Deputy PM Supachee Fires Back at Senator Sereni Over 'Unconstructive' Remarks on Palm Oil Stock Verification
Deputy PM Supachee defended the government's palm oil policies against Senator Sereni's criticism, denying export restrictions while acknowledging market-driven price declines and promising increased farmer representation on policy committe
On April 27, 2569, during a Senate session presided over by Deputy Senate President General Kriengsak Sriraksa, Senator Sereni Anilobol raised urgent questions to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphan regarding declining crude palm oil prices and export controls that have burdened farmers.
Supachee clarified that the government has no policy restricting exports. As of April 23, there were 140,000 tonnes of export requests, all of which were approved. The export ceiling stands at 200,000 tonnes, though approvals require consideration by relevant agencies, such as allocations for energy production. She noted that crude palm oil prices fluctuate based on market mechanisms, currently in a declining trend, with Malaysian prices at 37.48 baht per kilogram compared to domestic prices of 38 baht per kilogram.
Supachee explained that when export prices are lower than domestic prices, exporters naturally lack incentive to sell abroad. She emphasized the Commerce Ministry's holistic approach and confirmed there is no export ban policy, only an export licensing requirement.
Sereni further questioned whether officials were accurately verifying palm oil stock figures and suggested clear policies on B30, B40, and B50 biodiesel blends similar to Indonesia's approach. He also requested increased farmer representation on the National Palm Oil Policy Committee (KNOP) rather than solely private sector representation.
Supachee responded that she would consider all suggestions and conduct field visits. Regarding Sereni's 'sitting idle' comment, she asked for mutual respect, noting that such language was unconstructive for efficient work. On the biodiesel blending question, she explained that gradual adjustment is necessary while assessing system capacity and balancing impacts on affected parties with energy promotion policies. She agreed to include farmer representatives on KNOP, recognizing farmers as the primary beneficiaries.
Reporters noted that after Supachee's remarks, Senator Sereni requested to withdraw the phrase 'sitting idle' and replace it with 'help present accurate and complete information.'
