Phichit Cooperatives Report Rice Mill Owner for 650M Baht Bounced Checks
Five Phichit agricultural cooperatives have filed police reports against a single rice mill owner for bounced checks worth over 650 million baht owed for paddy rice purchases. The checks, due in late October, could not be honored due to insufficient funds. Police are now investigating while neighboring province mill operators have stepped in to buy directly from farmers at competitive cash prices.
Phichit agricultural cooperatives have filed police reports against five rice mills under a single owner for issuing bounced checks totaling over 650 million baht in payment for paddy rice. The mills had agreed to pay the cooperatives by October 27, but the checks presented to all five cooperatives bounced due to insufficient funds. On November 2, representatives from the five cooperatives filed complaints with investigators at Thap Khlo Police Station to pursue legal action against the mill owner. Jinda In-suk, manager of Wang Sai Phun Agricultural Cooperative, stated that all cooperatives in the province continue normal purchasing operations. Rice mill investors from nearby provinces have set up buying points offering 13,000-14,000 baht per ton with full cash payment, no credit system, and no outstanding debts, leaving farmers satisfied with the good prices and immediate payment. Pol. Lt. Col. Phimphan Muangsi, superintendent of Thap Khlo Police Station, confirmed the complaints have been received and investigators are gathering evidence and witnesses before summoning the suspect to hear charges.
