Monthly rubber situation in Thailand – September 2013

For 15 days of demonstration against falling rubber prices, rubber tappers rallied in Nakornsrithammarat and Surathani, 2 were people dead and many were injured. Rubber tapper group leader of 14 provinces had a consultative discussion with Natural Rubber Policy Committee on September 9, 2013, coming up with these measures: 1) The government will subsidize the cost of production of 2,520 baht/rai but not exceed 25 rai for the duration of 7 months, implement with immediate action to farmers who have title deed. 2) Suspend the levy of cess, effective from 2 September 2013 to 31 December 2013 Finally, this government’s subsidy is generally accepted among rubber growers. The situation is back to normal and it is expected that rubber price will improve gradually. However, the government shall seek to promote domestic consumption of natural rubber so as to achieve more stable price.