Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed an assessment of the 1,000-baht-per-rai rice farming program, confirming that funds reached 4.5 million farming households, reducing costs while boosting yields and strengthening Thailand's rice production.

Minister Suriya explained that the Agriculture Ministry prioritizes supporting rice farmers by ensuring they have adequate working capital, reduced expenses, and efficient production management. The government implemented the program to help farmers cover management and quality improvement costs during the 2567/68 production year, providing up to 1,000 baht per rai, not exceeding 10 rai per household or 10,000 baht total per household.

The evaluation found that 4.515 million farming households—99.98 percent of the target—received support totaling 36.72 billion baht across 36.71 million rai. The program enabled farmers to purchase essential inputs including fertilizer, pesticides, soil preparation materials, and seeds, improving cultivation practices. Production costs fell by an average of 463 baht per rai (12.22 percent), while rice yields increased by an average of 79.29 kilograms per rai (16.85 percent) and production value rose by 1,898.50 baht per rai (38.46 percent).

Overall economic benefits reached approximately 57.47 billion baht—1.57 times the program's investment—though results may have been influenced by other factors such as weather, market prices, and individual farm management. Minister Suriya emphasized that the assessment demonstrates the government's subsidy effectively improved farmer liquidity and production management, and the ministry will use these findings to develop more targeted measures for reducing costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing rice quality.

Peeraphun Kotthong, secretary-general of the Agricultural Economics Office (OAE) and deputy spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry, noted that the OAE and Rice Department evaluated the program by surveying 16,717 sample farming households registered for the 2567/68 season. Results showed that 58.09 percent of farmers reported the program helped increase rice production, expressing the highest satisfaction levels and confirming the program effectively addressed farmer needs and reduced production burden costs.

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Sutthum Setthapisit, chairman of Trang Chamber of Commerce, revealed that despite the government rolling out the Thai Help Plus program to stimulate consumer spending, results after approximately one month show the initiative is underperforming expectations and generating less spending activity than the earlier Khanode Khrang program.

Under Thai Help Plus, the government covers 60 percent of expenses while citizens contribute 40 percent. The government provides 1,000 baht monthly assistance, with citizens required to add roughly 600 baht via a mobile application for total monthly spending of around 1,600 baht.

Key factors limiting the program's economic impact include continuously rising consumer goods prices. Although fuel prices have begun declining, transportation costs and most product prices remain elevated while citizen incomes have not increased proportionally with living expenses, reducing purchasing power. Additionally, some residents lack sufficient funds to add money to the application to fully utilize their allowance within the designated timeframe. This situation reflects a weakened economy and consumer purchasing power that remains in recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt announced on July 6, 2569 the outcomes of a Civil Service Commission (CSC) meeting. He instructed the CSC to study early retirement options for civil servants to take effect in fiscal year 2570, demonstrating the government's commitment to this initiative.

Regarding recent reports of civil service exam fraud, Nilprapunt noted that while such cases may not directly involve the CSC office, they have created a broadly negative perception severely damaging public confidence in the civil service system. He called on the CSC to work proactively with civil service associations and organizations to rebuild trust and preserve the dignity of the civil service.

The meeting approved five anti-fraud civil service exam measures for submission to the cabinet:

1. Blacklisting and disqualification: Fraudsters will be permanently barred from entering the civil service, with their passing certificates revoked and immediate dismissal if already employed.

2. Maximum disciplinary penalty: Dismissal for serious misconduct, with suspension ordered immediately upon investigation.

3. Central fraud database: A centralized blacklist compiled from all personnel management organizations nationwide to screen applicants.

4. Certificate revocation authority: The CSC secretary-general can revoke passing certificates in all cases except exam fraud, which requires CSC consideration.

5. Three-phase action plan (coordinated with anti-corruption agencies): Short-term (1 year) enforcement of prohibitive standards and penalties; medium-term (3 years) conversion to 100% electronic exams and activation of the fraud database; long-term (5 years) enactment of specific criminal laws with severe penalties and enabling salary and benefit recovery from fraudsters.

The meeting also approved guidelines for appointing permanent secretaries, amended civil service disciplinary procedures including electronic witness testimony provisions, and directed the CSC to present these measures to the cabinet for further consideration.

On July 6, Air Force Commander General Prabhas Saundjai, director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center (JIC), responded to criticism that soldiers deployed along the border lack adequate bunkers and protective shelters, which has reportedly affected troop morale and raised safety concerns. The military acknowledged public concern for frontline troops and stated that all commanders prioritize soldier safety, welfare, and morale above all else.

General Prabhas said the preparation of protective structures, defensive measures, and strengthening of operational bases are being conducted continuously based on urgency and terrain conditions, with ongoing situation assessments and improvements to personnel, equipment, and base defense systems. "Commanders are not complacent—troop safety is paramount," he stated.

The JIC director said frontline forces continue performing their duties with strength, discipline, and commitment to protecting national sovereignty, while commanders are actively visiting the field, listening to problems, and urgently providing necessary support. General Prabhas noted that details regarding bunker placement, protective measures, and area security are classified as operational information that the military must withhold to avoid compromising national security and soldier safety. The military requested public cooperation in refraining from sharing tactical information that could impact field operations.

The military thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to fully caring for troops so they can effectively and safely fulfill their mission to protect the nation's sovereignty.

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