According to Jamras Lumma, representative of the Chiang Mai–Lamphun Farmers’ Federation and leader of the protest, the current price for freshly harvested rice has fallen to just 7 baht per kilogram — the lowest in decades and even cheaper than a packet of instant noodles. Farmers now earn around 6,500–6,700 baht per rai, while production costs reach about 7,000 baht, forcing many into losses. He said no agency has stepped in to stabilise prices, leaving farmers to struggle alone.
The group submitted a petition to Chiang Mai Governor Thossaphon Phuean-Udom, calling for: a minimum rice price of 10 baht per kilogram; government control over fertiliser and pesticide costs; and fair purchasing prices by allowing rice mills from other provinces to buy Chiang Mai rice.
The province has 514,497 rai of rice fields producing about 318,380 tonnes annually, mostly glutinous rice. Prices are expected to rise slightly toward the peak harvest in late November.
