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Published on December 8, 2007

Dhanin Chearavanont made the call during a visit to the CP Group's farm-development project in Chachoengsao's Ban Nong Wa.

Despite soaring oil prices, farmers were still earning little out of fear that higher farm prices would push up the cost of living. In fact, higher commodity prices would boost the whole economy, Dhanin said.

"No country pressures farm prices but does not protect its farmers. If Thailand wanted to export rice at a price of Bt20 [per kilogram] to Japan, where the price is Bt200, Japan would not import the Thai rice, to protect its farmers," he said.

In addition, the US protects its shrimp farmers, even though it is a small industry there, while at the same time trying every way to push up the shrimp price. Thailand has faced measures like anti-dumping charges and continuous bonds over its shrimp exports.

Dhanin pointed out that Thai farmers experienced low income but at the same time faced the highest risk.

Revenue rise

Eternity Grand Logistics expects revenue to grow 15-20 per cent next year from Bt1.1 billion this year.

The company hopes its revenue will reach Bt2 billion in 2010 after obtaining a new strategic partner to support its financial and logistical operations.

The Nation

Firefly growth

Firefly, Malaysia's second low-cost carrier, is planning to expand to Indonesia's Sumatra Island and southern Thailand next year.

Among the new destinations the airline is looking at are Bandar Aceh, Palembang, Pekan Baru and Padang on Sumatra and Hat Yai and Krabi in southern Thailand.

Firefly CEO Eddy Leong said the routes would start once they took delivery of the first three new ATR 72-500 aircraft next Septem-ber.

Currently, Firefly flies to Penang, Subang, Kuantan, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Langkawi and Johor Baru in Malaysia, plus Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand. 

 The Star, Asia News  Network