Warawuth Backs Sugarcane Industry Upgrade to Green Bioeconomy, Aims to Make Thailand ASEAN Bio Hub by 2027
Thailand's sugarcane industry is shifting toward green bioeconomy production, with Industry Minister Warawuth announcing initiatives to position the nation as ASEAN's bioeconomy hub by 2027 through sustainable aviation fuel, biodegradable p
Industry Minister Warawuth Silpaarch presided over a policy rollout to Thailand's Sugarcane and Sugar Board (SOSOT), announcing the ministry's commitment to elevate Thailand's sugarcane and sugar industry into a "green bioeconomy" by leveraging bio-economy policies as a key mechanism for adding value to sugarcane and agricultural byproducts. The initiative aims to position Thailand as ASEAN's bioeconomy center by 2027 under the government's BCG economic model.
Currently, Thailand cultivates sugarcane across 9.87 million rai spanning 47 provinces, with 58 sugar mills located in 29 provinces. The 2568/2569 production season yielded 105.86 million tons of sugarcane, with 96.20% fresh cane and only 3.80% burned cane, producing 12.20 million tons of sugar at an average yield of 10.72 tons per rai. In 2567/2568, the sugarcane and sugar industry generated over 203,205 million baht in economic value, comprising domestic sugar production (50,257 million baht), exported sugar (117,582 million baht), molasses (17,662 million baht), and bioeconomy products (17,703 million baht).
"Thailand's sugarcane industry is at a critical turning point, transitioning from sugar-only production to a raw material base for future industries including bioenergy, bioplastics, clean fuels, and high-value products, aligning with the government's goal to make Thailand ASEAN's Bio Hub by 2027," Warawuth stated.
For 2569, the ministry plans to drive initiatives including developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from sugarcane ethanol, producing biodegradable plastics (PLA) from sugarcane bagasse, developing new biomass fuel formats, and implementing CO2 tracking systems toward zero carbon emissions. The government will also promote biomass power plants using sugarcane leaves and tops as fuel, and develop prototypes for biomass pellets and powder from sugarcane residues since 2567 through 2569 in collaboration with farmer groups and community enterprises to reduce field burning, address PM 2.5, and boost farmer income.
"Utilizing sugarcane leaves and tops for energy converts waste into new farmer income, reduces economic losses, and decreases air pollution in sugarcane areas. Currently, high collection and machinery costs remain limiting factors, necessitating accelerated technology and market mechanism support," Warawuth acknowledged.
SOSOT Secretary-General Bunyod Suvancharoenthai stated readiness to transform Thailand's sugarcane and sugar industry from traditional agriculture into high-value bioeconomy, reducing pollution and generating sustainable farmer income to create a new economy that grows alongside environmental protection and improved quality of life.
