Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand ’s government pledged to help rubber farmers reduce losses caused by tumbling world prices .
The government promised it will buy rubber latex at premium priceꦑs after some farmers in the south threatened protests and hunger strikes.
Commenting on the Thai government’s move, the UK Financial Times said the worries about China ’s falling economy have negatively impacted the Southeast Asian region, especially Thailand .
Concerns about China have helped drive world rubber prices to a seven-year low. Chayo Trangadisaikul, Deputy General Secretary of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the fall in demand for Thai rubber was driven by a slowdown in China ’s car industry and was likely to last a few yeꦦars or longer.
The aid promised by the Thai government is just easing difficulties for the moment, Chayo said, adding that it’s not a permanent remedy for the rubber problem.
Thailand has historically exported 90 percent of its rubber, half of which g🍒oes to China .
From 2010 to 2013, Thai rubber producers expanded their operations during the boom in China ’s motor industry in the review period, which led to high prices for rubber. Currently, the farmers are suffering losses as the price falls.
According to experts, Thai far𓆉🅰mers need at least 45 THB (1.24 USD) a kilogramme of rubber to cover production costs.-VNA
Thai rubber exporters have pledged not to sell their products at prices lower than production costs, joining efforts of rubber suppliers in Asia to stop the fall in rubber prices.
The Southern Rubber Industry JSC (Casumina) on January 5 reached an agreement with its US partner to export tyres to the US market in 2015, according to the Sai Gon Giai phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper.
Vietnam’s rubber industry is predicted to encounter prolonged difficulties in the time ahead and as such, it must focus on restructuring to increase the added value of products and reduce raw material export, said General Secretary of the Vietnam Rubber Association Vo Hoang An.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Illustration photo. (Source: Internet))
