Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry is taking decisive steps to oversee the corn market during the harvest season by regulating imports to safeguard local farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, the ministry is closely monitoring the animal feed corn market during the peak production season, advising importers to defer most World Trade Organization (WTO) quotas until 2027. Inspections across eight provinces uncovered 11 businesses using illegal moisture measuring devices. Meanwhile, the Public Warehouse Organization's (PWO) planned import of 600,000 tons from neighboring countries has been canceled following the easing of the flooding situation in northern Thailand.
Mr. Witayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, emphasized that as domestic animal feed corn production enters the market, the department is vigilantly monitoring purchases and imports. They have requested importers to delay imports under the WTO quota of 572,405 tons, with 120,000 tons to be delivered by December 2026 and the remainder in 2027, aligning with domestic production to minimize impact on farmers.
In terms of purchasing practices, the Department of Internal Trade has dispatched officers to inspect eight provinces, including Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, and Lopburi. Inspections focused on weighing scales, moisture meters, and price displays, revealing illegal use of moisture meters in 11 cases, leading to legal action. Major animal feed factories continue to purchase corn as usual.
Mr. Witayakorn also addressed concerns over areas purchasing at prices below the announced threshold, clarifying that the announced price is a benchmark for Grade 2 corn, while some areas are buying based on Grade 3 quality. He has coordinated with local agricultural agencies to ensure transactions meet specified quality and price criteria.
The Department of Internal Trade is also examining reports of factories limiting daily purchase quantities, with officials checking stock levels and production. Should stock levels be low but factories refuse to purchase without justification, legal action will be considered. Farmers can report irregularities to the Department of Internal Trade hotline or their provincial commerce office.
In addressing production cost debates, the National Corn Policy and Management Committee (NCPMMC) has tasked the Office of Agricultural Economics to review cost data with relevant agencies to ensure accuracy and acceptance. Results are expected by August 31, 2026.
Regarding the PWO's import plan, it has been revoked. Lieutenant Commander Veerachai Kosasaeng noted that the guidelines were initially developed to mitigate flood risks in Nan Province, a major corn-producing area. However, with the flood situation subsiding and domestic production increasing, the import plan was deemed unnecessary.
The Agricultural Marketing Organization (AMO) has established guidelines for importing animal feed corn under the ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement, requiring imported corn to be stored in warehouses for at least three months, with usage needing AMO permission, allowing domestic corn to enter the system first.
Mr. Witayakorn underscored that corn management would be situation-based, considering farmer produce, factory demand, and system impact. Any agency proposals or additional measures should be submitted through the National Corn Policy Committee for evaluation, with the committee ready to consider urgent measures to balance interests among farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders.