3 million tonnes of rice mortgaged under government plan. [Dec 16, 2011]

Thailand’s farmers have mortgaged over 3 million tonnes of unmilled rice since the Oct 7 startup of the government's rice mortgage scheme. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Estimated Thai food industry flood loss reaches Bt50 billion. [Dec 16, 2011]

Initial flood losses to Thailand's food industry have been estimated at Bt50 billion. The figure is the result of a survey carried out by the National Food Institute, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Probe urged on limited rice bid. [Dec 15, 2011]

Rice exporters have urged Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong to investigate the recent release of rice to Indonesia after only two trading firms were allowed to participate in the bidding. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Estimated Thai food industry flood loss reaches Bt50 billion. [Dec 15, 2011]

Initial flood losses to Thailand's food industry have been estimated at Bt50 billion. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

BAAC, CP to help farmers lift output. [Dec 2, 2011]

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has teamed up with a CP Group unit to help flood-affected farmers resume work with more efficient production methods. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Some farmers in pledging scheme can store their own rice, BAAC decides. [Nov 29, 2011]

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is allowing farmers participating in the pledging scheme to stockpile rice in their own silos. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Low-calibre rice going up for bid to feed meal makers. [Nov 28, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry on Tuesday will open an auction for 92,000 tonnes of rice in storage, mainly deteriorated stock for animal feed producers, says a ministry source. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Falling price of rice exports a worry. [Nov 23, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry has blamed rice millers for the lower price of rice while exporters are complaining about falling prices because of sluggish demand overseas and difficulties with shipments due to the flooding. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice exports face rocky road in 2012. [Nov 21, 2011]

The export outlook for Thai rice next year will depend on the government's policy for promoting exports and the export performance of india, says the Thai Rice Exporters Association. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Seven countries to import Thai rice under G2G contracts. [Nov 19, 2011]

Thailand plans to sell rice from its stockpiles to seven trading-partner countries under government-to-government (G2G) contracts, Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol said. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice-pledging: 'Huge loss' on the cards. [Nov 16, 2011]

At least Bt1.3 billion could be lost to corruption under the government's rice-pledging project, with warehouses alleging that officials have insisted on under-the-table money for allowing them to join the scheme. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Floods to take B72bn toll on crops; H1 saw highest sector growth in a decade. [Nov 16, 2011]

The floods that have been ravaging the Chao Phraya River basin for four months have caused damages worth 72 billion baht to Thailand's agricultural sector and trimmed its growth forecast to only 1% from 3% projected earlier. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thai crisis to be factor in 2012 drop in rice-trade: FAO. [Nov 14, 2011]

International rice trade should fall slightly next year, because of weakening demand as well as lower exports from flood-hit Thailand, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). In a statement released yesterday, the United Nations agency said trade volume next year could fall to 33.8 million tonnes, from 34.3 million forecast for this year. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

US rival to Thai jasmine rice takes global stage. [Nov 10, 2011]

Thai jasmine-rice exports will face serious competition in the global market after rapid development of the similar-quality "Jazzman rice II" strain in the United States. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Direct rice dealing possible; Farmers seek to avoid red tape. [Nov 8, 2011]

Farmers and millers will likely deal directly in paddy purchases to avoid the complicated document requirements of the government's rice pledging scheme, says the Thai Rice Mills Association. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Pledging constraints may be eased. [Nov 4, 2011]

The government will allow rice to be pledged across pledging zones within the same province and maybe the same region, says Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Pledged paddy 28% short of 25m-tonne estimate. [Oct 31, 2011]

The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) estimates a total of 18 million tonnes of paddy will be pledged under the government's mortgage programme, 28% short of the projected 25 million tonnes earlier, as floods have damaged a huge amount of paddy. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Northern rice harvest will make amends. [Oct 28, 2011]

Strong output from the northern provinces is likely to offset the flood-damaged rice crop, easing fears that Thailand could face a supply shortfall later this year. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Fewer than hoped have joined rice-pledging scheme. [Oct 27, 2011]

Fewer farmers than hoped for have joined the government's rice-subsidy scheme, pledging only 62,000 tonnes since it started on October 7. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Next second rice-crop yield to be high. [Oct 27, 2011]

Although floods have cut rice output by 10 million tonnes, Thailand is confident of reaching total supply of 25 million tonnes next year on expectations of a higher yield in the next second crop. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice exports slow as buyers look elsewhere; Cheap Indian grain pressures prices. [Oct 19, 2011]

Thai rice exports are slow at the moment due to floods and the impact of more parboiled rice being sold by India at US$120 a tonne cheaper than the same grade of Thai rice. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Damage to paddy may hit 7m tones; But officials claim exports won't suffer. [Oct 15, 2011]

Floods have already damaged about 700,000 tonnes of paddy but the final tally could be 6-7 million tonnes, says the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

50% fall seen in Oct rice exports. [Oct 13, 2011]

Rice exports are expected to drop by almost a half from the monthly average of 1 million tonnes to only 550,000 tonnes this month because of the floods. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Yingluck waves aside worries over paddy pledging plan. [Oct 10, 2011]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insists that farmers will benefit from the rice mortgage scheme despite reservations they may have about it. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Paddy scheme off to slow start; Few farmers turn out to mortgage their crops. [Oct 8, 2011]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra officially launched the project, a key policy platform of the Pheu Thai Party, at the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Floods put early dampener on rice mortgage scheme. [Oct 8, 2011]

Washed-out crops, shrinking profit margins prompt rethink of farming methods. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Severe flooding impedes first day of rice mortgage scheme; participation sluggish. [Oct 8, 2011]

Floods over much of the Chao Phraya River basin put a damper on the first day of the government's rice pledging scheme, with sluggish activity reported countrywide due to widespread severe flooding. ... [More]

Source:  MCOT online news

Banks to fund rice mortgage scheme; Programme will offer 15,000 baht a tonne. [Oct 7, 2011]

The government will raise 320 billion baht from domestic financial institutions to help finance the rice mortgage scheme from December to February 2012. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice scheme will cost 'less than B430bn'. [Oct 6, 2011]

The government's rice mortgage scheme would boost rice prices so less than 15 million tonnes of paddy would have to be mortgaged by farmers, says Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice price to rise as floods hit harvests. [Oct 6, 2011]

At least 8.5 million rai of rice fields, which can produce 4 million to 5 million tonnes of paddy rice, have already been destroyed by flooding, according to the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Millers slow to sign up as many hurt by floods. [Oct 5, 2011]

The number of rice millers in the government's pledging programme is expected to exceed 1,000 although only 667 have signed up so far, says a source from the Internal Trade Department. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

PM to launch rice pledging scheme Thursday. [Oct 5, 2011]

The prime minister will preside over the official launch of the rice pledging scheme at Government House on Thursday. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Hom Mali auction will test system. [Oct 3, 2011]

The government will attempt to auction up to 40,000 tonnes of newly harvested fragrant rice under the government's new paddy mortgage scheme to test market response and pricing. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Second crop to be included. [Oct 1, 2011]

The government is extending its rice pledging scheme to include second-crop paddy after the first-crop portion ends. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Jakarta scraps rice purchase; Exporters say government at fault. [Sep 30, 2011]

Indonesia will scrap its plan to buy 70,000 tonnes of rice worth 1.37 billion baht from Thai exporters as a protest against the cancellation of a sale by the Thai government, say rice exporters. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Govt urged to set rice quota for farmers; Land owner investors could abuse scheme. [Sep 30, 2011]

The Thai Farmers Association is urging the government to set a paddy rice quota for farmers to prevent land owners from exploiting the rice mortgage scheme and leaving farmers broke. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice stockpiles report 'a must'. [Sep 30, 2011]

Rice millers, exporters and traders who have more than 15 tonnes of rice in their warehouses must report their stockpiles to the Commerce Ministry as a measure to prevent them selling rice to the government under the pledging project instead of farmers. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Jakarta to buy elsewhere; Minister. [Sep 29, 2011]

Indonesia will seek to buy rice from other countries if Thailand does not honour an earlier agreement to sell the grain, Trade Minister Mari Pangestu said yesterday. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Commerce ministry plans trial for rice program. [Sep 29, 2011]

The commerce minister has ordered all related agencies to test the rice price pledging scheme and go over the anti-corruption guideline before the program starts on October 7. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Minister rejects dire forecast for Thai rice. [Sep 27, 2011]

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong yesterday rejected predictions that the government. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Kittiratt seeks to calm fears over rice plan; Minister promises no effect on fiscal budget. [Sep 27, 2011]

Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has rejected claims that the Pheu Thai-led government's rice mortgage scheme will cost the country hundreds of billions of baht. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Pridiyathorn warns against rice-pledging scheme. [Sep 26, 2011]

Vietnam, the world's second-biggest rice exporter, could topple Thailand from its perch and become No 1 if the Yingluck government goes ahead with the rice-pledging scheme, former finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula warned. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice plan loss could hit B250bn; Pridiyathorn warns of possible crippling cost. [Sep 26, 2011]

Taxpayers could be hit with a 250 billion baht bill under the government's return to a loophole-ridden rice mortgage subsidy programme, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, a former deputy prime minister says. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Thai rice scheme causes price uncertainty. [Sep 24, 2011]

A populist policy aimed at boosting the incomes of Thai farmers has raised fears of global rice price turbulence, and experts say the kingdom could just be hurting itself. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Controls planned ahead of pledging. [Sep 24, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry has ordered rice millers and traders to declare the amount of rice they possess. The order is a pre-emptive measure against possible malfeasance by traders attempting to receive high payments for low-priced or imported paddy rice in the pledging scheme set to start on Oct 7. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Farmers' roles in pledging clarified. [Sep 23, 2011]

Rice farmers have to handle the paddy mortgage procedures by themselves and show their farmer certificates issued by the Agriculture Ministry in order to enter the project, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Crops back record trade in August. [Sep 23, 2011]

The value of Thailand's exports in August reached a record US$21.57 billion, increasing by 31.1% year-on-year, supported by the strong performance of farm product and food shipments, according to the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Experts worry over fiscal impact of rice-subsidy. [Sep 22, 2011]

The cost of the rice-subsidy scheme threatens fiscal sustainability and may leave the government with little money for much-needed investment in infrastructure projects, experts have warned. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Economists tally costs of rice scheme. [Sep 21, 2011]

While experts expect the government's rice pledging scheme to incur a significant fiscal loss, they have mixed views about its potential impact on consumer prices and economic growth. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

Thai rice has image problem. [Sep 19, 2011]

Thai trade representatives last week expressed concern over the declining quality of Thai rice exports, saying the government should come up with a strong campaign promoting Thai rice quality to explain the rise in prices. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Thai rice exporters slam rice pledging scheme. [Sep 18, 2011]

The Thai Rice Exporters Association feels that the government's rice pledging scheme will have a severe impact on Thai rice exports and that Thailand will lose a significant share of the global market as the world's leading rice exporter. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Summit between top two exporters meant to smooth shipments. [Sep 17, 2011]

Thailand and Vietnam, the world's two biggest rice exporters, will hold talks today on future trade arrangements and the effects from the Thai government's revival of the crop mortgage scheme. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok post

VN stands to gain from rice pledging plan. [Sep 17, 2011]

Vietnam expects that its rice exports will grow to as much as 7 million tonnes next year, benefiting from Thailand's rice-pledging scheme. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Vietnam, Thailand share rice information. [Sep 17, 2011]

Vietnamese and Thai officials and experts have shared the latest information on rice production and export situation in their countries as well as the world food prices. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Cabinet nod to Bt435 bn for pledging scheme; Private sector split on programme. [Sep 14, 2011]

The Cabinet yesterday approved a Bt435.54-billion budget for the rice-pledging scheme as part of its policy to subsidise about 25 million tonnes of paddy rice this year. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice-for-oil barter weighed. [Sep 13, 2011]

Barter trade between rice and oil could be possible in principle but a careful study of details would be needed, says Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Bounty for Rice Scheme Fraud Informers. [Sep 13, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry plans to reward informers who give tips about corruption in the rice pledging scheme. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice-price speculation a poor bet, experts warn. [Sep 13, 2011]

Economists examining the government's rice policy have big questions on its chances of success. Though there is no clear implementation plan, Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong is betting that the pledging measure will manipulate rice prices in the global market. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Mortgage rice scheme is launched; Govt vows to foot bill if disputed plan fails. [Sep 12, 2011]

