Rubber farmers threaten to protest after New Year

[Lite Beer]

Rubber farmers threaten to protest after New Year

BANGKOK: -- Southern rubber and oil palm farmers have threatened to stage mass protest after the New Year if their demands, including the demand for rubber sheet price to be set at 80 baht/kg, are not met by the government.

“Today, we have reached the dead end. We won’t ask for anything more because we have made our demands so many times before. From now on, it will be the people’s judgement to move on after the New Year. I can no longer stop them,” said MrTossapholKwanrod, president of the rubber and oil palm farmersnendtwork.

Mr Tossaphol led a group of about 70 rubber and oil palm farmers to Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial hall to hand over their latest demands to the government through governor Phirasak Hinmuanggao.

The other demands are speeding up the payment of 1,000 baht/rai handouts to rubber farmers by the government, more usage of rubber in road construction and establishment of rubber learning centres in all villages, tambons and districts.

Governor Phirasak said he had sympathy for the farmers and promised to pass on their latest letter of demands to the government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/rubber-farmers-threaten-protest-new-year

-- Thai PBS 2014-12-19

[JOC]

Oh the irony!!

Prostest from the very same farmers who allowed themselves to be used as pawns in the Suthep circus making the way for the coup!!

When will the small people learn, that politicians (of both colors) are just using them??

[rubl]

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

[seajae]

bloody morons, they chose to grow these plants then when the prices drop they want everyone else to subsidise them. Its way past time thai farmers learnt to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting the rest of the country to support them, what a pack of pathetic idiots they are. Time to just go in and start arresting the trouble makers, I am sure a big fine and jail time for threatening to cause violence/problems is against the law and would not be tolerated in other countries

[Rumble]

Oh the irony!!

Prostest from the very same farmers who allowed themselves to be used as pawns in the Suthep circus making the way for the coup!!

When will the small people learn, that politicians (of both colors) are just using them??

How about this, we are going to increase the VAT by 10% and personal tax by 18% so that we can give the rubber farmers what they want, happy now?.

[Baghdad]

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

I dont think u have much knowledge about rubber. The quality of rubber in the Isaan cannot compete with the South rubber in any way

[chainarong]

With regard to the Rubber farmers delaying their protests , this is mighty neighbourly of you , I would hate to regurgitate my Xmas lunch worrying about you lot on Xmas day and a happy New Year to U all 2

[rickirs]

Could it be that the alleged nonpolitical military uses martial law to promote a political agenda in the disguise of "national security?" Five university students in the North are immediately taken into custody for flashing three fingers of freedom and threatened with prison while rubber farmers in the South hold public protests AGAINST THE JUNTA and get an immediate government subsidy for their efforts. Hint: the South is loyal to the Thai Elitists (Democrats/military) and the North is loyal to the Thai working class (PTP).

[SouthernMan3]

Oh the irony!!

Prostest from the very same farmers who allowed themselves to be used as pawns in the Suthep circus making the way for the coup!!

When will the small people learn, that politicians (of both colors) are just using them??

If you think that they don't already know that you are mistaken.

Btw, Are you a rubber farmer ?

I am.

Ever try to live on 40 bht a kilo ?

[SouthernMan3]

bloody morons, they chose to grow these plants then when the prices drop they want everyone else to subsidise them. Its way past time thai farmers learnt to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting the rest of the country to support them, what a pack of pathetic idiots they are. Time to just go in and start arresting the trouble makers, I am sure a big fine and jail time for threatening to cause violence/problems is against the law and would not be tolerated in other countries

Are you suggesting outlawing protests ?

[SouthernMan3]

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

I dont think u have much knowledge about rubber. The quality of rubber in the Isaan cannot compete with the South rubber in any way

Very true.

[robblok]

bloody morons, they chose to grow these plants then when the prices drop they want everyone else to subsidise them. Its way past time thai farmers learnt to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting the rest of the country to support them, what a pack of pathetic idiots they are. Time to just go in and start arresting the trouble makers, I am sure a big fine and jail time for threatening to cause violence/problems is against the law and would not be tolerated in other countries

Are you suggesting outlawing protests ?

Actually all protest are outlawed now.

I am against all those farmer handouts, they keep coming back and when they have a good year they spend it all. The only times I am pro handouts is to change a problem not perpetual handouts like what they are asking for.

Militant farmers should be kept under control, finally no more protests from all kinds of groups keep it like this.

[kwonitoy]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

I dont think u have much knowledge about rubber. The quality of rubber in the Isaan cannot compete with the South rubber in any way

Well I have some knowledge about rubber, 100 Rai in Isaan.

