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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Thai military prepared for 'high-level operation' if Cambodia border row escalates
FILE PHOTO: A Buddhist monk visits the Preah Vihear temple on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, November 12, 2013. REUTERS/Samrang Pring/File Photo BANGKOK - Thailand's military said it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week. The army said in a statement late on Thursday that its intelligence gathering indicated Cambodia had stepped up its military readiness at their border while diplomatic efforts were ongoing, describing that as "worrisome". The statement was in sharp contrast with one from the government just hours earlier, when it urged Cambodia to positively engage in dialogue via an existing mechanism between them. "The army is now ready for a high-level military operation in case it is necessary to retaliate against the violation of sovereignty," it said, ahead of a meeting of its armed forces top brass scheduled for Friday. "Operations of units at the border have been conducted carefully, calmly and based on an understanding of the situation to prevent losses on all sides, but at the same time, are ready to defend the country's sovereignty to the fullest extent if the situation is called for." Cambodia's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Thai military statement on Friday. The governments of the two countries had for days exchanged carefully worded statements committing to dialogue after a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area on May 28 in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Although the two countries have a historic rivalry, their governments enjoy friendly ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's Hun Sen, whose daughter and son respectively are now the prime ministers in their countries. The issue comes at a tricky time for the Pheu Thai Party-led administration in Thailand as it battles to revive a flagging economy that could be hit by steep U.S. tariffs, while facing a challenge to its popularity having paused a signature cash handout to tens of millions of people. The party of the billionaire Shinawatra family has a troubled history with the Thai military, which twice toppled its governments in 2006 and 2014 coups. Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over the Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old temple at the heart of a decades-long row that has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides. The International Court of Justice in 2013 ruled in favour of Cambodia in clarifying a 1962 decision to award it jurisdiction over the temple, saying part of the land around it was Cambodia's and Thai troops must withdraw from the area. Cambodia said this week it is committed to peace and plans to resolve the issue by referring disputes over four parts of their border to the ICJ and has asked Thailand to cooperate. Thailand says it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand's edible insect market poised for explosive growth
BANGKOK: Thailand is positioning itself to capitalise on the rapidly expanding global edible insect market, which experts predict will grow by 25.1% annually between 2025 and 2030, as consumers worldwide increasingly turn to sustainable protein alternatives. Already ranked as the world's sixth-largest insect exporter, Thailand's deep-rooted expertise in insect farming and growing domestic market acceptance provide a solid foundation for expansion in this emerging sector. The shift toward insect protein comes as environmentally conscious consumers seek alternatives to traditional livestock farming, which generates approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. - Photo: The Nation/ANN By comparison, insect farming produces remarkably lower environmental impacts: - Producing one kilogram of insect protein generates just one kilogram of CO₂ equivalent—27 to 40 times less than conventional livestock - Requires 5-13 times less water and feed than cattle, pigs, and chickens - Can operate in limited spaces with significantly higher efficiency "Thailand has a competitive advantage with our rich heritage of catching, farming, and cooking a diverse range of edible insects," says Kasikorn Research Center in its latest market analysis. "The nation already produces over 7,000 tonnes of these 'economic insects' annually." While rising global temperatures pose challenges for traditional livestock—potentially reducing yields by up to 38%—many insect species actually thrive in warmer climates, potentially accelerating production cycles. This climate resilience could further strengthen Thailand's position in the global market as traditional protein production faces increasing challenges from climate change. For Thai farmers, insect farming represents a potentially lucrative opportunity: - Initial investment for a basic cricket farm ranges from 45,000 to 75,000 baht - Fresh insect sales can generate profits between 9,600 and 37,000 baht annually - Processing insects into flour could increase profits to 260,000 baht per year - Land-use efficiency can generate up to 9,300 baht per square meter—significantly higher than the 1,500 baht per square meter from broiler chickens or dairy cows Market Growth and Challenges The global edible insect market, valued at US$1.35 billion in 2024, is gaining traction particularly in Europe, the Americas, and East Asia. Insects are increasingly being utilised in protein powders, bars, and as ingredients in animal feed. Thailand currently accounts for 6% of the world's total insect export value (approximately US$586,000), with the United States as the primary destination market. Despite this potential, consumer acceptance remains a significant hurdle, with unfamiliarity and food safety concerns presenting obstacles to widespread adoption. The broader impacts of large-scale production also require careful monitoring. Nevertheless, with appropriate government support and promotion of both domestic consumption and exports, Thailand's edible insect sector could become a cornerstone of a more sustainable food system, generating substantial income while reducing environmental impacts. "With our combination of local knowledge, favorable climate, and alignment with global sustainability trends, Thailand is uniquely positioned to become a leader in this growing market," the research concludes. - The Nation/ANN
