Latest news with #NarumonPinyosinwat
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai-Cambodian border closure has limited impact on Thailand: Agriculture Ministry
BANGKOK: The closure of the Thai-Cambodian border has impacted Cambodia's annual cassava exports worth 9 billion baht, while Thailand's vegetable exports remain insignificant. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Thursday (June 19) that the border closure had little impact on Thailand, citing the Office of Agricultural Economics. This projection was based on Thailand's limited exports to Cambodia, most of which are non-agricultural goods, she explained. Narumon noted that the primary impact would be on Cambodia, as Thailand imports approximately 9 billion baht worth of cassava from Cambodia to supply raw materials for its industries. However, if the situation in Cambodia worsens, Thailand will source cassava from other regions, such as Laos, or substitute with other agricultural products. Discussions with the Commerce Ministry are ongoing. 'I want to reassure the public and farmers that the issue will not significantly affect the agricultural sector. Only some farmers in specific areas may be directly impacted, and I have instructed the relevant agencies to monitor the situation and provide assistance,' she said. Narumon added that seasonal vegetables and fruits that may be affected by the border closure have been coordinated with modern trade groups to purchase and redistribute them. The Agriculture Ministry has already begun this process, with the Cooperative Promotion Department buying some products itself. Next week, discussions will be held with the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Federation of Thai Industries to find further ways to assist farmers. The key priority at this moment is national unity, she emphasised. 'Exports through Cambodia mainly involve vegetables worth around 100,000 baht, which is not significant. Going forward, we may need to adjust transport routes and consider shipping by sea, which could increase costs, but we must adapt,' she said. 'As for eastern fruits, the season is nearing its end, so the impact is minimal. Even if the border remains closed for 6 to 12 months, I can assure you there will be no major impact on agriculture,' she added. Narumon concluded that the Agriculture Ministry is not blocking imports and is not responding to political negotiations, which fall under the responsibility of the Defence Ministry. However, as agricultural goods are involved in the trade, the Agriculture Ministry has asked the Office of Agricultural Economics to analyse the situation and find ways to mitigate any impact on Thai farmers. With the analysis showing minimal impact, she hopes all parties can feel reassured. Nonetheless, further discussions with the Commerce Ministry will continue to form a coordinated overall strategy. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Thai authorities seize 346 tonnes of smuggled chicken feet amid bird flu concerns
BANGKOK: Thai authorities recently confiscated over 346 tonnes of illegally imported chicken feet from a cold storage facility in Samut Sakhon province in an effort to curb the spread of avian influenza. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), stated that the department had collaborated with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) to inspect the cold storage facility of a company in Mueang Samut Sakhon district following complaints about illegal imports of poultry carcasses, specifically chicken feet, without authorisation. A covert investigation revealed that a portion of the confiscated chicken feet originated from Brazil, where avian influenza outbreaks have been reported. Upon inspecting the cold storage facility, authorities found large quantities of frozen chicken feet packaged in bags and boxes indicating production sources from Brazil, Chile, Turkey and Germany. An examination of the facility's deposit records confirmed a total of 346,390 kilogrammes, or approximately 346.39 tonnes, of stored chicken feet, an act deemed illegal under Sections 22 and 31 of the Animal Epidemics Act BE 2558 (2015). The DLD subsequently seized all the chicken feet and filed legal complaints against the perpetrators. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Additionally, they planned to coordinate with the Customs Department to pursue relevant charges under the Customs Act. The department also intends to collaborate with the Central Investigation Bureau to trace the masterminds and networks involved in the smuggling operation. For the confiscated chicken feet, DLD officials collected random samples and sent them for laboratory analysis to detect any hazardous pathogens, particularly avian influenza, to assess the health risks to animals and ensure consumer safety. DLD officials noted that this operation aligns with Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat and Deputy Agriculture Minister Itthi Sirilathayakorn's policy to crack down on the illegal import of livestock products. The objective is to prevent foreign disease outbreaks, protect domestic consumers, and maintain a fair livestock market for Thai farmers. - The Nation/ANN
Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mohamad Sabu: Malaysia aims to strengthen agricultural ties with Thailand through MoU review
BANGKOK, May 30 — Malaysia is committed to renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural Cooperation with Thailand, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He stated that the Malaysia-Thailand MoU, which has been in place for over 50 years, requires a comprehensive review and improvement of most of its terms. 'The MoU reflects our shared goals of strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas such as sustainable agriculture, technology transfer, research, and food security. 'We have submitted our latest draft of the MoU to the Thai ministry, and we hope to receive their feedback soon,' he told Bernama on Friday. Earlier, Mohamad, who led the Malaysian delegation on a four-day working visit to Thailand, made a courtesy call on Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, Narumon Pinyosinwat, before both parties held a bilateral meeting. Mohamad noted that Malaysia, aims to achieve a higher self-sufficiency level in agricultural production by 2030. This goal is to be realised through a sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven agro-food industry that prioritises food security. 'Our discussions today reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between Malaysia and Thailand in the agriculture sector. 'I am encouraged by the shared commitment to deepen our collaboration and address common challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and innovation,' he said. He also highlighted that Thailand is Malaysia's main trading partner in the agri-food sector and selected agricultural products. 'Bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and Thailand continued to show positive performance in 2024, with the total trade value of agricultural products reaching RM20.96 billion. 'This trade trend highlights the growing potential of food and agricultural product trade and demonstrates significant opportunities for both countries to further elevate the value of agricultural trade,' he added. Later, Mohamad officiated the Malaysian Pavilion at the THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's premier food and beverage trade show. Approximately 137 Malaysian companies participated in the trade show, held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from May 27 to 31. — Bernama
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
China agrees to have customs officials work 24 hours to facilitate Thai durian imports
BANGKOK: Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat on Thursday (May 8) thanked the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) for agreeing to operate its customs checkpoints 24 hours a day to facilitate imports of durians from Thailand. 'I would like to thank the GACC and its officials for attaching importance to durian imports from Thailand and for assigning officials to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week,' Narumon said. She added that she had contacted the GACC, which agreed to extend operating hours at border checkpoints through which Thai durian exporters ship their produce. Moreover, she said that Chinese authorities had also increased the number of laboratories on their side of the border to test Thai durians for contamination with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye. Previously, China had found some shipments of Thai durians contaminated with the dye and rejected them. As Thailand enters its peak durian harvest season, the Agriculture Ministry will work closely with its Chinese counterpart and the GACC to ensure smooth shipments of durians from Thailand to China, Narumon said. - The Nation/ANN
