Finance Minister Pichai Seeks Input on Rice Harvest Support Proposal.

Bangkok: "Pichai," Finance Minister, has expressed his intention to gather opinions from the National Economic and Social Development Board regarding a proposal to support farmers with rice harvesting costs of 500 baht per rai, limited to a maximum of 20 rai per family. This initiative aims to relieve financial pressure on farmers during the harvest season. According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira discussed the proposal before chairing a meeting of the National Rice Policy and Administration Committee (NRAC). The Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Narumon Pinyosinwat, has put forward the proposal for government support to assist farmers with their rice harvesting expenses. Mr. Pichai emphasized the importance of seeking input from the meeting before making any decisions, indicating his openness to various perspectives from stakeholders. He highlighted that he could not make unilateral decisions and that collective input was essential for the policy's development. Regarding the nomination of the chairman of the Bank of Thailand board, Mr. Pichai mentioned that he has yet to receive a report on the progress. The selection process, which was delayed after a resolution on November 11, 2024, is expected to progress during the upcoming holidays.