Draft amendments to Thailand's Sugar Cane Act still in progress after three years

The article highlights the ongoing efforts to revise Thailand's Cane and Sugar Act of 1984, which have been in progress for over three years. Stakeholders including farmers, sugar millers, and the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board are collaborating to address key issues. However, no consensus has been reached yet due to disputes over proposed changes, such as the redefinition of by-products at sugar factories and the maintenance of price-return requirements. The House of Representatives has considered the draft, but discussions are still ongoing due to a lack of understanding of the sugarcane management system. Meanwhile, the Thai Sugar Factory Association has proposed amendments to the act to maintain fairness and avoid potential World Trade Organization (WTO) violations, including the inclusion of other products in the definition of "cane sugar." Other proposed changes include amendments to the Cane and Sugar Fund, its management committee, and fee collection, with the aim to increase transparency and representation.