Bangkok: In a proactive move to address the surplus of Thai agricultural products in the market, Mongkol Surassajja, President of the Senate, has launched an initiative named "Long Senab" to purchase and distribute fruits. This effort comes in response to Cambodia's recent ban on Thai agricultural imports, which Mr. Mongkol dismisses as merely affecting local markets rather than significant ones.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate organized an activity under the banner 'Thais Help Thais, Join Hands to Protect National Interests.' Mr. Mongkol highlighted that favorable weather conditions have resulted in an abundant harvest of fruits like golden mangoes, mangosteens, longans, and durians, leading to a decrease in their market prices. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border, prompting Cambodia to suspend imports from Thailand, which poses a potential threat to Thai farmers.
Mr. Mongkol emphasized the Senate's commitment to assisting farmers by ensuring fair distribution of their produce. The parliament, with its 5,000-strong personnel, serves as a viable marketplace. Recently, 1,000 kilograms of mangosteens, 300 kilograms of Nam Dok Mai mangoes, and 100 kilograms of durians were sold within the parliament area, with plans to expand if the initiative receives positive feedback.
In addition, Mr. Mongkol revealed plans for the Senate to collaborate with the Friendship Group and coordinate with various embassies to promote Thai fruits as international souvenirs. This initiative aims to enhance the global recognition of Thai agricultural products using the networking capabilities of the Friendship Group of Foreign Parliamentarians.
Mr. Mongkol further stated, 'The Senate is ready to be a mediator and utilize the large area of the parliament to support the farmers' agricultural products. This is our duty during this crisis. We invite the media and the public to support Thai agricultural products and stand by our farmers. We will continue such activities monthly, hosted by the Senate Committee on Social Development and Human Security. The Senate comprises members from all professions, including farmers.'
Addressing concerns about the impact of the Cambodian import ban, Mr. Mongkol explained that if certain markets are closed, the products can be sold at the parliament. He expressed confidence that the local market would not be significantly affected, as Cambodia also produces agricultural products and the primary export focus is not on Cambodia but on other markets.