NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Sept 23 –About 80,000 rubber farmers in this southern province have officially applied for financial assistance from the government and the first group of planters will be granted the aid tomorrow.
Somnuek Hemmanee, agricultural official in Nakhon Si Thammarat, said 31,761 more farmers would have to submit their applications for the government-approved aid of Bt2,520 per rai (0.4 acre) of rubber plantation. The allocation is limited to 25 rai (10 acres) per household.
Growers are entitled to spend the money on fertiliser or other expenses for their rubber farming.
Mr Somnuek said money would be directly transferred into the farmers’ bank accounts.
However, a group of rubber and oil palm growers continued their demonstration at Kuan Nong Hong intersection on Highway No 41 of Cha-uat district in Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday.
Nakhon Si Thammarat deputy governor Thitawattana Chavalit met with officials to discuss measures to maintain public order and help motorists avoid the intersection which was sealed off by the protesters.
