Every time it appears that the militarist/old-money elitist government is about to do something positive in rural policy-making, reality sets in. It is now obvious that the agrarian majority cannot have its interests served by other than representative government. The deposed elected TRT/PPP governments led with rural reform policies (directed by Thaksin/Somkid economics) that provided farmers with fair prices for agricultural commodities, Tambon-centered economic development, access to health care, and other socialist programs are long gone.
The article linked in the previous post - "No turning back on land reform" (Sanitsuda Ekachai) - was, as I thought then, overly optimistic. It is not in the interests of the elite to promote farmer ownership of lands that are now being exploited by fat-cats. And it will remain thus as long as majority interests have no voice in government.
"Death toll rising in land reform quagmire" -
www.bangkokpost.com/news/investigation/3...land-reform-quagmire - a surprisingly candid report, given the source.