Thai rubber protesters to end part of their blockade

ERJ staff report (TP)

Bangkok, Thailand − Rubber protesters agreed on 3 November to stop blockading the Bangkok-bound lanes of Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Bang Saphan Noi district after rising discontent from motorists, reported The Bangkok Post.

Police, however, said the section of the road will remain closed while the protesters still occupy the area nearby.

Deputy provincial governor Sommit Silprasert held talks with representatives of rubber and palm growers from the 16 southern provinces yesterday afternoon when the protesters agreed to end the road blockade.

The move was aimed at alleviating traffic problems as motorists have complained about traffic problems caused by the growers' protest. A smaller road which had been used as an alternative route to the blocked Phetkasem Road was badly damaged after it was used by a large number of trucks, since the growers began their protest on 26 October.

Prachuap Khiri Khan police commander, Thanet Sunthornsuk, said police will reopen it only when the demonstration ends.

Protesting growers are calling on the government to address the problems of tumbling rubber and palm oil prices.

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Full story from The Bangkok Post