Thailand Risks Sugar Smuggling

(30 October) Thailand’s cheap sugar is facing threat from sugar smuggle as it holds the cheapest retail price in the South East Asian region.

With retail price at THB 22.60 per Kg, Thailand has the cheapest sugar in ASEAN.Private sectors suggest the government to prevent nation′s sugar shortage. 

According to Mr. Siriwut Siempakdee, Chairman of Public Relation Committee of Thai Sugar Miller Co.Ltd., his company has the lowest sugar price at THB 22.60 per Kg, and THB 23.60 for refine sugar. 
 
However, comparing to our neighbor, Laos and Cambodia sell their sugar at THB 30 – 35 per Kg, Myanmar THB 30.1, Vietnam THB 25.50 – 28.50, Malaysia THB 25.87, Indonesia THB 40.35 and the Philippines THB 41.20. 
 
Mr. Siriwut stated his concern over the possibility of sugar shortage within the country as there are more consumption demand from China, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Moreover, the demand is also subjected to increase once the region enters AEC (ASEAN Economic Community).
 
According to Mr. Siriwut, unless the government changes certain policies, Thailand would face domestic sugar shortage as sugar might be smuggled out of the country to feed those higher demands.