Bangkok:Starting today, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is accelerating the distribution of financial support to rice farmers, with an allocation of 1,000 baht per rai (approximately 0.16 hectares).
According to Thai News Agency, the BAAC is implementing the Cabinet's resolution to expand the assistance budget for rice farmers through the "1,000 Baht per Rai" initiative by over 1.5 billion baht. This effort includes transferring funds to 135,978 households, totaling 835.43 million baht, with the aim of swiftly reaching farmers, reducing their living costs, and enhancing the liquidity of rice farming households.
Mr. Chatchai Sirilai, Manager of the BAAC, announced that under the direction of Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the BAAC Board of Directors has been tasked with fast-tracking the fund transfers to rice farmers at a rate of 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 10,000 baht per household. This funding is part of the additional resources for the 2025/2026 production year. Today marked the commencement of transfers to eligible farmers' accounts, benefiting 135,978 households with a total of 835.43 million baht to ease expenses and boost liquidity.
Following the Cabinet and BAAC Board of Directors' approval, an additional 1,545.98 million baht has been allocated for the 2025/26 rice farming support project to promote area-specific cultivation. This funding will assist 233,729 farming households yet to receive payments, including 120,206 from the original target group and an additional 113,523 newly certified as eligible.
The BAAC leverages its existing infrastructure to collaborate with relevant agencies, expedite eligibility verification, and maintain a steady flow of funds to farmers' accounts, minimizing delays during a critical period of harvesting and production expenses. The government provides financial aid to registered rice growers through this initiative, with BAAC facilitating direct account transfers.
The Cabinet's approval for BAAC to operate within the budget framework underscores the government's dedication to supporting farmers and ensuring effective assistance. Today, funds reaching 135,978 eligible farmer households total 835.43 million baht, with additional transfers for those pending slated to begin November 12, 2026. The project, with a total budget of 38,564.58 million baht, aims to support approximately 4.74 million rice-growing households over 38.56 million rai.