Phichit:Deputy Minister Piyarat has expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by rice farmers in Phichit province following a significant payment default by rice mills. This issue, involving three large private rice mills in Thap Khlo, Sam Ngam, and Pho Thale districts, has resulted in damages exceeding 1.3 billion baht, affecting 12 cooperatives and farmer groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Director-General Nirun has urgently instructed the provincial cooperative office to convene a meeting with the affected cooperatives and farmer groups to find a solution. This initiative aims to prepare for the large rice harvest expected later this year.
The default stems from the rice mills' failure to pay for paddy rice, discrepancies in inventory, and outstanding debts, leading to ongoing legal action by six cooperatives seeking to recover a total of 1,283.50 million baht. The Ministry of Agriculture's Department of Cooperative Promotion has been directed to address the issue, with urgent measures being taken to maintain cooperative liquidity and support the forthcoming harvest season.
Mr. Nirun Multhida emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation, revealing that some lawsuits have been withdrawn and debts partially settled. The Department is actively tracing assets and enforcing judgments, while the Phichit Provincial Cooperative Office is tasked with reporting progress periodically.
Mr. Krisada Jaruchart, Acting Provincial Cooperative Officer, has called for a meeting with the affected cooperatives to continue purchasing paddy rice as usual, with preparations underway to secure funds from the Emergency Cooperative Development Fund to assist with liquidity issues. The cooperative network is also seeking new rice mills for future transactions, prioritizing locations in nearby provinces.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, with six rice mill owners facing criminal and civil lawsuits from cooperatives and farmer groups, involving significant damages for each cooperative. The total damages reported amount to over 1.28 billion baht.