Sugarcane farmers in Lopburi’s Khok Charoen District have announced plans to dump their harvest in front of the district office in protest against the government’s decision to ban the cutting and burning of sugarcane. The farmers argue the policy, aimed at reducing PM 2.5 pollution levels, increases their production costs and adds to their workload, leaving many unable to comply without financial support.
On January 22, 2015, around 50 farmers gathered to voice their concerns during a campaign visit by General Sunai Prapuchanay, a candidate for governor of the Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization, and Dr. Suchart Lainamneung, a former MP of the Pheu Thai Party. Both officials were meeting with residents in Yang Rak Subdistrict as part of their campaign efforts.
The protesting farmers emphasized that over 90 percent of households in Khok Charoen District rely on sugarcane cultivation. They explained that cutting unburned sugarcane significantly increases labor costs compared to the traditional method of burning. Additionally, they disputed the government’s claim that the burning ban would effectively reduce air pollution, pointing out that residual leaves from unburned cane still require disposal—often through burning in the fields.
Farmers further expressed frustration with the government’s promise to compensate them with 120 baht per ton for unburned sugarcane, a pledge made in 2023 that they claim has yet to be honored. Without clarity or action from the government within a week, the farmers vowed to escalate their protest by bringing sugarcane to the district office.
The event also saw the involvement of local figures like General Sunai, a former commander of the Special Warfare Command, and Dr. Suchart, who listened to the farmers’ grievances and pledged to address their concerns.
