Ayutthaya: "Pichai" welcomes the farmer mob, stresses that the government is expediting assistance to the fullest extent, proposing measures to the National Economic and Social Development Board this Wednesday.
According to Thai News Agency, Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, met with a group of farmers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province who rallied to demand assistance for rice prices. He confirmed that the government is prioritizing the challenges faced by farmers and is urgently seeking comprehensive support measures.
Mr. Pichai stated that the Prime Minister is attentive to the situation, assigning the Ministry of Commerce to address the rice price issue. Previously, the government did not extend assistance for second-crop rice, but now it is preparing to enhance support. The government will back rice prices for farmers by increasing financial aid by 1,000 baht per ton. Additionally, farmers storing rice in their own granaries will receive an extra 1,500 baht per ton. The Ministry of Commerce is set to present this proposal to the National Rice Policy and Administration Committee (NRAC) on Wednesday for consideration of official assistance measures.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, highlighted that this marks the first instance of providing tangible aid for dry-season rice. Rice with a moisture content of 15% will secure a guaranteed price of 8,500 baht per ton, along with a 1,000 baht deposit fee, amounting to 9,500 baht per ton. Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce plans to establish additional purchasing points, offering a market-leading price of 300 baht, reducing the burden on farmers. Interest compensation measures will be introduced to stimulate increased rice purchases, aiming to elevate the price of dry rice to 9,500 baht per ton as requested by farmers. For farmers who have already harvested and are worried about compensation, the Ministry of Commerce is exploring verification methods and budget proposals to the Ministry of Finance, ensuring a thorough and transparent process for efficient use of the national budget.
Reporters noted that on Wednesday, February 26, the National Rice Policy and Administration Committee (NRAC), chaired by Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will convene. The National Rice Policy and Administration Subcommittee on Marketing is gearing up to propose measures for assisting second-crop rice prices in 2025.