กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมน้ำตาล เข้าพบประธาน ส.อ.ท. หารือแนวทางขับเคลื่อนพลังงานทดแทน ยกระดับอุตสาหกรรมอ้อยและน้ำตาลไทยSugar Industry Group Meets with the FTI President to Discuss Renewable Energy Development Strategies to Enhance the Thai Sugar and Cane Industry

On August 20, 2026, Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), along with executives from the FTI, welcomed the sugar industry committee, led by Mr. Anan Tangtrongwechakij, President of the Sugar Industry Group and President of the Thai Sugar and Bioenergy Producers Association, on the occasion of his visit to congratulate Ms. Pimjai on her assumption of the role of FTI President for the term 2026–2028 and discuss collaboration to elevate the Thai sugar and cane industry at the FTI.

During the discussions, the sugar industry group presented the current situation and strategies to advance the cane and sugar industry, focusing on the efficient use of resources, the development of renewable energy, and the creation of added value for the agricultural sector and industries.

Furthermore, the sugar and cane industry plays a significant role in the Thai economy and society. Currently, there are 58 sugar factories, involving over 300,000 sugarcane farming families, and about 1 million workers in related businesses and industries. In the production season of 2025/2026, the total sugarcane production is projected to be 105 million tons, yielding 11.5 million tons of granulated sugar and generating a revenue of approximately 180 billion baht from domestic sales and exports. The key issues are outlined as follows:

1. Promotion of Biomass Energy and Ethanol

Assign the Energy Institute for Industry to promote biomass electricity generation from bagasse and sugarcane leaves, which sugar factories can utilize as fuel for electricity production, while enhancing and facilitating business operations, allowing the factories to fully maximize their biomass electricity generation potential. Furthermore, promote ethanol to elevate sugarcane to clean energy by advancing E20 as the base fuel for the country, considering adjustments to the ethanol pricing structure to foster fair competition, and leveraging ethanol as a raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the bioplastics industry to support the transition to a green economy, which will be presented to the Green Economy forum.

2. Promote the “Sweet Cane Project” to Increase Upstream Productivity

Assign the Industrial Promotion and Support Department to push the “Sweet Cane Project” aimed at enhancing productivity for the upstream sugar industry, while coordinating with related industry groups and agricultural industrial institutes to promote collaboration between the FTI and the Ministry of Industry.

3. Accelerate the Resolution of Issues Concerning the Suspension of Syrup and Mixed Sugar Imports from China

Assign the Complaints Department to address the issue of China's suspension of syrup and mixed sugar imports, aiming to establish a Competent Authority (CA) in the country to expedite problem resolution and ensure food safety, as well as to enhance the regulatory framework and standards for exported food products to build confidence in Thai products and reduce trade barriers for Thai entrepreneurs, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

This discussion reflects the collaboration between the FTI and the sugar industry group in advancing proposals from the industrial sector towards policy resolution, aiming to reform policies jointly with the government, eliminate trade barriers, and create future energy stability.

Participants included FTI executives, such as Mr. Isares Ratthanadillok na Phuket, Vice President of the FTI, Mr. Mongkol Hengrojanosophon, Vice President of the FTI and Chair of the Complaints Department, Mr. Suwatch Supakarndejakul, Vice President of the FTI, and Mr. Teerapon Tiravathin, Vice President of the FTI.

Representatives from the sugar industry included Ms. Rattanaporn Cheungsongwan, President of the Thai Sugar Factory Association, Mr. Nopporn Wongwatanasin, Executive Director of the Sugar Industry Group, Dr. Natthaphon Atsadathon, from the Thai Rising Sugar Group, Mr. Pariwat Kanchanathana from the Eastern Sugar and Cane Group, and Ms. Somlakkh Dibancha from the Korat Sugar Group.