Noppapon, Pheu Thai MP from Phitsanulok, supports Yotsanan in highlighting Kasetsart universities across Thailand to accelerate research and development of fertilizers to replace imports. He is confident that Suriyas will successfully negotiate fertilizer deals with Russia, countering exploitative traders who have drastically raised prices.
On 17 April 2026, Noppapon Luengthongnara, Pheu Thai MP for Phitsanulok, revealed that the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have prevented many cargo ships from passing through. This has led to energy problems, as about one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments transit this strait. It also affects urea fertilizer, a crucial input for both horticulture and rice farming. The timeline for resolving these issues is uncertain, and even after resolution, it may take at least another year for the situation to normalize.
Noppapon added that it is a good opportunity for Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to negotiate with the Russian government to purchase large quantities of fertilizer to assist farmers and compensate for shortages. He is confident this will reduce prices and provide farmers with more options and fairer fertilizer costs, benefiting them greatly. This will also counter domestic fertilizer traders who, citing the war, have inflated prices from 800 baht to 1,400 baht per sack, severely impacting farmers' production costs.
“However, to address the fertilizer issue in the long term, I urge Yotsanan Wongsawat, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, to direct agricultural universities nationwide to expedite research and development of fertilizers to replace imports. If fertilizers suitable for Thailand can be developed, it will surely help farmers. The Pheu Thai party certainly will not abandon farmers,” he said.