Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a central budget of 1,622.60 million baht to compensate 923 fishing boats that have left the system. Additionally, a budget of 200 million baht has been approved for the purchase of dry ice for royal rainmaking, aimed at addressing drought and PM 2.5 dust issues. The government has directed relevant agencies to closely monitor agricultural product prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra announced that the Cabinet meeting approved the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' proposal to remove fishing boats from the system to ensure sustainable management of marine fishery resources. The central budget for 2025 will be allocated to compensate the fishing boats, allowing the remaining commercial fisheries to operate year-round.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Agriculture Cooperatives' proposal to allocate 200 million baht for procuring a set of rainmaking equipment, including dry ice, for fiscal year 2025. This equipment will be installed at four Royal Rainmaking Operation Centers in Tak, Phitsanulok, Buriram, and Khon Kaen provinces to enhance rainmaking operations for drought prevention and to alleviate fine dust particle issues.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding agricultural product prices, affirming that the government is committed to monitoring and addressing these issues. Recent increases in the price of shallots and other crops have been noted, and the government is ready to respond to any declines in product prices. The Prime Minister assured the public that the government, with the support of MPs, will actively manage agricultural product prices and related issues, including those concerning middlemen.