By Aim Sinpeng |
<p>The 2011 floods that ravaged one-quarter of Thailand have not, surprisingly, adversely affected overall rice production. That should be good news for the government. Since rice has become one of the most politicized commodities, keeping rice farmers happy has also become a policy priority. But the Yingluck administration is facing a rough road ahead with its flagship rice mortgage scheme, partially because of the programme’s popularity but also because it is not likely to be sustainable given short-term market conditions.</p>