Steps announced this week by the government to help rubber producers grappling with plunging prices do not go far enough, some farmers said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today named a retired army general to head the effort to tackle the crisis surrounding falling rubber prices. The appointment of ex-chief of staff Chatchalerm Chalermsuk as president of the Rubber Authority of Thailand came after the cabinet on Tuesday promised to buy some rubber directly from farmers at rates above market levels and announced piecemeal measures including a plan to open up rubber processing factories.
The moves came after protest threats by rubber farmers galvanised a military government that draws much of its support from Bangkok and the South, the country's main rubber-growing region