PHUKET EYES FERTILISER PUSH AS GLOBAL SUPPLY RISKS MOUNT

Phuket is moving to boost local fertiliser production as Thailand scrambles to secure supplies from abroad, with officials warning that rising tensions in the Middle East could disrupt critical imports and expose the country's heavy reliance on foreign sources.

- Natnaree Likidwatanasakun

The concern comes as the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives holds talks with Russia over the potential import of 1-2 million tonnes of urea fertiliser per year, underscoring the extent of Thailand's dependence on external supply at a time of mounting geopolitical uncertainty.

Thailand imports more than 90% of its chemical fertiliser, with total demand estimated at 4-5mn tonnes annually. Much of that supply is tied to global energy and raw material markets, particularly in the Middle East, leaving the country vulnerable to price shocks and potential shortages if conflict escalates or key transit routes are disrupted.