Thailand: Dry betel nut traders face new barriers

Thai betel nut exporters are struggling with tariff barriers from India as well as the impact of the armed conflict between the Myanmar military and rebel forces. A betel nut grower in Phatthalung's Tamot district said dried betel nuts are selling to local villagers for 8, 10 or 12 baht per kilogramme in the current harvest season, depending on the moisture content. A low moisture content fetches a higher price. Betel nuts from Phatthalung's Kong Ra district are exported for 17 baht/kg while those from Songkhla fetch a price of 15 baht/kg. "In previous years, the prices were as high as 50-60 baht," a farmer said. Betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, are chewed for their stimulating effects. Betel nut chewing is common in many Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. The nuts are also classified as a carcinogen that can cause mouth cancer. A source said two main factors that are pushing the prices down are the fighting in Myanmar and the high ...