NAN, Thailand – Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungreangkit has instructed the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) to expedite damage assessments and provide assistance to rubber growers in Nan as soon as conditions permit. RAOT Board Member and Acting Governor Veeris Ammarapala stated that preliminary reports show about 3,500 rubber growers and 35,000 rai of plantations have been affected. Nan has 16,146 growers registered with RAOT, covering 170,810.33 rai. Officials have reported extensive damage in multiple districts, including Mueang Nan, Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Wiang Sa, Santisuk, and Phu Phiang.
The acting governor confirmed that RAOT has approved essential relief supplies for affected farming households. The agency will also consider welfare assistance of up to 3,000 baht per eligible registered grower if a plantation is unusable or more than 20 rubber trees per plot are damaged. Growers may apply once the disaster situation has ended. After discussions with RAOT Board Chairman Benjapol Nakprasert, Veeris implemented three urgent measures. Officials must assess plantation damage and compile information on affected growers to provide assistance in accordance with regulations.
RAOT must also monitor other high-risk areas, including Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit, closely follow weather forecasts, and promptly issue warnings to rubber growers. Regional offices are required to report damage and impacts daily through the electronic document system.
RAOT expressed condolences to the families of flood victims and affirmed its commitment to continue monitoring conditions and providing assistance to affected rubber-farming communities as quickly as possible. (NNT)
