During the recent Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the government to expedite help for farmers including the dredging of canals and other bodies of water.
The prime minister ordered every ministry to come up with measures to help farmers from water shortages during the upcoming drought season. According to the premier, the drought would have an impact on domestic supplies and exports of agricultural products.
He has also expressed his concerns for rice farmers and rubber farmers as well as small-business operators or SMEs who are currently struggling to make ends meet amidst a sluggish global economy. However, the premier said that the government has prepared certain measures to help these groups of people.
Meanwhile, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd declared that the Cabinet has approved a central budget to help farmers across 26 provinces. The budget to be used for dredging, will also assist them against natural disasters, unusual weather phenomena, and agricultural problems.
A total of 12,860 farmers are expected to benefit from this program at a budget of around $4.7 million.
Press Release