Bangkok: "Suriya" is in discussions with private sector partners to expedite the finalization of the quantity of urea fertilizer needed to be purchased from Russia. It is expected that the fertilizer will arrive in Thailand within three months after the signing of the agreement.

According to Thai News Agency, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is urgently discussing with private companies to finalize the required amount of urea fertilizer before sending a letter to the Russian authorities. He affirmed that they will not buy it even if the price is high. Suriya spoke about his visit to the Russian Federation to discuss urea fertilizer purchase negotiations. After discovering insufficient urea fertilizer supplies in Thailand, he consulted with the Russian Ambassador to Thailand before traveling to discuss the matter with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.

Since Russia is a major fertilizer producer with a policy of not exporting urea, negotiations were necessary. The negotiations were positive, resulting in the allocation of a urea fertilizer quota for Thailand, initially requesting 1-2 million tons. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the private sector are assessing the required quantity. Suriya emphasized the need to expedite the preparation of details to submit a letter to the Russian authorities specifying the quantity of urea fertilizer required.

Regarding the import timeframe, Suriya stated that the fertilizer would arrive in Thailand within three months of signing the agreement. He also mentioned that discussions would be held with the two major Russian producers regarding the price of urea fertilizer. If the price is too high, they will not purchase it, as a fair price must be found. However, the shortage and price must be considered.