Traders want six more months to offload residual banned farm chemicals

14 Sept 02:07 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Department of Agriculture will request a six-month extension, until June 1, 2020, for traders to divest 38,000 tons of banned chemicals (paraquat, glyphosate, chlorpyrifos) before the legal prohibition takes effect.
Traders face significant challenges with the current short disposal period, citing difficulties re-exporting diluted chemicals and concerns over toxic fumes from local incineration.
The ban impacts 600,000 farming households and key cash crops, with more expensive alternative bio-substances. Agro-industrial associations warn of severe harm to businesses, potential mass layoffs, and issues with chemical-free raw material supplies.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.