Bangkok (VNA) – Key government mechanisms to manage living costs, regulate the agricultural market and support businesses at all levels have contributed to a significant increase in rice prices across Thailand, the Department of Internal Trade under the Thai Ministry of Commerce reported on January 5.
The price of white rice in Thailand has now risen to over 8,000 THB (about 255 USD) per tonne, while fragrant Hom Mali rice is selling for between 14,700–16,100 THB per tonne, and up to 18,000 THB per tonne in some areas. Prices for Pathum Thani paddy range from 8,000–8,300 THB per tonne, while glutinous rice fetches between 7,000–10,000 THB per tonne. Hom Mali paddy has seen the sharpest increase, reaching 1,000 THB per tonne, while regular paddy prices have been risen to 400 THB per tonne – among the highest levels seen this season.
According to the department, this improvement reflects measures implemented by the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC), including more than 50 rice market intervention projects across 32 provinces. These initiatives have enabled businesses to purchase directly from farmers at prices averaging 200–400 THB per tonne higher than general market levels.
The Department of Internal Trade has also rolled out additional measures such as delaying sales, establishing off-region collection points, and strengthening inspections of key agricultural commodities, including feed corn, cassava, rice and palm oil, to prevent price manipulation and ensure fair incomes for farmers.
At the same time, the department has been working to enhance the value of Thai agricultural products through initiatives such as the DIT X MasterChef Thailand project, which aims to promote the upgrading of local raw materials into high-value products and expands distribution channels by linking producers with modern retailers and petrol stations.
For small businesses, the department has supported those in border areas to connect with external markets, subsidising transport through postal services and partnering with TikTok to expand online sales channels./.
