AI In-brief 24 Sept 09:46

Farmers rally in front of Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry over UPOV Convention

Thai farmers' groups rallied against the UPOV Convention 1991, expressing concerns over its potential negative impact on Thai plant varieties and grassroots agriculture during ongoing FTA talks with the European Union.
Protesting farmers specifically rejected Section X51 of the EU's FTA proposal, which would require Thailand to amend its Plant Varieties Protection Act of 1999 to align with the UPOV 1991 Convention.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives received the farmers' letter, asserting that the UPOV Convention would not harm farmers and could offer opportunities for the agro-industrial sector, citing India as an example of lost value without it.

AI In-brief Today 18:04

Four evacuation centres ready for those fleeing fighting in Myanmar

Thai authorities prepare four evacuation shelters in Mae Hong Son's Sob Moei district for villagers and Myanmar people fleeing intensified fighting near the border.
Myanmar junta's daily air strikes near the Thai border have caused minor damage to a hospital and 18 houses in Mae Sam Laeb from stray shrapnel.
Thailand has increased security, requested a 10-kilometer safe zone from the Myanmar junta, and observed quiet cross-border trade due to escalating conflict.