Rubber farmers summoned
Play
About 50 rubber farmers were summoned for "attitude adjustment" at a military base in Surat Thani on Monday morning, following their threat to stage a rally,
It was revealed that their opinions on how to solve the low rubber prices were also sought.
Farmers in the province gathered, led by Kittisak Viroj. They pledged to join a rally in Trang tomorrow, maintaining their five demands which include the lifting of rubber prices to Bt60 per kg.
Unable to cope with the low prices which are about Bt25-Bt30 per kg, Rabiab Phetkhao, a rubber grower in Trang, decided to sell the 15-year-old rubber trees on his 10-rai land. He said many other farmers also thought that it was a waste.
Suthep Thaugsuban, a prominent leader of the anti-Yingluck government movement, urged the junta to exercise Article 44 in ending the fiasco.
He urged the government to buy rubber from farmers, citing that the Bt60 per kg price was the most favourable.
He also vowed to help the junta in neutralising the issue, saying he could join any talks.
Before his departure to Yala, Army commander Gen Theerachai Nakvanich was asked about the situation.
He said briefly: "I'm not worried", adding nothing should happen.