The National Rice Policy Committee has approved the controversial rice mortgage scheme which will ensure prices for farmers of up to 20,000 baht per tonne - about 5,000 baht a tonne above the current market price. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Commerce to set up rice panel. [Sep 6, 2011]

The Ministry of Commerce will propose to the cabinet meeting today that a national rice policy committee be set up to oversee the promised rice mortgage scheme, Deputy Commerce Minister Phum Saraphol said on Tuesday. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice hoarding soars ahead of pledge plan; CP chief says the days of cheap rice are over. [Sep 6, 2011]

The rice-pledging plan has led to widespread hoarding, with an estimated 3 million tonnes of rice having been stockpiled in recent weeks to gain from higher prices offered by the plan. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice scheme a money pit, TDRI says; Economists claim govt will lose tens of billions. [Sep 5, 2011]

The government will lose tens of billions of baht in taxpayer money annually if it revives the rice mortgage scheme as planned, economists warn. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice scheme will hurt Thais and help Vietnam. [Sep 5, 2011]

While consumers and taxpayers will suffer from the government's controversial rice policy, Vietnam will substantially gain, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has warned. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Hasty pledging questioned. [Sep 5, 2011]

The rush to revive rice pledging this year will likely benefit certain groups of traders and millers, as the amount of second-crop grain in the hands of farmers is low, say experts. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thai export rice price to exceed $700 per ton, Yanyong says. [Sep 2, 2011]

Thailand’s export rice price may climb to more than $700 per metric ton because of a government plan to buy the grain from farmers at guaranteed prices, Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Phuangrach said. ... [More]

Source: Bloomberg

Paddy subsidy a one-year trial. [Sep 2, 2011]

The new government's populist rice-pledging scheme will be a short-lived subsidy lasting only one year if it fails to influence market prices for rice, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said yesterday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice prices likely to jump 25% from next month. [Sep 2, 2011]

Retail rice prices could jump by 25% or more from next month once the government launches the crop mortgage programme. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Govt's rice mortgage scheme starts Oct 7: Commerce Minister. [Sep 2, 2011]

The Thai government's rice mortgage scheme is set to start Oct 7, with the pledging price of white rice at Bt15,000/tonne and Thai jasmine rice at Bt20,000/tonne, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittarat Na Ranong. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Commerce ministry to meet rice millers ahead of launch of rice pledging scheme. [Aug 30, 2011]

The Rice Millers Association is planning to submit suggestions for the rice pledging scheme to the Commerce Ministry, which will focus on releasing government rice stocks once the scheme is completed. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Graft risk seen in rice plan. [Aug 27, 2011]

The rice mortgage scheme, which the Pheu Thai-led government plans to revive, is rife with opportunities for corruption, says the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Ministry wants rice policy body set up soon. [Aug 26, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry will propose that the new National Rice Policy Committee be set up soon to prepare for the resumption of the price-pledging project and consider releasing stockpiled rice. ... [More]

Source:  The Nation

Exports in July back on fast track; 38% growth spurred by rubber and rice. [Aug 26, 2011]

After a hiccup in recent months, Thai exports regained strength in July, with a record monthly value and growth of 38.2% year-on-year, bringing the seven-month expansion to 25.7%. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Pledging scheme 'will subsidise foreign producers'. [Aug 25, 2011]

The government's policy to buy up paddy rice at Bt12,000-Bt20,000 per tonne from farmers will end up giving a windfall to rice producers around the world at the expense of Thai taxpayers, Democrat MP Trairong Suwanakiri warned yesterday. ... [More]

Source:  The Nation

Idea to revive rice mortgage plan blasted; Democrats warn of big losses, Vietnam rivalry. [Aug 25, 2011]

The Democrats fiercely criticised the government's plan to revive the rice mortgage scheme during the second day of the parliamentary debate on government policies yesterday. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Cost of rice subsidy to be passed on to high end: minister. [Aug 23, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry is planning to subsidise sales of packaged white rice as part of the government's plan to absorb some of rising cost of living, especially for low-income earners. ... [More]

Source:  The Nation

Rice exports rocket this year on low prices. [Aug 23, 2011]

