agriculture
- Phuket News
Phuket’s fertile future: Urban agriculture sprouts to secure sustenance and resilience
The bustling tourist hub of Phuket in Thailand is witnessing a significant shift towards urban agriculture. The Phuket Provincial Agriculture Office embarked on a mission to reinforce food security and boost community resilience amid times of crisis. The call to action was delivered at a gathering graced by Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat. Phuket Agriculture Chief Charatsri Khamphirasingh underscored the urgent…
- Chiang Mai News
Thai prime minister tours royal projects to boost agriculture sector
The Prime Minister of Thailand embarked on a tour of royal initiative projects in Chiang Mai on Saturday. PM Srettha Thavisin’s visit forms part of a broader government strategy to boost the nation’s agricultural sector and strengthen farming communities. Accompanying the prime minister were high-ranking state officials and leaders from the private sector. The entourage comprised Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Thai…
- Thailand News
Grim reality of Thai agricultural worker’s life in South Korea revealed
Working as an agricultural labourer in South Korea may not be as pleasant as one might think, according to a Thai worker’s review posted online today. The worker, Abhisit began his job in South Korea on June 29, 2023, after passing the Department of Labour’s E-9 agricultural visa exam. Abhisit worked in a mixed vegetable farm, primarily cultivating high-value crops…
- Business News
Rice rivalry: India’s export ban grains optimism for Thai prices
The ongoing ban on white rice exports in India is bolstering the optimism of local shippers that Thai rice prices will remain relatively high during the first half of this year. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, expressed that global market prices are likely to stay around US$600 per tonne, a rate not seen in…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Pathom: Special Forces seize 69 tonnes of illegal pork
The Special Forces unit of Phraya Nakhon Ratchasima seized 69 tonnes of illegal pork yesterday, January 5, and more than half of the transportation permits were found to be counterfeit. Thanadol Suwannarath, the deputy commander of the unit, disclosed that the raid took place in a cold storage facility in Nakhon Pathom province following a tip-off. The Ministry of Agriculture…
- Thailand News
Despite conflict, Thai labourers eye Israel’s farmlands for higher wages
The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, hasn’t deterred Thai labourers from seeking employment in Israel’s farmlands. Their decision to remain or return to work in Israel is primarily driven by the substantial financial benefits they can accrue. Satid Prom-u-narot, 37 years old, highlighted the stark disparity in wages between the two countries. “On average, I…
- Thailand News
Thailand and China unveil game-changing cargo link
Thailand and China have launched a direct cargo rail link, whisking farm-fresh delights straight from Nong Khai to the bustling metropolis of Chongqing via Laos. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, a key player in this historic venture, flagged off the inaugural Thai train loaded with the jewel of Thai agriculture – dried longan. This marks the commencement of the…
- Thailand News
Rice and shine: Thai government dishes out financial aid to farmers through BAAC
The Thai government initiated a financial aid programme for rice farmers, channelling through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Rice farmers will receive 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 20 rai (32,000 squared metres) per household, or a maximum of 20,000 baht per household. This scheme, part of the Rice Farmer Management and Quality Improvement project for the…
- Business News
Crop déjà vu: Critics dub gov’s agri-reform a rerun of past plans
The government’s current measures to reform the nation’s agricultural sector, particularly rice farming, are largely seen as reiterations of former strategies, declared industry commentators. They suggest that any budget-based support should come with certain stipulations. Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics lecturer, after evaluating these measures, observes that the central policy appears to be a three-year debt suspension for farmers, with…
- Thailand News
Uthai Thani resident scoops 60 million baht in BAAC Gold Bag lottery
A lucky resident of Ban Khok, Uthai Thani, became the latest millionaire after winning the first prize in the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Gold Bag lottery. The winner walked away with a staggering 60 million baht in the first draw of the lottery. The BAAC Thailand Facebook page announced the news yesterday. The post congratulated the new red-label…
- Business News
BAAC organises Japan trip to boost Thai farmers’ global market competitiveness
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), led by its president, Chatchai Sirilai, has organised an overseas business study trip to Fukuoka, Japan, from October 20 to October 24. The initiative aimed to aid small-scale Thai farmers and farming businesses by enhancing their business efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. The trip provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange…
- Thailand News
Farmers’ ally: Captain Thamanat vows to sow out smuggling of agricultural goods
Captain Thamanat Prompow, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, yesterday announced a crackdown against the smuggling of agricultural products into Thailand. The illicit activity, Thamanat points out, has led to a decrease in the price of locally produced goods, negatively affecting the livelihood of local farmers. The widespread agricultural smuggling of frozen pig carcasses, in particular, has been detrimental to…
- Thailand News
El Nino triggers drought risk for 16.5 million rai of Thai agricultural land
Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Apai Sutthisang, expressed concern over the impending dry season, particularly as the effects of El Nino are predicted to intensify in November. The Royal Irrigation…
- Technology News
Easyrice transforms Thai rice industry with AI-powered inspection solutions
Emerging from academic research projects, Easyrice Digital Technology Co Ltd has grown into a cutting-edge tech startup focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) within the agricultural sector, specifically tailored towards bettering the rice industry in Thailand. Easyrice provides AI-powered solutions designed to simplify and enhance the systems of rice quality inspections and data management, offering faster, more precise processes. As a…
- Business News
Economic disparity in Thailand widens, agricultural sector hit hardest
The age-old struggle with economic disparity continues to cast a shadow on Thailand’s society as inequality widens, particularly in the agricultural sector, which sees roughly 6% to 8% of its populace remaining below the poverty line. According to a recent study by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), this disparity has been fuelled by multiple factors, including the move…
