Struggles at the farm gate

Calls for govt help as prices for key crops plunge, write Sitthipoj Kebui, Assawin Pakkawan and Panumet Tanraksa

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Farmers across Thailand are sounding the alarm as plunging prices for key crops push rural communities deeper into debt, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.

In Phichit, watermelon growers are grappling with a price slump that has left tonnes of fruit unsold in fields.

Kanda Sawangsuk, a village head and farmer in Moo 15, tambon Nong Plalai of Wang Sai Phun district, said she planted 38 rai of watermelons this season.

While previous years brought wholesale prices of 7-9 baht per kilogramme, this year prices have plunged to as low as 2 baht for smaller fruit — and even then, buyers are scarce.

"Big watermelons over 3kg fetch just 5 baht/kg, medium-sized ones 3 baht, and small ones only 2 baht," she said.

"We've got sweet, crisp fruit but no market. I ask fellow Thais to support us by buying locally grown watermelon — it’s delicious, refreshing, and affordable."

Meanwhile, in Mae Hong Son, garlic farmers are in dire straits. Pharuhas Suntornsitsak, a village head in tambon Na Pu Pom, Pang Mapha district, said garlic prices have fallen to 30 baht per kilogramme, with no traders turning up to buy — a stark contrast to previous years. The lack of buyers has left farmers with no income to pay off debts, especially with the school term looming and families in need of money for uniforms and supplies.