Commerce Minister Hails Rising Farm Prices, Sets Biofuel Talks
Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthamaphanthu said Thai farm prices are rising across rice, rubber, palm oil and cassava thanks to coordinated supply-chain work with the Agriculture Ministry. She announced talks next week with the Energy and Industry Ministries and auto associations to advance E20 and B20 biofuel adoption, and confirmed emergency supply chains are ready to maintain 72 hours of essential goods during disasters.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthamaphanthu expressed satisfaction that prices for key Thai agricultural products are rising across the board, crediting coordinated work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The Agriculture Ministry has managed quality control, sorting, logistics and market expansion, lifting prices for major crops. Rice prices are high and expected to hold through the current harvest, though the ministry must balance the entire supply chain — farmers, traders, consumers and export markets — so all benefit. Rubber prices hit a 10-year high on strong exports of rubber products, with the United States as a major buyer alongside China and other nations. Palm oil, cassava and maize prices have also risen on excise tax cuts supporting biodiesel and gasohol production, and the ministry aims to boost yields per rai and monitor moisture standards.
Supachai stressed that sustainable farm prices require managing the entire system from farm to market, not just the endpoint, and depend on continued cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry.
Asked whether E20 and B20 fuels are driving price gains, Supachai said early effects are visible and the Commerce Ministry will convene the Energy Ministry, Industry Ministry and automotive and motorcycle associations next week to discuss using sugarcane for ethanol in E20 and coordinating with energy officials and oil refiners on B20 readiness. The goal is to inform farmers of purchase prices and volumes so they can plan long term, in line with government biofuel policy. The automotive associations will also address public concerns about which vehicles can use the fuels and how to transition to greater biofuel use.
On emergency preparedness, Supachai said the Commerce Ministry will prevent shortages, citing recent floods where provincial commerce offices worked on the front lines with the Interior Ministry and DDPM. At the national level, the ministry monitors supply chains of retailers, wholesalers and distribution centers to ensure adequate stock, extra transport rounds and staffing for affected areas. She also noted oversight of production, such as inspecting automotive plants, to ensure confidence and address any issues.