Thailand's rice exports rose strongly in the first seven months this year thanks to competitive export prices with rival Vietnam and high global demand. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Exporters to meet with Vietnamese. [Aug 20, 2011]

Thailand is ready to discuss the impact of a sudden rise in rice prices with Vietnam in order to strengthen cooperation between the world's two biggest exporters to market the grain globally. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

8m tonnes for rice pledging scheme. [Aug 19, 2011]

The government is planning to launch its rice-pledging programme for an initial volume of 8 million tonnes of paddy rice. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Big rise in rice export price inevitable. [Aug 18, 2011]

Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has vowed to proceed with the Pheu Thai Party's election promise to buy paddy rice from farmers at 15,000 baht a tonne, while conceding it could increase the export price of Thai rice to US$800 a tonne, from $550 this week. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Rice mortgage scheme to start in November. [Aug 18, 2011]

The government will start its rice mortgage programme in November, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said on Wednesday. ... [More]

Source:  Bangkok Post

Anti-graft measures pondered for rice price program. [Aug 9, 2011]

The National Rice Policy Committee is planning to propose measures to prevent corruption in the price pledging program to be brought back to use by the incoming government. ... [More]

Source: TANN

BAAC calls for B100bn to purchase paddy under rice mortgages. [Aug 5, 2011]

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives budgets up to 100 billion baht to buy paddy rice under the mortgage scheme of the new government. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

PWO refocuses ahead of pledging scheme. [Aug 4, 2011]

The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is revamping its operations to focus more on trading and stockpiling in light of the new government's planned reintroduction of the rice-pledging scheme. The aim is to facilitate the distribution of rice and other commodity goods. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Targets for food exports. [Aug 2, 2011]

Thailand's food exports are projected to reach 1 trillion baht over the next two years driven by rising demand and an expected increase in food value, says the National Food Institute (NFI). ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Price pledging policy will create distortion in market. [Aug 1, 2011]

The Pheu Thai-led government's promised policy to bring back the rice-pledging scheme will create market monopolisation, subsidising all rice strains, and result in artificially high prices. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Farmers urged to focus on white rice. [Aug 1, 2011]

Thai farmers should concentrate on white rice and continue growing unique varieties of fragrant rice only for the premium market to cope with tougher competition from the emergence of India and Indonesia as key suppliers, says a rice expert. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Pledging scheme 'could cut rice exports in half'. [Jul 29, 2011]

Overseas sales of Thai rice next year could suffer as much as a 50-per-cent reduction from this year's expected 10 million tonnes if the new government resumes the pledging scheme without any measures to support the export sector, the Thai Rice Exporters Association warned yesterday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Export strength continues but growth rate slackening. [Jul 29, 2011]

Thailand's export growth is likely to continue easing downward to below 15% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, says the Department of Export Promotion. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice exporters feel threatened; Cheaper neighbours' supplies may be tapped. [Jul 28, 2011]

Thai rice exporters are already looking for alternative supplies from Vietnam and Cambodia in case the new government makes the price too dear for export, which could halve volume to only 5 million tonnes next year for a revenue loss of 60-70 billion baht. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

High rice price may end kingdom's export leadership. [Jul 28, 2011]

Thailand could lose its leadership in rice exports if the Pheu Thai-led government brings back the price-pledging scheme, as in the worst case that would lead to unsold stocks of 8 million to 10 million tonnes, smuggling from neighbouring countries and sourcing cheaper supplies from abroad, the Thai Rice Exporters Association warned yesterday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Thailand to push Asean patent registration. [Jul 26, 2011]

Thailand will push for cooperation on patent examination exchange in Asean in the hopes of accelerating patent registration in the region. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Commerce Ministry confirms no shortage of rice. [Jul 21, 2011]
Thailand will definitely not experience a rice shortage as more than one million tonnes of rice is in government stock, while rice mills and exporters also hold a large amount of rice, Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangrach assured consumers on Thursday. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Unclear Pheu Thai party's policy to create rice hoarding. [Jul 21, 2011]

The outgoing prime minister has expressed his opinion that the new government's plan to buy rice from farmers is creating a problem, as there has been rice hoarding since the policy was announced. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Ministry plans measures to deal with rice price spike. [Jul 20, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry has yet to approve price increases for packaged rice but has pledged to come up with measures to compensate packaging firms if the prices are to remain capped. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

