Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai Cabinetrecently approved an aid package worth 18.6 billion baht (551 million USD) tohelp the country’s rubber sector currently affected by falling prices.
An estimate of 1.4 million people will benefitfrom the package, including a million of rubber plantation owners and tappers.
Under the aid package, the Thai government willgive a handout of 1,800 baht for each rai (equivalent to 1,600sq.m.) of rubberplantation but not exceeding 15 rai for each plantation owner.
The list of eligible recipients of the handoutswill be compiled by the Rubber Authority of Thailand.
Meanwhile, five leading rubber exporters ofThailand agreed to cooperate with the government to help plantation owners. Theauthority also pledged to provide a subsidy scheme of 2 baht per kg for exporters.
Other measures currently under considerationinclude the organisation of refresher courses for workers in farms with lowproductivity. Interior furniture and tyres manufacturers also agreed topurchase rubber directly from the farms.
Thailand ranks among the world's biggest rubberproducers, together with Indonesia and Malaysia. The country produces about 4.6million tonnes of rubber each year, while exporting 4 million tonnes. -VNA
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