Issue 3: Quality of Life of the Rural People
When people see evidence that there is an inequality in the standard of living between groups in a society, it usually results in tensions and resentment. The economics of farming causes inequities. People in Thailand do not pay high prices for their food when compared to other countries in the world. In developed countries such as countries in Europe, people will pay more if they buy their food directly from the farmer. This is not the same in Thailand. Shopping for food at a local market is quite inexpensive for Thai people.
Some Thai agricultural products bring high prices from international markets. Market prices for trade products change according to the rules of supply and demand. One issue for Thai farmers is that sometimes the middle men or overseas brokers get a greater share of the profits than the people who produce the products.