Sa Kaeo Border Sugarcane Farms Face Multifaceted Crisis, Demand Government Intervention

On February 21, 2069, Montri Khumphon, President of the Eastern Border Farmers Association and Chairman of the Thai Sugarcane Growers Institute, revealed that this year represents the most severe crisis for sugarcane farmers. Multiple challenges are converging, including labor issues, border conflicts, and uncertain government formation that could potentially devastate the entire sugarcane farming system. Border sugarcane farms in Sa Kaeo were heavily damaged by Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks, with numerous unexploded ordnance remaining in the area. Farmers are unable to harvest, leaving crops to die in the fields. Additionally, the uncertain government formation process, pending election result confirmation, has created policy ambiguities that directly impact sugarcane farmers. If Sa Kaeo sugarcane farms collapse, nearby sugar mills in Prachinburi and Chonburi will also be affected. Current state compensation from the sugar and cane fund covers only up to 30 rai per farmer at 1,950 baht per rai, which is insufficient given the extensive damage. Farmers suggest using central budget funds at approximately 12,000 baht per rai. Sa Kaeo has only delivered 40% of sugarcane to mills, primarily due to labor shortages. If no solution is found, farmers are considering a major protest by late March to demand government and agricultural ministry assistance before the industry potentially disappears.