Thailand Proposes 7.08 Billion Baht Subsidy to Promote Fresh Sugarcane Harvesting

The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) has announced plans to request 7.081 billion baht in central government funding to support farmers during the 2025/2026 production season. According to OCSB Secretary-General Bainoi Suwannachatri, the initiative aims to provide a subsidy of 69 baht per ton for fresh sugarcane harvesting. Additionally, officials are discussing a potential supplementary payment of 51 baht per ton, with details regarding funding sources and implementation to be reviewed by the Cane and Sugar Board.

This policy is part of a broader effort to curb air pollution caused by sugarcane burning. Following a successful reduction of burnt sugarcane to 3.8% in the previous season, the OCSB is now considering stricter regulations for the upcoming harvest, including lowering the maximum allowable percentage of burnt sugarcane accepted by sugar mills.

For residents and travelers, these measures are significant as they directly impact air quality during the harvest season, which often contributes to seasonal haze. While the subsidy plan is currently being prepared for government submission, the final approval of the budget and the specific mechanisms for the additional 51 baht per ton payment remain to be confirmed by the Cane and Sugar Board.