Bangkok: Prasertpong Sornnuwat, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party, has announced a search for Pichai Naripthaphan, the Minister of Commerce, following his failure to address the declining palm oil prices affecting farmers. During a press conference, Prasertpong highlighted the minister’s apparent inaction, questioning whether Pichai was unwell or preoccupied with other matters. He urged Pichai to resign if he could not manage the situation.

According to Thai News Agency, Prasertpong criticized Pichai for his inability to command the civil servants at the Ministry of Commerce or coordinate with the Ministry of Industry, which oversees machinery at palm oil mills in the South. The situation has left palm oil farmers suffering financially, with unsold produce and long truck lines causing significant losses. Prasertpong likened the problem-solving efforts to “rowing a boat in a basin,” indicating inefficiency and a lack of progress.

Prasertpong also mentioned that despite the Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade attending a meeting in Surat Thani Province, the issue remained unresolved upon his return to Bangkok. This ongoing problem affects both Thai consumers and planters, with consumers paying high prices for bottled palm oil while planters sell at low prices. Prasertpong urged immediate action and suggested that Pichai meet with palm planters to address the issues more effectively.

He further expressed frustration, stating that orchard owners had asked him to criticize Pichai harshly. Prasertpong questioned Pichai’s health and whereabouts, suggesting that if Pichai were unable to perform his duties due to health reasons, someone else should take over. He noted that Pichai had been absent from parliament sessions.

Reporters noted that after the press conference, Prasertpong displayed a photo of Pichai, questioning whether the minister was suffering and reiterating his call for resignation if he could not address the crisis.