Thailand expects 25% drop in December rubber output following floodings

Bangkok – Thailand expects a significant decline in natural rubber production due to floodings and heavy rains in December last year, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has announced.

The rain has impacted tapping in 11 southern provinces, covering 5.5 million rai (880 hectares) of land, said RAOT in a 17 Dec statement.

According to the authority, rubber production in the affected areas is expected to drop by 143,000 tonnes in December 2024, nearly 25% of the projected production for the month.

Provinces affected by the natural disaster include Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Krabi, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, and Songkhla.

RAOT is providing assistance to affected communities by distributing emergency relief packages containing rice, dry food, and essential items.

The Thai authority will assess the damage once the situation returns to normal, providing financial support to those severely affected by the floodings.