Bangkok: The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has approved a financial aid package to support rice farmers affected by declining global rice prices. The decision to pay "1,000 baht per rai" for both dry and wet season rice crops was confirmed during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, which was part of the National Rice Policy Committee's agenda, focused on providing assistance to farmers grappling with low rice prices, a proposal initially brought forward by the Ministry of Commerce. The approved project targets off-season rice farmers, offering a subsidy of 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 10 rai per household, benefiting approximately 850,000 registered farmers. This initiative demands an estimated budget of 7.2 billion baht.
The plan also outlines that in the following year, the government will cease support for rice varieties that lack market demand, urging farmers to limit cultivation in unsuitable areas. This marks the final assistance round for off-season rice. For the 2025/26 production season, similar measures will apply, potentially benefiting around 4.7 million farmer households with a budget exceeding 30 billion baht, pending Cabinet approval.
Mr. Pichai emphasized that the subsidy serves as a temporary relief measure, with long-term strategies involving production restructuring, enhancing yields, promoting organic rice, and pursuing joint marketing ventures internationally. This comprehensive plan aims to minimize reliance on subsidies and ensure farmer stability. The financial aid will be facilitated by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), ensuring direct and efficient transfer to farmers' accounts.
In parallel, efforts to assist those affected by incidents on the Thai-Cambodian border are underway. A survey across four provinces identified 256 affected houses, with varying degrees of damage. Assistance, supported by multiple sources including disaster relief budgets and local organizations, is being provided, with some repairs already completed. Local military units are actively supporting these relief efforts.