AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
National assembly to debate controversial rice bill despite protests
14 Sept 04:02 Key points summarised by AI
- The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) plans to proceed with the controversial rice bill's second and final readings despite strong protests from farmer groups and the Democrat party.
- Objections primarily target Section 27/1, which grants the Rice Department sole authority over approving rice seeds, raising concerns it will restrict farmers' traditional right to trade and exchange seeds.
- Critics fear the bill could force farmers to rely on certified seeds from the agro-industry, potentially benefiting large corporations over small farmers.
- The NLA committee clarified that farmers can keep and exchange seeds for non-commercial purposes without certification, but commercial seed use will require Rice Department approval.
- A Democrat party member suggested postponing the bill's deliberation, proposing it be handled by the post-election House of Representatives instead.
