Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat sent a message to the new government, pointing out that the global crisis intensifies farmers' difficulties. He proposed three urgent measures to be implemented immediately: reducing costs, managing water, and solving land issues. He stressed that farmers are the "backbone of the country," not a group waiting for assistance.
On 24 March 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat Prompao, a political leader in the agricultural sector, spoke about the new government amid rising international tensions, especially the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has impacted the global economy and inevitably shaken Thailand's agricultural sector.
Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat stated that Thai farmers are facing rising living costs, including higher prices for oil, fertilizer, and transportation, all of which directly burden the country's grassroots farmers. He proposed a “Smart & Hard” approach for the government to adopt in problem-solving, emphasizing the need to “fully understand global dynamics” alongside “decisive decision-making” to respond promptly to the crisis.
He proposed three urgent measures the government should implement immediately:
1. Reform the fertilizer structure to reduce costs throughout the system, not just through distribution. He suggested using government-to-government (G2G) cooperation to procure cheaper fertilizer.
2. Manage water resources systematically, covering both irrigation and non-irrigation areas to ensure water security in the agricultural sector.
3. Resolve farmland ownership issues so that farmers can truly own their land and use it as collateral to access financing.
Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat also emphasized that farmers are the "backbone of the country," not a group waiting for help. They must be empowered institutionally, in bargaining power, and with a stable quality of life. He urged civil servants to adjust their roles during crises by working swiftly, making bold decisions, and taking real action, warning that delays would harm people's lives.