The network had appealed to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 27 to invoke special powers accorded him under Article 44 of the interim charter.

It submitted a petition via Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan in Bangkok demanding that the government address its concerns as a national agenda priority.

The government was urged to promote the use of rubber by state agencies, with road construction and repair projects mandated to use a 5-per-cent ratio of para-rubber in asphalt mixes beginning in fiscal 2018.

Network secretary Thanomkiat Yingchuan said his group had supplied the government with cost estimates and related calculations.

He speculated that the government is reluctant to invoke Article 44 for fear of upsetting investors who reap “monopolised benefits” from road construction and by importing para-rubber products.

The network is ramping up pressure on the government by erecting “protest signs” all over the South, Thanomkiat said, and would mobilise growers to rally in Bangkok and petition various ministries.

Para-rubber prices as of Monday were around Bt50 per kilogram for latex and Bt55.85 for smoked rubber sheet.