The Commerce Ministry has been instructed by the National Rice Policy Committee to gradually release rice stockpiles in two months, as output from the new season will start flowing into the market in November.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said that the ministry will consider to first sell specialty grains, including sticky rice and Pathum Rice, and old stockpiles. The 5 per cent white rice sale will take place later, as the sale now would further dampen the price due to pressure from Vietnam.

The ministry may also lower rice price sold under the Government-to-Government contract to maintain customer loyalty. So far, Iraq has shown high interest to purchase rice from Thailand under G-to-G contract

Source: The Nation