BANGKOK, June 24 – Farmers from 26 rice-producing provinces filed a complaint with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today, seeking a review of the government’s decision to reduce its pledging price of paddy by Bt3,000 per tonne.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Varathep Rattanakorn promised to deliver their proposal to the premier and gave his assurance that the government would listen to farmers’ opinions as well as eliminate corruption in running the rice subsidy programme.
Farmers from the Central and Lower Northern provinces said the government should retain the pledging price of paddy at Bt15,000 per tonne.
The government has announced a reducedo Bt12,000 per tonne, effective as of June 30.
“If it is impossible for the government to act in farmers’ favour, the pledging price of Bt15,000/tonne should be extended until the end of the current season in late October,” said the farmers. “About 60 per cent of rice has yet to be harvested.”
Mr Varathep said the government was not concerned with farmers’ planned demonstrations tomorrow.
The commerce and finance ministries are finding measures to assist farmers and it should be clear in the next few days, he said.
