"Teng" visited the Safe Vegetable Growers’ Cooperative in Sam Sung, Khon Kaen Province, pointing out that the government must solve agricultural problems comprehensively, addressing land, water, debt, and market issues.
On 17 October 2026, Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and opposition leader in the House of Representatives, along with MPs and party staff, traveled to Ban Sawang, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen Province. They toured the 'Sam Sung District Safe Vegetable Growers’ Agricultural Cooperative Limited,' inspecting vegetable plots and speaking with farmer representatives to hear their problems and exchange views on agricultural development.
Mr. Natthapong said Sam Sung is the smallest district in Khon Kaen Province but benefits from resources suitable for agriculture, especially underground water sources. Originally, locals farmed seasonal and off-season rice, but after receiving knowledge promotion, they shifted to growing safe vegetables free from toxic chemicals. They now cultivate over 60 types of vegetables, generating income for households and the community, supported by a market for their produce through the community economic promotion project and agricultural product market called 'Jingjai Farmer’s Market.'
Mr. Natthapong views Sam Sung as a model area that can be developed and expanded to other regions. It demonstrates that when farmers form groups, gain knowledge, and connect to markets, they have the opportunity to increase product value and generate better income.
However, resolving agricultural sector problems is a major challenge for every government and cannot be fixed simply by raising agricultural product prices. The entire production chain must be considered, especially farmers’ readiness regarding land tenure and water resources, which are essential foundations. If farmers must rent land, their costs increase from the start. Meanwhile, some areas still lack sufficient water or irrigation systems, limiting full production planning. These problems cannot be solved by farmers alone.
Another important issue is farmers’ debt, which requires serious resolution. Many farmers use their income to repay debts, leaving little for family living expenses or reinvestment in new crops. The government must restructure debt to align with farmers’ actual income by extending repayment periods, reducing interest burdens, and offering conditional payment deferrals. This should be combined with lowering production costs, expanding market channels, and raising agricultural product prices so farmers can earn enough to repay debts and regain financial stability.
Mr. Natthapong added that the government must seriously support farmers, from managing land tenure, developing water sources and irrigation systems, to resolving debt issues, reducing costs, providing knowledge support, and creating markets for their products. Farmers should not bear risks and costs alone.
“Our vision is for farmers to plant, sell, earn sufficient income to support their families, and sustainably develop their professions. Raising agricultural product prices must go hand in hand with reducing costs and improving infrastructure. If farmers still face high costs, even better prices may not lead to increased income as expected,” Mr. Natthapong said, concluding,
Regarding this visit, he said all farmers possess knowledge and a desire to develop their agricultural products. The crucial factor is that the government must promote and address problems accurately and comprehensively so farmers have opportunities to grow, earn income, and develop their professions sustainably.
