – so as to reduce the power of the rural electorate.