PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN – More than 800 rubber and palm growers on Saturday resumed their protest against falling prices, partially blockading a main road in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
They demanded the government do more to stem the tumbling rubber prices. The protesters had disbanded last month after the government offered a subsidy package.
But protest leader Teerapong Kaewnual said Saturday the offer of 2,520 baht per rai of rubber plantation does not serve farmers’ needs.
Most farmers do not have land ownership documents, making them ineligible for the subsidy, he said.
The rally took place between kilometre markers 412 and 413 in front of Ban Tamtamarat market in tambon Thong Mongkol about 2.30pm.
As of Sunday morning, the protesters still hold the site, so motorists are instructed to use the alternative route along the beach.
The protesters have threatened to close this only alternative route too on Sunday if the government ignored their demands requesting the increase of rubber price guarantee to 100 baht/kg and palm price at six baht/kg.
Source: Bangkok Post
