TO BUFFER declining rubber prices, Thailand will temporarily scrap rid tax on rubber exports. The move is also meant to dissipate the tension amongst protesting farmers who are demanding a price subsidy for rubber.
An estimated 20,000 protesters recently assembled at three main rally sites in the south of the country; the number of demonstrators went down to 300 who continued with road and rail routes blockade.
At the thick of the disputes, Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong has announced that tax cuts would start immediately and run until the end of 2013.
Such proposal was met with rejection from farmers who were demanding the government to buy rubber directly from them at cost that is higher than in the market.