Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan is rallying the masses for a protest next month, set to clash head-on with a suite of government initiatives that have rattled many in Thailand. At the heart of the uproar are proposals to raise the ceiling on foreign ownership in condominiums to a staggering 75% and the introduction of 99-year land leases for foreigners. Jatuporn argues these moves will unfairly benefit only the country’s elite, leaving ordinary citizens in the lurch.
In an impassioned Facebook post on Monday, Jatuporn implored the public to stop being “political victims” and stand up against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policies. He accused the government of cloaking a secret agenda specifically designed to line the pockets of a select few, amassing funds potentially aimed at next election’s campaign war chest.
“The prime minister was a real estate developer,” Jatuporn reminded his followers. “If his plans are steamrolled without any resistance, Thailand stands to lose its sovereignty. Condominiums in Thailand could be virtually handed over to foreign ownership—75% through legal channels and the remaining 25% through nominees,” he warned.
Jatuporn also highlighted that extending land lease terms from 30 years to a whopping 99 years could facilitate the establishment of quasi-colonies right in the heart of Thailand. According to him, the proposed foreign condominium ownership scheme alone is valued at a colossal 4 trillion baht.
And that’s not all. Jatuporn painted a broader picture, bringing other government projects into the spotlight, emphasizing their astronomical investment requirements. We’re talking trillions of baht here, from the digital wallet scheme and the southern Land Bridge megaproject to ambitious plans for a casino complex development.
Particularly contentious is the digital wallet scheme, poised to gift a one-time 10,000-baht cash bonus to eligible citizens. Jatuporn claims the disparity between the budget request for this initiative and the actual expenditure could balloon to a mind-boggling 400 billion baht.
Backing Jatuporn’s stand, Thai Sang Thai Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has vociferously criticized the proposed changes to condominium ownership and land leases. She asserts that the government should be focusing on more pressing issues affecting Thai citizens.
“People are losing their homes,” Khunying Sudarat pointed out, stressing the urgency of the situation. “This is an urgent matter that the government must address immediately.”
With heightened emotions and a burgeoning sense of urgency, it seems the upcoming protest could serve as a critical juncture in the ongoing debate about Thailand’s future direction. As the clock ticks down to the protest day, all eyes will be on how the government responds to these allegations and if the public will rally behind Jatuporn’s call to action.
Jatuporn has a point. We can’t just hand over our country to the highest bidders.
But foreign investment is crucial for our economy. How else do we move forward?
True, but at what cost? Losing our sovereignty isn’t worth it.
Foreigners already have too much control. Strengthening our internal policies should be the focus.
Exactly. More should be done to protect local interests.
75% ownership is exorbitant. It will create economic disparity!
Maybe, but local landlords aren’t any better. They’re hiking rents too!
Any change is going to cause friction. But this seems overdue if we want foreign investment.
Can’t we reach a middle ground? Maybe cap it at 50%?
Good for Jatuporn for standing up to Thavisin. It’s about time someone did.
You might say that, but this could stall much-needed development.
Pavan has a point. If no one questions the government, who will champion the common people?
99-year land leases? That’s basically selling out our land!
It’s strategic long-term planning. Immediate solutions don’t always last.
Strategic for whom? Certainly not the average Thai citizen!
The digital wallet scheme sounds good, but can we trust the government to execute it without corruption?
Past projects were riddled with issues. This skepticism isn’t unfounded.
Corruption is always a risk. That doesn’t mean we should halt progress.
True, but stricter oversight is essential. Let’s not be naive about this.
Sudarat is right. Homelessness is rising, yet the government is busy with grandiose projects.
Homelessness isn’t just a local issue; it’s global. Solutions are complex.
Acknowledging the problem is a start. But local government can make a difference.
Why is no one talking about the environmental impact of these massive projects?
Right? Greenwashing these initiatives doesn’t make them sustainable!
Because the economy always takes precedence over ecology, sadly.
Is Jatuporn even relevant anymore? His time was years ago.
His relevance isn’t the question. His arguments against these policies are.
Valid arguments or just seeking attention? That’s what we should consider.
This is such a complex issue. Both sides have valid points, and we need a balanced approach.
Exactly. Extreme measures rarely benefit anyone in the long run.
Perhaps a phased approach could work, allowing adjustments as needed.
Jatuporn’s fear-mongering isn’t helpful. We need facts, not sensationalism.
I applaud Jatuporn for his courage. Taking on the government is no small feat.
Foreign investment in real estate makes housing unaffordable for the locals.
It’s not just real estate. Look at all sectors. Prices are moving beyond reach!
True, the pattern is worrying and needs addressing.
4 trillion baht is a massive figure. Can the government even manage that?
It’s a clever move by the government to secure funds for the next election.
Can someone explain why Thavisin’s real estate background is relevant?
Because it points to a potential conflict of interest, don’t you think?
Fair point. But isn’t some expertise in the area beneficial?