Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has initiated the declaration of "rubber control zones" in two provinces as part of measures to monitor rubber transport, both domestically and across borders, to prevent illegal rubber shipments. This follows the discovery of over 300,000 tons of rubber smuggling annually. Authorities are being urged to issue permits and conduct inspections, believing that effective control will significantly boost domestic rubber prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao revealed that inspections showed smuggling of 300,000-500,000 tons of rubber into the country annually through natural channels and customs checkpoints, which lack strict control measures. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has recently taken steps by declaring rubber control zones under the Rubber Transport Control Act in five provinces: Chiang Rai, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Ranong.
This initiative will be piloted in the first two provinces, requiring all types of rubber transporters to apply for a permit each time, with a fee of 25 baht per request. Officials will inspect the source, quality, and quantity of rubber at both the origin and destination to determine whether the rubber is domestic or transit rubber.
For rubber transported across borders and permitted by customs, the transit time limit is 72 hours. Beyond this time limit, it is considered illegal. This measure is intended to prevent the systematic smuggling of illegal rubber into the domestic market.
Lt. Col. Thammanat added that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will closely monitor the results of this measure and coordinate other measures in tandem, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the four ministries to promote domestic rubber consumption and expand into international markets. This is expected to significantly boost domestic rubber prices.
Meanwhile, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has implemented the "Rubber Tree Title Deed" project to register rubber plantations nationwide. This will enable clear monitoring of production volumes, rubber stocks, and domestic rubber consumption, allowing for efficient management of rubber stocks.
Lt. Col. Thammanat also addressed the potential for some large operators in the rubber industry to suppress domestic rubber prices. He stated that there are reports of approximately three major companies that consume significant amounts of rubber. He has ordered relevant agencies to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives regulations and market mechanisms. He emphasized that any threats or intimidation of government officials while they are performing their duties will be strictly enforced by law.