BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives has assured that the ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have not impacted the country’s agricultural exports. The government is actively preparing medium- and long-term plans should the situation persist.
Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with Deputy Ministers Mr. Itthi Sirilattayakorn and Mr. Akra Promphaeo, held a press conference addressing the impact of the border tension on Thailand’s agriculture sector. The Ministry has been tasked by the Prime Minister to closely monitor the situation and develop strategies to minimize any adverse effects on Thai farmers.
Latest data shows that goods exported from Thailand to Cambodia, or transiting Cambodia to Vietnam, are limited in volume and mostly non-agricultural products. Meanwhile, Cambodian imports to Thailand, such as cassava valued at approximately 7,000 to 9,000 million baht, face more significant disruption. This may potentially benefit domestic cassava prices as businesses turn to local produce.
The Ministry of Agriculture has coordinated with the Commerce Ministry to source cassava from alternative locations to supply industrial users dependent on this raw material. Major Thai agricultural exports like durian continue to be shipped primarily to China through Laos, bypassing Cambodia entirely.
Prof. Dr. Narumon added that during the recent Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister instructed all relevant agencies, including the Commerce Ministry, to accelerate support efforts and diversify markets for Thai products. Contingency plans are in place should tensions escalate, with a focus on encouraging the private sector to buy directly from Thai farmers instead of relying on imports.
In 2024, Thailand-Cambodia border trade totaled 174,530 million baht, with Thailand exporting 141,846 million baht worth of goods and importing 32,684 million baht. Thailand maintained a trade surplus of 109,162 million baht. Key exports include beverages, auto parts, and agricultural machinery, while imports mainly consist of cassava, scrap metal, and wire.
Within agriculture and related industries, Thailand exports refined sugar, UHT milk, mineral water, creamer, vermicelli, and noodles. Imports of cassava are primarily used for animal feed, starch production, and ethanol — vital components of Thailand’s industrial supply chain.
The Minister urged unity among Thai citizens and reassured farmers that the Ministry will closely monitor and protect their interests, ensuring minimal disruption from the border conflict. (TNA)
