BANGKOK, Thailand – The administration is rolling out new economic and social measures targeting farmers and drug rehabilitation efforts to address cost pressures and public health challenges.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has been assigned to implement a “Co-Payment Interest Loan” program valued at 30 billion baht. The program allows small-scale farmers to borrow up to 100,000 baht each, with the government covering 3 percent of the interest rate, reducing the borrower’s rate to 3 percent annually over a 12-month term.
The loans aim to support the purchase of fertilizers and other inputs, subject to participants completing training on cost management and agricultural practices. Borrowers must use approved seeds and purchase inputs through designated channels, with repayments handled through BAAC accounts under set conditions.
Separately, the government is preparing plans for district-level drug rehabilitation centers in the southern border provinces, with budget allocation under consideration for the fiscal year 2027. The plan follows field visits and discussions with local agencies, where concerns were raised about rising drug use, involving the use of methamphetamine among young people. Authorities are currently working on a model that integrates families, community institutions, and local agencies to support treatment and reduce relapse rates. (NNT)
