Good morning,

The cabinet has created a plan to try to secure food security for the foreseeable future. There are increasing concerns worldwide that the amount of food available is becoming insufficient, owing to increased demand and reduced supply with land being redirected towards biodiesel and other products. Already food prices (especially rice and cereals) are reaching record levels and riots are breaking out, with deaths (15 in Egypt at least) to secure food. The Thai cabinet has set aside 10 billion baht (around US$317 million) to restructure ‘crop allocation zones’ across the nation within two years. These zones will not be permitted to be reallocated to biodiesel, housing, golf courses or any other use – owners will receive some compensation. It remains to be seen, as ever, to what extent the rule of law will ensure that compliance with the scheme takes place. There are some unfortunate precedents.

Speaking of which, PM Samak Sundaravej has criticized the World Bank and United Nations for pointing out the problems caused by land diversion and blamed oil exporters instead. Generally, it was put about that Khun Samak was something of a puppet for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and there still seems to be plenty of ill-informed media commentary to that effect. Khun Samak waited a long time to become Prime Minister and he is not about to listen to other people (having rarely done so in the past, it would appear) or to shuffle quietly off the political scene.

In another example of his independent thinking, it is reported that Khun Samak has been canvassing in support of Khun Duang Yubamrung being restored to his place in the armed services. Khun Duang is the son of scarcely less controversial Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung. Duang was dismissed for desertion in 2002 after fleeing to Malaysia following a nightclub incident in which he, it was alleged, shot dead a police officer. He subsequently surrendered to the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and was found not guilty of any crime. Nevertheless, the move has sparked criticism from various sources, as may be imagined.

Back tomorrow.