Thai Government Approves 120 Million Baht Plan to Stabilize Maize Prices

According to Khaosod Online, the Thai government has approved a 120.30 million baht budget to implement four measures aimed at stabilizing animal feed maize prices for the 2026/27 season. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Peritwatthana stated that the initiative seeks to prevent price drops during the peak harvest period when large volumes of produce enter the market simultaneously.

The funding is divided into 71.50 million baht from the Farmers' Assistance Fund and 48.80 million baht allocated for credit programs via the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). A key component includes a 20 million baht interest subsidy program, offering a 3% annual interest rate reduction to maize traders and animal feed manufacturers. This is intended to provide liquidity for purchasing and storing up to 200,000 tons of maize for 60 to 120 days.

For residents and travelers, this policy is primarily an agricultural economic measure designed to support rural livelihoods and maintain supply chain stability. While it aims to prevent market volatility, the long-term impact on consumer food prices remains to be seen. Further details regarding the implementation timeline and the specific distribution of the remaining budget components are expected to be clarified by the National Maize Policy and Management Committee as the harvest season progresses.