BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has approved a 2 billion baht fund to help farmers cope with agricultural market volatility and potential El Nino-related impacts in 2027, covering measures from production and marketing to price stabilization. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the Committee on Policy and Measures for Farmers Assistance approved the framework for using the Farmers Assistance Fund and setting agricultural target prices for fiscal 2027.
She said the government needs to prepare early for climate volatility expected from late this year through 2027, particularly the risk of El Nino, which could affect agricultural output. The measures will cover production, crop management, marketing and price stabilization so authorities can respond quickly when problems emerge.
The committee approved a total budget of 2 billion baht for six measures under the 2027 fiscal-year framework. The programs will cover both marketing measures to stabilize and improve agricultural prices and production measures to improve production structures and product quality.
The assistance will cover a wide range of agricultural products, including field crops, oil crops, fruit, root crops, livestock, fisheries, sea salt, flowers and ornamental plants, as well as production inputs and other products requiring urgent assistance.
Suphajee instructed relevant agencies to work proactively, coordinate assistance quickly and closely monitor the implementation of each program to ensure the measures produce tangible results for farmers. She said assistance should directly address farmers’ problems and needs rather than simply respond after difficulties have already emerged.
The committee also instructed its secretariat to coordinate with relevant agencies to review and adjust agricultural target prices to ensure they remain appropriate. The target prices will be used as reference points for monitoring agricultural markets and considering marketing assistance for farmers. Officials have been asked to take into account production conditions, market trends, production costs and prevailing prices when reviewing the figures so that government measures reflect actual market conditions.
Suphajee said the 2027 framework represents a proactive approach to supporting farmers, going beyond short-term intervention by strengthening the agricultural sector from production through marketing. The government also aims to encourage greater value creation for agricultural products and help farmers achieve more stable and sustainable incomes in the long term.
