Pesticide levels pose threat to Thai vegetable exports

Researchers are calling for a reduction in the types of pesticides that can be registered for use at local farms because of concerns the European Union might ban Thai vegetable exports. The sharp increase in pesticide use by Thai farmers has alarmed international markets. One researcher said the Department of Agriculure also needed to impose a complete ban on four hazardous chemicals still used in Thailand but not in any developed country. Rapichan Phurisamban, of Biothai, said the country's record of pesticide use was worrying. Thailand imported 42,089 tonnes of pesticides in 1997 but that figure had risen to 137,594 tonnes in 2009. Food and Agriculture Organisation figures for 2007 show Thailand had 27,126 agricultural chemical brands registered for use - more than China (20,000), Vietnam (1,743), Indonesia (1,158), Malaysia (917), Burma (818) and Laos (100) combined.

"[It is] not only that the country is consuming a massive amount of chemicals, we have also found that farmers still use agricultural chemicals that have been banned in many countries," Ms Rapichan said. "They are carbofuran, dicrotophos, methomyl and EPN. "The department should urgently ban these hazardous chemicals in line with international practice." The present list of pesticides approved for use should also be reduced. The list of pesticides approved for use is due to expire in August. The EU recently found prohibited chemicals in imported vegetables including basil, chili, Chinese bitter cucumber and bean. Fears of a possible EU ban on Thai vegetables has prompted the government to order a temporary suspension of shipments. Dr Pattapong Kessomboon of the Department of Community Medicine at Khon Kaen University expressed concern over the government's alleged ignorance of the uncontrolled use of dangerous chemicals on vegetables.

"We were warned about chemical-contaminated vegetables 26 times in 2009 and up to 55 times last year," said Dr Pattapong, a member of the Thailand Pesticide Network. "But there has been no quick response from the state agencies concerned. We expect the EU to ban our vegetable exports soon." He said chemical and pesticide use on vegetables had led to serious health problems including cancer. Department of Agriculture director-general Jirakorn Kosaisevi insisted yesterday the state's controls on chemicals were on the right track.