On 10 June, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting at Government House with representatives from Thailand’s sugarcane farming sector to address sustainable practices in cane production and outline future support strategies. The discussion focused on reducing the environmental impact of traditional harvesting methods, particularly the open burning of cane fields, which contributes significantly to PM2.5 air pollution levels in many rural regions.
The meeting, which took place prior to the weekly Cabinet session, offered a platform for sugarcane growers to express their views and present policy suggestions aimed at improving both environmental and economic outcomes. Representatives from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers emphasized their support for fresh-cut harvesting techniques, which help curb air pollution and improve public health.
Among the key proposals brought forward was a request for direct compensation of 120 baht per ton for high-quality fresh-cut cane, a method that avoids burning. In addition, the farmers called for broader government assistance, including subsidies for harvesting machinery and official purchases of sugarcane leaves—a byproduct often discarded or burned. They urged the government to confirm these measures before the start of the next production cycle, allowing sufficient time for growers to prepare.
The farmers also advocated for structural reforms to the Cane and Sugar Fund, suggesting alternative financing strategies. These included adjustments to the domestic sugar pricing system and promotion of value-added initiatives such as biomass power generation from sugarcane residue. Such projects, they argued, would support long-term industry sustainability and align with national energy goals.
In attendance at the meeting were senior government officials and leaders from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers, whose collaboration with authorities was noted as essential to implementing the proposed changes.
