ส.อ.ท. ภาคอีสาน ระดมกำลังขับเคลื่อนอุตสาหกรรม–พลังงาน หนุนลดต้นทุน เพิ่มขีดแข่งขันภูมิภาคFTI Northeast Region Mobilizes to Drive Industry and Energy to Reduce Costs and Enhance Regional Competitiveness

On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Northeast Industrial Council convened its 3rd meeting of 2025, led by Mr. Siri Netjharatsang, President of the Maha Sarakham Provincial Industrial Council, who welcomed the attendees. Mr. Somyot Chanjungthawon, President of the Northeast Industrial Council, officiated the opening of the meeting.

This meeting was honored by the presence of Mr. Thawi Piyapalthan, Senior Vice President of FTI, Mr. Apichit Prasoprat, and Mr. Thawatchai Hengprasert, Vice Presidents of FTI, along with their teams, to provide suggestions for promoting and supporting the operations of the provincial industrial councils, as well as to hear the issues faced by members in the area, at Siam Hall, Siam Thara Palace Hotel, Maha Sarakham Province.

Key topics presented included:

1. Notification of the schedule for the annual general meeting of FTI 2026 and the preparatory work for the selection of the new president for the provinces whose terms are expiring.
2. Progress on the Solar Rooftop project: A proposal to service providers to create a video clip introducing the project for the provincial council to disseminate to members.
3. Public relations on the application for the health check-up program for employees for the year 2026 with FTI from now until December 30, 2025. This project can help reduce costs for operators by over 30-50%, targeting members in the general category – factories (SOM).
4. Issues of concern
4.1 Problems regarding the price of Thai cassava starch
The price of Thai cassava starch is higher than competitors from neighboring countries (by approximately USD 50-60/ton), resulting in a loss of competitiveness.
Proposals include:
• Requesting the government to support measures to reduce energy costs and to review the fuel tax structure.
• Pushing for Thailand's participation in the “Carbon Footprint Reduction” program to enhance market competitiveness globally.
• Accelerating negotiations for additional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with trading partners, particularly the USA, Japan, Europe, Korea, and India, to expand export markets.
4.2 Advocacy for Direct PPA (Direct Power Purchase Agreement)
The Ubon Ratchathani Industrial Estate intends to purchase green electricity directly from private power producers under the Direct PPA model; however, it faces spatial constraints as the buyer and producer are located in different districts, preventing action under current regulations. Presently, the Direct PPA pilot project is only available in the EEC area, so there is a proposal to consider expanding the operational area to include Ubon Ratchathani Province as well to support the use of renewable energy and enhance the competitiveness of operators in the area. This matter has already been presented in the Joint Business Council meeting and will be followed up with copies of documents sent to the Federation of Thai Industries.