Rubber is rubber, doesn't matter where it comes from geographically.

The southern farmers are more organized as practically all land is either rubber plantations or plam oil. They've been growing it for generations.

Rubi, you're right that there was a big government push to grow rubber in Isaan as a way to diversify production out of the south and to lift the income of farmers up north.

Up untill this year it was working quite well but the GLOBAL price of rubber as has a lot of commodites has dropped sharply.

As for Isaan farmers complaining, they do. I hear a lot bitching but they aren't organized into the big co-operatives as down south.

[KarenBravo]

All farmers need lessons on supply and demand. Also, how free markets actually work.

[rubl]

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

I dont think u have much knowledge about rubber. The quality of rubber in the Isaan cannot compete with the South rubber in any way

This may surprise you, but there are indeed subjects I know next to nothing about. That's why I ask questions.

So, with your answer I have learned a bit. Thanks for that

[SouthernMan3]

bloody morons, they chose to grow these plants then when the prices drop they want everyone else to subsidise them. Its way past time thai farmers learnt to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting the rest of the country to support them, what a pack of pathetic idiots they are. Time to just go in and start arresting the trouble makers, I am sure a big fine and jail time for threatening to cause violence/problems is against the law and would not be tolerated in other countries

Are you suggesting outlawing protests ?

Actually all protest are outlawed now.

I am against all those farmer handouts, they keep coming back and when they have a good year they spend it all. The only times I am pro handouts is to change a problem not perpetual handouts like what they are asking for.

Militant farmers should be kept under control, finally no more protests from all kinds of groups keep it like this.

I am a rubber farmer.

When I have a good year I do not spend it all.

What you are saying is a broad generalization.

Do you realize that under Khun Appiset (sp?) rubber was up to 160+/kilo. ?

Now it is a quarter the price.

We are not talking a bit cheaper.

We are talking a quarter the price.

How would you feel if your monthly income just dropped 75% ?

I'm finding it a bit difficult to support my family.

All protests are outlawed.

True.

But they still happen.

Is a country that outlaws protests a place that you want to live ?

And, why are they outlawed ?

Maybe because some factions here in Thailand just can't protest peacefully.

And don't tell me you don't know who I'm talking about.........

[rubl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

I dont think u have much knowledge about rubber. The quality of rubber in the Isaan cannot compete with the South rubber in any way

Well I have some knowledge about rubber, 100 Rai in Isaan.

Rubber is rubber, doesn't matter where it comes from geographically.

The southern farmers are more organized as practically all land is either rubber plantations or plam oil. They've been growing it for generations.

Rubi, you're right that there was a big government push to grow rubber in Isaan as a way to diversify production out of the south and to lift the income of farmers up north.

Up untill this year it was working quite well but the GLOBAL price of rubber as has a lot of commodites has dropped sharply.

As for Isaan farmers complaining, they do. I hear a lot bitching but they aren't organized into the big co-operatives as down south.

Thanks for the info.

I guess the rubber farmers should try to organise themselves and let their voice be heard. Of course they should do this without UDD involvement to make sure they will be allowed to protest.

[KarenBravo]

What are protests going to achieve when the price of rubber is out of the government's hands?

It is determined by the free market.

Subsidize at your peril. We all know what happened when the government thought they could manipulate the price of rice......

[how241]

All farmers need lessons on supply and demand. Also, how free markets actually work.

+1...You 'might ' be on to something...sarcastically said...

[cornishcarlos]

bloody morons, they chose to grow these plants then when the prices drop they want everyone else to subsidise them. Its way past time thai farmers learnt to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting the rest of the country to support them, what a pack of pathetic idiots they are. Time to just go in and start arresting the trouble makers, I am sure a big fine and jail time for threatening to cause violence/problems is against the law and would not be tolerated in other countries

Are you suggesting outlawing protests ?

Actually all protest are outlawed now.

I am against all those farmer handouts, they keep coming back and when they have a good year they spend it all. The only times I am pro handouts is to change a problem not perpetual handouts like what they are asking for.

Militant farmers should be kept under control, finally no more protests from all kinds of groups keep it like this.

I am a rubber farmer.

When I have a good year I do not spend it all.

What you are saying is a broad generalization.

Do you realize that under Khun Appiset (sp?) rubber was up to 160+/kilo. ?

Now it is a quarter the price.

We are not talking a bit cheaper.

We are talking a quarter the price.

How would you feel if your monthly income just dropped 75% ?

I'm finding it a bit difficult to support my family.

All protests are outlawed.

True.

But they still happen.

Is a country that outlaws protests a place that you want to live ?

And, why are they outlawed ?

Maybe because some factions here in Thailand just can't protest peacefully.