- Business News
Thailand boosts oversight of agriculture imports to tackle smuggling
The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. The Internal Trade Department’s deputy director-general, Chakra Yodmani, noted that his agency has instituted measures to control the flow of 10 different crops, including paddy and milled rice, government stockpiled rice, fresh…
- Business News
CPF targets 7-8% revenue growth, eyes Philippines animal feed sector
The leading food and agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) anticipates a 7 to 8% increase in total revenue to 610 to 620 billion baht this year, primarily due to contributions from its international business, with a focus on the growing animal feed sector in the Philippines. CPF’s chief executive, Prasit Boonduangprasert, stated that the company has been investing in pork,…
- Business News
Saha Group urges Thai govt to prioritise agriculture over wage hikes
The Saha Group, a prominent consumer product conglomerate in Thailand, advised the new Thai government to prioritise the promotion of the agricultural sector instead of significantly raising the daily minimum wage. The group’s chairman, Boonsithi Chokwatana, believes this approach would contribute to sustainable economic growth. Boonsithi also suggested that the government should concentrate on enhancing the economy through educational initiatives…
- Business News
Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming and economy
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has announced its plan to launch a pioneering project in Thailand that will provide large drones to communities and offer training in drone maintenance to encourage smart farming development. The initiative, titled “One Drone, One Community,” is backed by the Digital Economy Fund and aims to create an economic impact exceeding 800 million baht…
- World News
Spanish agriculture’s future threatened by potential water cuts
Spanish farmers, like Juan Francisco Abellaneda, provide European supermarkets with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. However, these intensive farms in arid Southeastern Spain may soon face a water crisis, threatening the sector that supplies essential produce across the continent. Spain tops the European Union list in fruit and vegetable production. Almost half of these exports come from farmers…
- Thailand News
50 elephants ‘addicted to sugarcane’ destroy 2000 rai of crops in Thailand
A herd of around 50 wild elephants has migrated into farmland in Loei province in northeast Thailand, destroying 2000 rai of crops so far. There is no sign of them retreating into the forest. Recently, around 50 elephants migrated into agricultural land in the Phra Kradueng district from the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. No wonder the elephants moved away from…
- South Thailand News
Unique durian in South Thailand gets geographical indication status
Unique durians from one South Thailand province have been given geographical indication (GI) status. A new addition to the exclusive club GI products, Durian Sadet Nam Yala, received official recognition from the Intellectual Property Department of Thailand. This move is expected to boost sales and increase income for local durian growers in the southern border province of Yala. Deputy Commerce…
- Thailand News
Water buffalo gores farmer to death in northeast Thailand
A female water buffalo in heat gored a farmer to death in Nakhon Nayok province in northeast Thailand yesterday. Officers at Ban Na Police Station were informed that a buffalo chased and killed a man at Village No. 7 in Ban Phrao subdistrict. Police and rescue workers from the Sawang Ariya Foundation travelled to the scene to investigate. Police found…
- Thailand News
Thai farmer makes 1 million baht per month selling buffalo semen
A farmer in Kalasin province in northeast Thailand makes 1 million baht every month by selling semen from one special water buffalo named “Big Billion.” Water buffalo (“kwai” in Thai language) breeders all around the kingdom pay high prices for the semen of Big Billion, a ‘textbook’ Thai water buffalo worth 30 million baht. Breeders use Big Billion’s seed to…
- Thailand News
Man in northeast Thailand pays 3.9 million baht dowry… for a buffalo
The owner of a “high so” farm in Korat, northeast Thailand, gave a “dowry” of 3.9 million baht – in cash – for a 22 month old male buffalo named Chaoboonterm from Khon Kaen province. The man said he wants to breed the buffalo, which he said is a “textbook” Thai beauty. Supachai Winitphon, aka “Sia Noi” is the owner…
- Cannabis News
Farmers feed cannabis to chickens in northern Thailand
Chickens at a farm in Lampang, northern Thailand, are in a “good mood” after the antibiotics in their chicken feed were replaced with cannabis. Not only are the chickens showing higher immunity against disease, but they also have a lower body fat percentage than usual, making for a delicious Khao Man Gai – or chicken rice – according to one…
- Thailand News
Thailand cold spell kills 200 chickens in Chaiyaphum
A poultry farm in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum reported that over 200 chickens died after the temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius earlier this week. The Department of Livestock Development reported that sudden changes in weather patterns are affecting the animal husbandry sector in Thailand. Chickens can tolerate cold temperatures below freezing, but sudden changes in temperature can affect…
- Thailand News
Move Forward MP accuses government of hiding spread of African Swine Fever
A Move Forward MP accused the government of covering up the spread of African Swine Fever in a parliamentary debate yesterday. The MP, Padipat Suntiphada, said ASF spread across the country in 2020 as a direct result of the government covering it up when it first hit in 2019. When the disease was first discovered, 300,000 pigs died either from…
- South Thailand News
Thai authorities crack down on pork hoarders in the midst of pork shortage crisis
In the midst of Thailand’s pork shortage crisis, suspected of being driven by an outbreak of the African Swine Fever, Thai livestock authorities discovered over 200 tonnes of unverified pork in a refrigerated warehouse in Chana, a district of southern province Songkhla, yesterday. The authorities believe the pork has been stored there since November. They are now inspecting the warehouse…
- Bangkok News
Thailand to impose three-month ban on live pig exports in order to boost domestic supplies
Thailand said that it would impose a three-month ban on live pig exports in order to boost domestic supplies yesterday. The decision was made after authorities foresaw a lack of pigs for domestic consumption in 2022, as well as more price increases, especially with the upcoming Lunar New Year festival, according to Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit. He added that the…
