Bangkok: Farmers are urging the government to quickly finalize assistance measures, expressing concern that the main rice harvest will enter the market without any supporting measures. The president of the Thai Rice Farmers and Agriculturists Association is calling for expedited government action to support rice farmers in the upcoming 2026/2027 production season. This comes after two delays in the National Rice Policy Committee's production subcommittee meeting, with the main rice harvest season on the horizon. Concerns are mounting over the potential negative impact on prices and distribution due to a lack of a definitive plan to manage the increased rice production.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pramote Charoensilp, President of the Thai Rice Farmers and Agriculturists Association and a member of the National Rice Policy and Management Subcommittee on Production, noted the absence of a formal meeting since the subcommittee's appointment on June 11, 2026. The meeting aimed at considering measures to assist rice farmers has been postponed twice, raising concerns among farmers facing rising production costs while rice prices remain between 4,500-6,500 baht per ton.

Mr. Pramote emphasized the need for clarity from the government on the support for rice farmers in the 2026/2027 season. He called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, led by Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, to promptly convene the subcommittee on rice production. He suggested that this should be done independently of discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthamphan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapha.

For the over 230,000 rice farmers from the 2025/2026 crop year awaiting the 1,000 baht per rai assistance payment, Mr. Pramote mentioned a proposal to include this issue on the Cabinet meeting agenda within September. As the rice harvest season nears, he urged the government to show clarity and sincerity in supporting farmers, warning against using them as political tools. The inconclusive support measures could escalate concerns about rice prices and the distribution of excess supply when the main rice crop enters the market simultaneously.