Minister Suriya Clarifies Misunderstanding Regarding Rice Harvester Procurement

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has officially addressed recent public confusion regarding agricultural equipment procurement. According to a report by Matichon Online on October 16, 2026, the Minister issued an apology for a communication error that led to speculation about a government initiative to acquire rice harvesters at a cost of 16 million baht per unit.

Minister Suriya clarified that no such project exists. The statement was intended to put an end to rumors that had circulated regarding the potential misuse of public funds for high-cost agricultural machinery. For residents and those following Thai economic policy, this clarification serves to correct the record on government spending priorities.

While the Minister has explicitly denied the existence of this specific procurement plan, the incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding government budget allocations in the agricultural sector. As of now, no further details regarding the origin of the misinformation have been provided. Observers should continue to monitor official government announcements for accurate information regarding agricultural subsidies or equipment support programs. This clarification is final regarding the specific 16-million-baht harvester claim, but stakeholders remain attentive to how the government intends to support farmers in the upcoming harvest season.