China prepares for higher cost of Thai rice in global market. [Jul 18, 2011]

According to Xiamen reports, due to the fact that Pheu Thai Party had won the general election to form the country's new government, the export value of rice is expected to be increased by 66 percent due to their rice pledge policy of 15,000 THB per tonne.  ... [More]

Source:  NNT

Paddy rice prices increase after Pheu Thai's policy announcement. [Jul 14, 2011]

The prices for paddy rice have risen after the Pheu Thai Party announced its plan to buy rice from farmers. There has also been rice hoarding since the policy was announced. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Millers hoarding rice in hopes of pledging return. [Jul 11, 2011]

Rice packers are warning of retail price increases in the next two months as stocks dwindle while the industry waits to see if the new government will make good on its promise to increase crop prices. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Exporters worried about baht policy. [Jul 9, 2011]

Exporters are uncomfortable with the prospect of a strengthening baht, as they want a stable exchange rate to help them keep pace amid tough global competition. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice industry raises concerns over rice pledging scheme. [Jul 8, 2011]

The rice industry has expressed some concerns about possible fraud and inefficiency of the price-pledging scheme soon to be implemented by the new government. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Rice traders await clarity on PT policy. [Jul 5, 2011]

The rice market is frozen as traders worry that the revival of the rice mortgage policy by the new Pheu Thai-led government could jack up prices of white rice in the global market to as much as US$850 a tonne. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thai rice exporters warn of rising prices after polls. [Jul 5, 2011]

Bangkok - The victory of the opposition party at the weekend polls could mean a 50 per cent jump in Thailand's rice prices in coming months on the back of promised handouts, the country's rice exporters warned Monday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Export price plunges as importers freeze orders. [Jul 1, 2011]

The export price of Thai rice has fallen sharply during the past week as importers suspended their orders after the panic over the skyrocketing price last month. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Hom Mali rice GI registration likely this year. [Jun 27, 2011]

Thailand's geographical indication (GI) registration plan for Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai is likely to be completed by the end of this year, as Thailand has agreed to brown rice not being processed and packaged at a source of origin. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Commerce ministry draws up plan to boost Thai rice exports. [Jun 24, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry has drawn up a five-year national rice-trading strategy aimed at boosting export value and increasing the quality of Thai rice to meet demand in the global market. ... [More]

Source : TANN

More jasmine rice export grades planned in bid to boost competitiveness. [Jun 23, 2011]

The authorities will revamp the Thai jasmine rice export standard into more grades in order to ensure export growth, following the loss of market share to other fragrant rice exporting nations due to the Kingdom's high prices. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Record volume of 14 M tonnes seen this year. [Jun 22, 2011]

Rice traders and experts are optimistic that Thai rice export volume could exceed 14 million tonnes this year, the historical record following higher demand in the world market as well as lower supply in many nations. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Thailand aims to increase 15 percent rice output by 2015. [Jun 22, 2011]

Thailand, the world's biggest rice exporter, planned to increase annual production by 15 percent to 35 million tonnes of paddy by 2015 to meet rising global demand, a senior Agriculture Ministry official said on Monday. ... [More]

Source: www.brecorder.com

Rice sector convenes to disucss proposed policies. [Jun 22, 2011]

The Thai Rice Exporters Association has voiced support for the income guarantee policy while the Thai Farmers Association labels the income guarantee and pledging strategies as empty promises. ... [More]

Source : TANN

Flaws seen in proposed pledging scheme for rice. [Jun 22, 2011]

When considering the rival farm-goods policies being put forward during the election campaign, income guarantees versus a pledging scheme, it can be seen that the first method would sustain Thailand's competitiveness while the second would monopolise the rice business chain in the hands of the government. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice exporters see continued higher prices for Thai grain. [Jun 21, 2011]

The price of Thai rice tends to rise continuously and could reach Bt10,000 per tonne in the second half of this year, according to Thai Rice Exporters Association. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Election set to see rice prices leap. [Jun 21, 2011]

International rice traders are concerned about world rice prices skyrocketing if the new Thai government reinstates the rice mortgage scheme, causing buyers to divert their orders to other countries. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

