Bangkok: Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has convened a meeting with the Rubber Control Committee to address the pressing issue of declining rubber prices. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation among the private sector and Thai farmers to tackle the price slump, establish a rubber control zone to curb illegal rubber activities, and ensure the sustainability of rubber exports.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat provided insights following the Rubber Control Committee meeting, held under the Rubber Control Act of 1999. The meeting reviewed the current rubber market situation and assessed the impact of US tariffs on Thailand’s rubber industry. As the world’s leading rubber producer and exporter, Thailand exported 3.96 million tons of rubber in 2024, with STR rubber exports reaching 1.76 million tons. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), is closely monitoring these tariffs to devise strategies that miti
gate adverse effects on farmers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon emphasized that the meeting served as a platform for government entities, the private sector, and farmers to exchange insights and align on strategies to address the rubber crisis. The discussion underscored Thailand’s status as a top global rubber producer and exporter, highlighting the crucial role of rubber farmers. The Ministry is committed to studying and refining operational guidelines to shield farmers from the repercussions of US tariffs, ensuring that neither consumers nor industry stakeholders bear the brunt, especially not the Thai farmers.
The meeting approved a draft announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives on establishing a rubber transport control zone in five provinces: Mae Sot District, Tak Province; Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province; Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province; Kra Buri District, Ranong Province; and Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province. This measure aims t
o stabilize rubber prices and prevent rubber smuggling. Additionally, the meeting approved a draft announcement on defining rubber standards and export packaging methods to clarify export standards for future reference.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fairness in setting appropriate rubber prices, acting as a mediator between the private sector and farmers. The meeting facilitated mutual understanding among all parties, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative efforts to address market dynamics and pricing. Future discussions with private sector stakeholders are planned to further refine strategies.
Concluding the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon assured rubber farmers of the Ministry’s unwavering support in protecting their interests. She emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to address their concerns and ensure equitable solutions to the challenges facing the rubber industry.