Levy bill upsets rubber reps

Published on December 6, 2012 by TFP   ·   No Comments

BANGKOK, 3 December 2012 (NNT) – A Rubber industry representative has hit out against a new bill believed to benefit foreign investors at the expense of local farmers.

Thai Rubber Party chief Perk Lertwangpong said a number of articles in the Thai Rubber Bill, which is pending parliamentary committee approval, could erode Thailand's grip over its rubber industry.

Mr Perk elaborated that Article 49, Section 2 of the bill stipulates that 80 percent of the levy on rubber exports, known as cess, will be set aside for rubber traders, but not farmers. The bill also allows for the creation of a new rubber agency to allocate money from the cess fund for industry investment.

Mr Perk, who owns a 70-rai rubber plantation, made known that the problem could worsen once Thailand joins the Asean Economic Community in 2015, as other Asean countries will be eligible to benefit from cess revenue.

The rubber sector generates revenue of about 400 billion baht per year for Thailand, which is ranked as the world's largest natural rubber producer.

By RADIO THAILAND INSIGHT INFO

(NNT ศิริวรรà¸" à¸"ำปรีà¸"า)

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/12/levy-bill-upsets-rubber-reps/