Bangkok: The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has sanctioned a budget of 2.8 billion baht to assist rubber farmers in felling and replanting trees. Payments to farmers are scheduled to commence on August 1st.

According to Thai News Agency, the RAOT has designated a substantial budget of over 2.8 billion baht to aid farmers who plan to finance their own rubber tree replanting before official approval. The initiative offers 16,000 baht per rai, with disbursements set to occur between August 1st and September 15th.

Dr. Pik Lertwangpong, Acting Governor of the RAOT, mentioned that a considerable number of farmers have applied for replanting assistance and are currently awaiting approval. The RAOT is processing applications from farmers intending to undertake felling and replanting with personal funds, aiming to finalize these activities by the fiscal year 2025. To date, 36,283 farmers have filed self-funded replanting applications, covering an area of 346,685.90 rai. The RAOT has approved a budget of 2,860,431,552.20 baht for this endeavor, targeted for completion using farmers' funds before official RAOT approval.

Mr. Jirawit Meechuphan, Director of the Production Promotion and Development Department, emphasized that the RAOT will distribute funds to support farmers who initiate logging and replanting with personal investments prior to RAOT approval. The payments will begin on August 1, 2025, and are expected to conclude by September 15, 2025. Farmers involved in this initiative can seek financial assistance at their nearest RAOT provincial office or branch. This initiative is part of RAOT's ongoing efforts to minimize replanting costs and provide sustainable financial resources for farmers to manage their plantations effectively.