Loei Sugarcane Farmers Urge Government to Release Promised Subsidies

According to a report by Khaosod Online, Sittiboon Ratchatasuwiroj, president of the Loei Plateau Sugarcane Farmers Association, has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Farmers across Thailand are reporting significant financial distress, stating that they have yet to receive government-promised subsidies for fresh sugarcane harvesting, despite seven months having passed since the policy was implemented. The farmers, who complied with government guidelines during the previous season, are now struggling with high production costs, including expensive fertilizer and fuel, alongside low market prices for their crops. With the new milling season approaching, many farmers report being in debt and lacking the necessary working capital to continue operations. They are urging the government to expedite the disbursement of these funds before the new season begins. For residents and those interested in the local agricultural economy, this situation highlights the ongoing financial pressures facing the rural sector. It remains to be confirmed when the government will address these payment delays or if specific measures will be introduced to mitigate the rising costs of agricultural inputs.