Deputy Finance Minister visits Nong Khai to advance debt relief, border trade oversight

Julapun Amornvivat reviews Phase 2 of the farmer debt moratorium and joins a press event highlighting 198 million baht in seized smuggled goods, while promoting cross-border trade and rural economic policies in Nong Khai.

NONG KHAI, Thailand – Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat visited Nong Khai province on July 20 to review the implementation of “Debt Moratorium Phase 2” for farmers and oversee the government’s policy communication efforts. As Chairman of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), he also participated in a press conference held by the Nong Khai Customs Office, which reported 32 cases of smuggled goods seized during the first five months of fiscal year 2025. The confiscated items were valued at more than 198 million baht, a substantial increase compared to 11 cases worth 27 million baht in 2024 and 10 cases valued at just 2 million baht in 2023.

During his visit, Julapun toured Na Tha Railway Station, which is expected to become a key cross-border logistics hub linked to the China–Laos high-speed rail, thereby supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.

In the afternoon, Julapun traveled to Phon Phisai district, where he met with residents to discuss government efforts on agricultural pricing, the Digital Wallet program, and job training for rural communities. He then visited participants of the debt rehabilitation program at the Phon Phisai District Hall and Thabo School. More than 1,000 farmers from nearby areas joined the session, and officials reported that 97.14% of eligible farmers in Phon Phisai had enrolled in the program. All Phase 2 cases under the Farmer Rehabilitation Program have already been processed.

The program follows the “3 Reductions, 3 Increases, 3 Creations” framework and offers eligible farmers access to rehabilitation loans of up to 100,000 baht. It is set to conclude in 2026, with repayment due by 2027. The approach is one of the government’s key initiatives to provide financial relief and improve long-term agricultural productivity in Nong Khai and neighboring provinces. (NNT)

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