Bangkok: The Sugarcane Authority of Thailand (SAT) has projected a significant increase in sugarcane crushing for the 2025/26 season, expecting over 93 million tons to be processed. This initiative is part of SAT’s effort to reduce PM2.5 dust emissions by implementing the “Burn less, open first” strategy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bai Noi Suwanchatri, Secretary-General of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), announced the decisions from the OCSB meeting held on November 18, 2025. The meeting, led by Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, approved the opening dates for sugarcane crushing across 58 factories nationwide. These factories are grouped based on the percentage of burnt cane processed in the previous season: Group 1 will start crushing on December 1, 2025, Group 2 on December 6, 2025, Group 3 on December 8, 2025, and Group 4 on January 11, 2026. The estimated 93 million tons marks a 1.9% increase from the previous year, attributed to improved rainfall patterns.
Mr. Sittirong Rengngueb, Deputy Secretary-General of the OCSB, highlighted the board’s approval of the final sugarcane price and production returns for the 2024/25 season. The national average price was set at 1,152.62 baht per ton for cane at a sweetness level of 10 CCS, slightly lower than the initial price of 1,160 baht. The price adjustment is calculated at 69.16 baht per CCS unit, with production and sales returns at 493.89 baht per ton. For the 2025/26 season, the initial price is projected to be around 990 baht per ton.
Additionally, the Cabinet meeting on November 18, 2025, resolved to extend the assistance measure for farmers harvesting high-quality fresh sugarcane. Originally set to end in September 2025, the measure will now continue until December 2025, allowing approximately 5,000 farmers to benefit. This extension aims to reduce PM 2.5 emissions and stimulate economic activity. Payments are expected to commence in November 2025, pending approval from the ONESQA board and subsequent Cabinet endorsement. The ONESQA is working to expedite the publication in the Royal Gazette and will seek cooperation from sugar mills to facilitate initial payments to farmers, supporting their cultivation efforts.