Politics
MP Distributes Mae Chaem Pumpkins at Parliament Amid Price Crisis
Chiang Mai MP Norapon Tantimontri distributed four tons of pumpkins to parliament staff and the public to highlight the severe drop in market prices for farmers.
On September 10, 2026, Norapon Tantimontri, a Member of Parliament for Chiang Mai representing the Kla Tham Party, brought approximately four tons of pumpkins from Mae Chaem District to the Thai Parliament. According to Khaosod Online, the initiative was launched to assist local farmers struggling with a sharp decline in market prices, which have plummeted to 3 baht per kilogram.
MP Norapon explained that the current market price is insufficient to cover production and transportation costs, which average around 5 baht per kilogram. By distributing the produce directly to parliamentary staff and members of the public, the MP aimed to help alleviate the financial burden on farmers and assist in distributing surplus stock. The event drew crowds of citizens who gathered at the parliament building to receive the produce.
For residents and visitors, this event highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by agricultural communities in Northern Thailand, particularly regarding rising production costs such as fuel and fertilizer. While this distribution provides immediate relief for a small portion of the harvest, the long-term impact remains to be seen. MP Norapon has called upon the government to consider reviving price guarantee programs to support farmers through this period of high operational costs. Whether the government will implement new measures to stabilize agricultural prices remains to be confirmed.
