17 Jan, 2011
Bangkok Post
Given the new conflict with Cambodia over the seven detained Thai nationals, it's hard to expect the Abhisit government to seriously address key problems at home.
In parliament, the conduct of our elected politicians is very disappointing. While ordinary people are struggling to make ends meet, the MPs squabble over constitutional amendments that will serve their own interests.
The rise of China and the continued economic pains in the US and the EU have attracted little attention from the politicians. This is sad, because the well-being of the country and its people depend on how we cope with the global economic landscape.
In my opinion, the government must devote its full energy to strengthening the agricultural, tourism and service sectors to stay competitive in the global arena.
China and several other countries have grown richer during the past decade or so. With a lot of money, they can afford to import more quality goods from around the world.
China alone can be a huge market for quality farm produce from Thailand. Our rubber farmers can also benefit from the booming car industry in China, which has seen rising car sales in recent years.
I urge all politicians to present clear-cut agricultural reform policies to the electorate in the next general election. Voters themselves must demand that election candidates put agriculture at the top of their priority list.
We have had enough of populist policies designed to win votes from grassroots people. It's time to make Thailand a real kitchen of the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment