PHETCHABURI, May 27 — Thai rice growers are happily receiving money for their pledged rice on the second day of the payment procedures ordered by the coup council, and farmer representatives thanked it for taking good care of the farmers.
Rawee Rungruang, chair of the Thai Farmers Network and a farmers’ network in Phetchaburi province, together with representatives of farmers in eight districts of Phetchaburi ,met Maj Gen Sompong Sai-ngam, commander of the 15th Military Circle, to present a bouquet and extend their gratitude to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Mr Rawee said that rice growers formed a substantial part of the Thai population and the NCPO managed to solve their problems right away. He also asked the NCPO to pass laws to offer equal support to Thai rice growers compared to assistance for people of other occupations.
Meanwhile, about 200 rice growers in Nam Phong district of Khon Kaen showed up at the 3rd Cavalry Division at the Prem Tinsulanonda Camp to express gratitude to the NCPO and extend their moral support for the council in restoring national peace.
In Ang Thong province, rice growers actively queued up to receive money for their long-pledged rice.
A farmer said he was very happy to receive payment because he could repay hid fertilizer and pesticide debts and spend the remaining sum on the next round of rice cultivation right away.
In Sakon Nakhon province, rice growers arrived at local branches of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to inquire about money transfers. The local branches already received money from Bangkok and the payment is expected to begin there on Thursday.
