The Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) has stated that while the current drought is resulting in less agricultural output, the political situation is in fact more worrisome.

Bhumsak Rasri, the Director General of the OAE, reports that the drought situation is lowering agricultural production in the country — especially that of rice and para rubber.

However, he went on to say that the reason for the decrease in exports is due not so much to the drought in the country, but rather the ongoing political conflict, now seemingly prolonged to an indefinite date.

This, said Mr. Bhumsak, has the adverse effect of lowering consumer confidence in the foreign sector. In other words, foreign companies are decreasing their orders as they are unsure whether or not Thailand will be able to deliver their ordered goods on time, due to the political conflicts within the Kingdom.