Is being on Forbes' rich list unnecessary pressure?

The government said this would start first in seven provinces, on a voluntary basis. After the announcement, only PTT issued a public statement saying that it would ensure that all subcontractors' workers in the seven provinces earn at least Bt300 a day, while it would seek measures to help fuel station operators pay the minimum rate to their crew.

On one hand, the government has totally failed in its first bid to improve the income of the poor, as the policy is not being implemented nationwide and is not made mandatory. Who will guarantee that workers in the provinces will get as much as the government recommends? No wonder that a poll on Friday showed public dissent for this move.

On the other hand, it is a good start, as companies are waiting for concrete measures from the government to boost productivity in return for paying higher wages. Everybody knows that there is no free lunch. Workers also need to upgrade themselves, while the government needs to do more if it is serious about its promise.

It's just a matter of time for wages to be raised to catch up with the soaring cost of living. It was astonishing to learn that the price of fresh meat in August increased over 20 per cent on year. A kilogram of pork could cost Bt150. Even with the new wage, an unskilled worker cannot afford the price given that they have to pay for accommodation, transportation and food and clothing for their families.

It's heartening to learn that Thais living under the poverty line have declined sharply from 12.5 per cent of the total population in 1998 to 9.6 per cent in 2006. But the fact that millions are still living on less than Bt1,000 a month is sad.

Well, while the poor lack enough money to buy food and other essentials, what are the rich doing with their wealth?

Aloke Lohia, CEO of Indorama Ventures, who appeared in the sixth slot of Forbes' 2011 Thailand Rich List, was once a big fan of golf. He loved the lessons learnt on the links - once you see the line, don't hesitate or the ball would deviate from it. But now, even with a reported fortune of US$2.1 billion, he rarely finds time to enjoy the sport.

Nearly half of his time is spent overseas, while the other half is at his office.

No wonder, when asked about the list, he said with a big laugh, "It's unnecessary pressure. I don't have that much money to spend".

What about Thailand's richest man, Dhanin Chearavanont with $7.4 billion? He works 16 hours a day, with little spare time to go out to famous restaurants. But with his great appetite for great food, a five-star restaurant now occupies a place in the CP Building. But how much time can he afford to spend lingering over his favourite dishes?

What about No 2 Chaleo Yoovidhya with $5 billion from Red Bull and No 3 Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi with $4.8 billion from Chang Beer and liquor? They are rarely seen in public. Nobody knows if they sip their own products at home in their ample free time.

What would you do if you had as much money as them? Would you find it a pressure or a pleasure?