RATCHABURI, 4 February 2014 Rice growers gathered in Ratchaburi to protest the delay in payment of rice mortgage sealed off the Phetkasem Road section in the province on Monday, severely afflicting commute between the Southern and Central Regions.
The farmers, who reportedly came from Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan and Ratchaburi, blocked off both sides of the road. Those commuting to the South had to divert to another route via Phetchaburi, whereas those commuting to Bangkok had to use a road in Amphawa of Samut Songkhram instead. The Highway Police are putting up signs advising commuters about the detours.
According to the protesting farmers, they will block Phetkasem Road until they are paid.
In Phichit province, another group of rice growers sealed of Phitsanulok-Nakhon Sawan Road in Bung Na Rang (บึงนาราง) district on Monday.
