Rice Department Clarifies Misinformation Regarding EV Tractor Costs
The Director-General of the Rice Department has refuted claims that a single electric tractor costs 16 million baht, clarifying that the figure likely stems from a misunderstanding of total project budget allocations.
The Director-General of the Rice Department has officially addressed recent public speculation regarding the cost of electric tractors (EV tractors) under a government pilot project. Reports circulating on social media suggested that individual units were priced at 16 million baht, a figure the department has categorically denied.
According to Matichon Online, the Director-General explained that the 16 million baht figure likely resulted from a miscalculation where the total budget for the entire pilot project was incorrectly divided by the number of units. The department emphasized that the project is currently in the preliminary study phase, and specific costs per unit have not been finalized or released in such a manner.
For residents and those interested in Thailand’s agricultural technology sector, this clarification serves as a reminder to verify information regarding government spending and project costs. While the initiative aims to modernize farming through electric machinery, the financial details remain under review. It is important to note that the project is still in its early stages, and further official announcements are expected as the study progresses. The department has urged the public to rely on official communications to avoid confusion regarding the allocation of state funds.
