Primary cultivation areas are located in the South and the East due to appropriate climate. Subsequently, the government expended the cultivation area of 1 million rai in the Northeast and the North during 2004-2006 to generate income security. It is found that rubber trees were successfully grown and became a new plant of economic importance in the Northeast. In 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives pushed forward the 3rd phase of well-bred rubber cultivation in appropriate soil and climate with the corporation of related government agencies to ensure income security for rubber growers throughout the country.  The 800,000 rai under new planting is divided into 500,000 rai in the Northeast, 150,000 rai in the North and 150,000 rai in the Central Region, the East and the South. In 2012, Thailand covers the plantation areas of 19.27 million rai, of which 63% is in the South, 19% in the Northeast, 12% in the East and the Central Region and 5% in the North. Mature area is 13.81 rai.

Average annual yield per rai of the country is 263 kilogram. In the Northeast alone, total rubber plantation is 3.74 million rai, of which mature area is 2.04 million rai with annual production of 430,451 tonnes and average annual yield per rai is 211 kilogram.

Comparing within the Northeast, Bungkan has the largest plantation areas of 411,778 rai with maximum annual production of 93,885 tonnes, followed by Udonthani (209,785 rai, 38,181 tonnes) and Buriram (174,654 rai, 35,280 tonnes), according to the Office of Agricultural Economics).

From the above data, the expansion of rubber cultivation in the Northeast is a significant step towards greater rubber development of the country, fostering economic, social and environmental development and enhancing competitiveness in global markets.

The Thai Rubber Association sees the potential of rubber industry in the Northeast, therefore it is to arrange a study group to Ubonratchathani, Sisaket, Surin and Buriram for a meeting of TRA Executive Committee and a visit to member companies during 20-23 November 2013. We also take this opportunity to visit TSR factory of Rubber Estate Organization (Sisaket Provincial Chapter) and the Office of Rubber Replanting Aid Fund (Surin Provincial Chapter) for a lecture on rubber situation in the Northeast. Additionally, the group will have a study trip at Khao Phra Wihan, Mo E Deang Cliff, Phanom Rung Stone Castle and Muang Tam Stone Sanctuary.

I hope that this activity will cherish closer relationship among the association members and will bring about better understanding of rubber industry in the Northeast.