Bangkok: The Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives received a draft of the Thai Rice and Farmers Act from the Vice Chairman of the National Farmers Council and the chairmen of provincial farmers' councils. This draft will be considered, studied, and acted upon through the relevant legislative processes to ensure the sustainability of Thai rice and farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Noppol Lueangthongnara, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives, received the draft from Captain Ubol Phuttharak, First Vice Chairman of the National Farmers Council, along with the chairmen of provincial farmers' councils and their delegates. The purpose was to request the Committee to consider and study the draft and proceed according to the relevant legislative processes.
The National Farmers Council, representing farmers under the National Farmers Council Act B.E. 2553 (2010), has drafted the Thai Rice and Rice Farmers Act B.E. .... to address significant production and livelihood issues affecting Thai rice farmers. The draft aims to promote and protect the quality of life for rice farmers through fair and sustainable management, covering production, marketing, price stabilization, and farmers' rights. It was submitted to the Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives for further action.
Mr. Noppol emphasized the long-standing role of rice in Thailand's agriculture and the need for legislation to support it. The Council and the committee recognize the importance of rice security for growers and consumers. The committee is tasked with reviewing the draft and ensuring its comprehensiveness. Last Thursday, the committee met to discuss the Rice Act, and Mr. Noppol affirmed their commitment to refining the draft to ensure sustainability and fairness. He expressed gratitude to the media and council members for their involvement.