And don't tell me you don't know who I'm talking about.........

Khun Appiset ? Had nothing to do with the rubber price, it was the global market that dictated prices.

The problem is, Thai farmers do not know how to diversify. All their eggs in one basket and then it goes tits up...

Lots of rubber plantations for sale around where we are now !

[laocowboy2]

I understood that with Gen. Chavalit starting in 1999 to push for rubber tree farms in Isaan to help the poor there, Isaan now has more rubber trees than down South has. With the need to wait seven years before the first harvest (I think) lots of acreage should be producing by now. Why don't farmers in Isaan complain?

Anyone why has some information on this ?

In part because they understand supply and demand - they know supply is up (lots of new trees now coming into production) and they know thatv demand is AKA China. My wife has a rubber plantation so I know this all too well :-( However in the NE rubber is still an 'also' crop while in the South it is often the only crop. So more pain.

[ggt]

Note to self...must stock up on condoms before the end of the year...

[rickirs]

Farmers want a minimum Bt80/kg from the government that will give them a 30% profit margin. But the government just recently signed an agreement with the Chinese government to sell China 400,000 tons of rubber at Bt60/kg - to be delivered in 18 months. This transaction is called a hedge or futures contract. Thailand has essentially set the market price at Bt60/kg for the next 18 months. Compare this deal to recent domestic rubber prices ranging between Bt35-37/kg.

However, if before 18 months the market price of rubber surpasses Bt60/kg for whatever unlikely reason, the Chinese will reap a windfall profit of the excess by reselling the rubber on the open market. If the market price reaches Bt80/kg, that's a profit of Bt20/kg.Thank you Junta!

Meanwhile, the Thai farmer's production cost is Bt64.50/kg so they will realize a loss for the next 18 months. Thank you Junta!

Why is China willing to pay 170% over current market price for Thai rubber when it can go to other suppliers? Maybe the 18-month delivery date coincides with some other undisclosed deal such as a Thai military purchase of Chinese weapon systems-difference might be considered a downpayment. NACC indicated it will review the government-to-government deal for the dual rail project; hopefully it will do the same for this rubber deal too.

[rubl]

Farmers want a minimum Bt80/kg from the government that will give them a 30% profit margin. But the government just recently signed an agreement with the Chinese government to sell China 400,000 tons of rubber at Bt60/kg - to be delivered in 18 months. This transaction is called a hedge or futures contract. Thailand has essentially set the market price at Bt60/kg for the next 18 months. Compare this deal to recent domestic rubber prices ranging between Bt35-37/kg.

However, if before 18 months the market price of rubber surpasses Bt60/kg for whatever unlikely reason, the Chinese will reap a windfall profit of the excess by reselling the rubber on the open market. If the market price reaches Bt80/kg, that's a profit of Bt20/kg.Thank you Junta!

Meanwhile, the Thai farmer's production cost is Bt64.50/kg so they will realize a loss for the next 18 months. Thank you Junta!

Why is China willing to pay 170% over current market price for Thai rubber when it can go to other suppliers? Maybe the 18-month delivery date coincides with some other undisclosed deal such as a Thai military purchase of Chinese weapon systems-difference might be considered a downpayment. NACC indicated it will review the government-to-government deal for the dual rail project; hopefully it will do the same for this rubber deal too.

Interesting possibilities.

Now what if the price of rubber will move to 60 Baht / kg? What if if the subsidy of a few thousand Baht per rai with some maximum (as part of the 2014/2015 National Budget) helps the production cost drop to under 60 Baht / kg. Will the farmers still say "thank you, junta" ?

[JOC]

First of all the 400.000 tonnes hedged by China is only about 10% of Thailands yearly production, so if the farmers don't want to sell to the Chinese at worldmarket price +70% (at the present), I am sure there are other options open for them!!

Secondly. If the worldmarket prices are so far below production cost, maybe time to grow something that the markets need and are willing to pay for.

Thirdly. It can't be any governments never ending responsibility to bail out failing farmers!!

[RubbaJohnny]

Tragic that some have heavy debts due to rely on lying politicians rather than the market.

A clear signal needs to go out to all new farming ventures,they should be able to stand on their own feet.

Of course icome support,training and encouraging diversity is part of social justice agenda but creating skewed markets can only end in tears.

In normal grown up societies the electorate can determine how much of national wealth should go to the needy,of course TIT is different.

[jamiesilver]

i dont get it - The price of rubber falls - thats life - they should not have grown just rubber and diversified their crops.
Oil prices Fall, Rice Falls, Palm Oil falls, it also goes up.
What are they complaining about? Its not the GOV that controls it.