BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai farmers may be forced to suspend the upcoming rice planting season as surging fuel and fertilizer prices squeeze profit margins, the head of a major agricultural association warned on Friday.
Pramote Charoensilp, President of the Thai Rice Farmers Association, noted that diesel prices have reached 47.74 baht per liter and are expected to hit 50 baht shortly. The price hike has caused fuel shortages in some areas, particularly in Uthai Thani, delaying the off-season harvest and risking crop damage.
Farmers are facing a “scissors crisis” where production costs—including urea fertilizer at 1,200 baht per sack—far outweigh paddy prices of 5,000–6,000 baht per ton.
“Rising costs and falling net income may force some farmers to stop cultivation, worsening their debt burden and cost of living,” Pramote said, calling for government intervention in energy and input prices.
In response, Agriculture Permanent Secretary Winarot Sapsongsuk has finalized 13 measures to mitigate the impact of Middle East tensions on agricultural costs. The proposal, which includes measures to reduce input costs through efficient fertilizer use and long-term structural reforms, will be submitted to the cabinet for urgent approval. (TNA)
