A sad state of affairs

Unfortunately, I am not surprised by this news, and I suspect that few others are surprised either; when the poor lose their representation, it follows that they lose their influence as well
The truly sad news is that the trend is likely to continue until there is a government that focuses on the poor, and that is likely some way into the future. Sad times. 
SamuiBodoh
This figure represent less than 10 per cent of the population; almost every Thai person owns a smartphone, a motorcycle or and a piece of gold ornament. Most Thais now days will scoff at a minimum wage day’s work. A young female guard with no formal education gets over Bt10,000 a month at our condo; Thai people get fat and drink a lot, and travel overseas frequently. However, there’s a serious issue with the elderly and the disabled who have to do with peanuts for a living. Something clearly has to be done there.
ezzra
Most people, especially foreigners who live in Thailand, have never been to the provinces and seen the real poverty.
Thongkorn
So those below the poverty line increased by 20 per cent. Under Thaksin, the numbers decreased by 50 per cent. Tells you all you need to know.
NCFC
It’s not often I congratulate the junta, but I feel I must. Well done; your policies are bringing the results you aimed for.
BigBadGeordie
Nearly 6 million people below the poverty line but how many Myanmar people work on construction sites in Bangkok?
I know Thai people that pay about Bt12,000 a month, plus food, plus decent free live-in accommodation for their Lao gardeners. They go through all the hassle and expense of getting them a work permit because there are no Thai people willing to do the job. I do think a significant percentage of those people in poverty could find work if they chose to.
blackcab