Ministry to set up panel to allay concerns over sugar prices

The Commerce Ministry has agreed to set up a working committee to manage a balance between the sugar cane and sugar industries, aiming to placate angry cane farmers following the government’s decision to regulate domestic sugar prices.

Speaking after meeting with four sugar cane farmer organisations, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the working committee would be chaired by Yanyong Phuangrach, a former commerce permanent secretary who serves as his consultant, with representatives from sugar cane farmers and relevant state agencies such as the Foreign Trade Department and the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board.

The committee is expected to craft a suitable solution within one month, before…