Sugar Board Digitizes Services, Forecasts Cane Price Near 1,000 Baht
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The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) is advancing digital government services, launching a project to develop an online licensing and certification system for sugar products linked through the National Single Window (NSW). The new platform replaces paper-based, multi-agency processes with a single online portal supporting registration, license applications, and status tracking via Single Submission/Single Form, integrated with government databases including business and citizen records through the Ministry of Industry's i-Industry and Thai ID verification. The upgrade also includes the latest ebMS software for secure trade data exchange, electronic documents, digital signatures, and a central API connecting with Customs and other agencies via Thai NSW to cut time, steps, and costs for operators.
OCSB Strategy and Planning Division Director Thawat Haman said the cane and sugar industry is shifting toward environmentally friendly, self-reliant growth after the government provided over 36 billion baht in support over the past 5-6 years. Assistance mechanisms must now align with fiscal constraints after the Cabinet resolved not to support direct per-ton production subsidies, combined with Section 28 of the Fiscal Discipline Act.
For the 2025/26 season fresh cane harvesting aid of 69 baht per ton, the 7,081 million baht budget is under Budget Bureau review and slated for Cabinet submission, with disbursement expected within two months. An additional 51 baht per ton is being sourced separately, with the board approving in principle the use of the Cane and Sugar Fund.
"For the 2026/27 production season, Thailand expects cane input of approximately 97.02 million tons, down from 105.86 million tons the previous season, while world sugar prices have recovered to near 21 cents per pound from 16.98 cents last year due to drought and reduced Indian exports. This creates an opportunity for the initial cane price to move closer to 1,000 baht per ton, up from 890 baht last year."
Beyond targets to control daily burnt cane intake at no more than 15% and an annual cap of 5%, a seven-day harvest and transport halt from December 27 to January 2 is planned for the New Year holiday.
However, OCSB emphasizes that upgrading environmental standards and production processes is crucial for Thailand's competitiveness, as the country exports about 80% of its sugar output and must prepare for stricter international trade rules.
