BANGKOK, 11 September 2013 Three sub-committees have been set up to solve the low rubber prices after the network of rubber farmers from 18 southern provinces accepted the government’s subsidy offer.
The Prime Minister’s Office has issued a statement saying that Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok has set up three sub-committees to oversee rubber plantation-related crimes, the ownership issues of rubber plantations and the public relations aspect of the subsidy measures.
Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture minister Yukol Limlaemthong, deputy secretary-general of the prime minister’s political affairs office Pol Maj Gen Tawat Boonfueng and Minister of the Prime Ministers Office Warathep Rattanakorn are slated to head the panels.
The office elaborated that currently government representatives are negotiating with other groups of rubber planters, in addition to the network of rubber farmers from 18 southern provinces, in a bid to reach satisfactory conclusions for both parties. The government is also considering appointing two representatives from farmers’ networks to join the Natural Rubber Policy board as the move will assure that the farmers’ needs are heeded.
The statement added that the government does not intend to take part in price intervention in the rubber market as doing so will drive down rubber prices; besides, the promised subsidy of 2,520 baht per rai, with a limit of 25 rai per farmer, is a sufficient assistance measure.
