Bangkok: The launch of the "Thai Help Thai" initiative witnessed the transportation of nearly 3,000 kilograms of durian and mangosteen to be sold to parliament officials, as part of a move to support Thai farmers amidst Cambodia's recent ban on Thai fruits.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Mongkol Surassajja, President of the Senate, along with Senators such as Ms. Kesakamol Pliansamai and Mr. Wuttichai Kalyanamitra, participated in the activity aimed at assisting farmers affected by the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border. Cambodia's announcement to halt the purchase of Thai fruits has posed challenges, prompting actions like today's sale, which included 600 kilograms of Nam-rae durian from Buriram Province at 120 baht per kilogram, and 2,300 kilograms of mangosteens at 175 baht per 5 kilograms. The event garnered significant attention from government officials, staff, and MPs, including Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai, spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai Party. This marks the second time the activity has been held.
Mr. Mongkol explained that the current glut of fruits in the market is due to an exceptionally good agricultural yield this year, compounded by the border situation. By cutting off middlemen, agricultural products are delivered directly to producers and consumers, allowing farmers to sell at higher prices than what middlemen offer. Despite Cambodia's ban on Thai agricultural products, the sale at the Senate was successful, and it is anticipated that similar activities will be organized by other ministries and agencies, especially provincial Chambers of Commerce, to aid farmers. Mr. Mongkol expressed confidence that the price of Thai fruits will improve as a result.
In an interview, Mr. Mongkol highlighted that the group of senators comprises professionals who understand the agricultural production cycle and market oversupply issues. The "Thai Help Thai" activity is designed to prevent farmers from incurring losses due to low product prices. The initiative ensures that farmers can sell their products at favorable prices while producers purchase them at lower costs, addressing the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.
When reporters inquired about the political implications of the Bhumjaithai Party's announcement regarding a general no-confidence motion under Article 151 of the Constitution, Mr. Mongkol declined to comment, signaling his intent to focus on the fruit initiative. He also refrained from answering questions about the Constitutional Court's rescheduling of the consideration of a petition involving 36 senators, emphasizing that he preferred to discuss the matter of supporting farmers first.