May export growth eases. [Jun 21, 2011]

Exports rose by 17.6% year-on-year in May, the slowest pace in seven months due to the contraction in the automobile industry caused by the Japanese disaster. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice industry backs income-guarantee plan of Democrats. [Jun 17, 2011]

Most farmers, millers, rice traders and exporters say they prefer the income-guarantee policy proposed for rice farmers by the Democrat Party, rather than the pledging scheme for rice prices proposed by Pheu Thai. Their representatives concluded after a political debate yesterday that an income-guarantee programme would ensure them real benefits, would not distort market mechanisms, would be more transparent, and would cost the country less. ... [More]

Source:  The Nation

Rice bodies draft master plan for new government. [Jun 17, 2011]

Amid the ongoing arguments by political parties about the claimed benefits of price pledging versus price guarantees, rice industry organisations plan to map out a permanent strategy for use by the new government as a guideline. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Pheu Thai rice promise pushing up market prices. [Jun 15, 2011]

Rice exporters are predicting prices will jump sharply the day after a Pheu Thai election victory, but the market seems unwilling to wait, judging from current levels. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice trade festival to bring farmers and traders together. [Jun 13, 2011]

Farmers, millers and local rice traders will get the chance to meet directly with exporters and international rice buyers during the Thai Rice Festival on June 21. ... [More]

Source:  The Nation

Thailand exporting 10 million tonnes of rice this year. [Jun 13, 2011]

Thailand is expected to export  9-9.5 million tonnes of rice this year, with the quantity possibly reaching 10 million tonnes at more than Bt170 billion in value. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

BAAC holds off rice price guarantee scheme to after election. [Jun 10, 2011]

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has postponed the rice price guarantee scheme till after the election, pending the new administration. ... [More]

Source: TANN

2 international rice seminars to be held in June. [Jun 7, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry will host two big rice seminars this month, targeting more than 1,500 rice traders and experts, in an effort to maintain Thailand's position as the world's leading rice supplier in terms of both quality and volume. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice exports could surpass 10m tonnes. [Jun 4, 2011]

Thailand's rice exports this year should top 10 million tonnes, based on a 50.5% year-on-year rise to 5.13 million tonnes in the first five months on high demand. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice exporters target Nigerian market. [May 31, 2011]

Thailand is eying Nigeria as a growing market for rice export and for investment cooperation in energy. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Democrats promise top rice prices. [May 25, 2011]

The Democrat Party has vowed to offer better prices to rice growers with a plan to subsidise transport costs and offer higher profits under the next phase of the rice price insurance scheme. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

To pledge or guarantee? [May 18, 2011]

High rice prices can provide a slam-dunk to victory in a prelude to an election but both intervention models have their flaws. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Adding value to rice through greater innovation. [May 18, 2011]

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has for years promoted the use of innovation and technology in developing rice into a variety of products to sell at a higher value. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Cambodia eyes Filipino market. [May 16, 2011]

Cambodia has held high-level talks with the Philippines that could result in the country's fledgling rice-export industry competing with Thailand and Vietnam for contracts to supply the world's largest importer. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Commerce Ministry to promote Thai rice in HK. [May 12, 2011]

The Ministry of Commerce will promote Thai jasmine rice at the HOFEX 2011 food exhibition in Hong Kong in an effort to promote the image of Thai rice and boost its sales in hotels, and restaurants.  ... [More]

Source : NNT

Higher output costs look set to push up packed rice prices. [May 11, 2011]

The price of packed rice looks likely to rise this year to cover expected increases in the cost of production and distribution. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice to gain as Vietnam stocks absorbed. [May 7, 2011]

Local paddy prices are expected to rise in line with global market trends once the market absorbs large new supplies from Vietnam, says the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Trade to slow until post-election. [May 7, 2011]

Trade in Thai rice is expected to grow slowly in the next few months as Thai traders and international buyers wait to see the rice policy of the government that will be in place after the coming election. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Thailand presses EU for jasmine rice protection. [May 7, 2011]

Thailand is stepping up its demands that the European Union grant Thai rice growers the exclusive ability to market their product in Europe as jasmine rice. ... [More]

Source: MarketWatch.com

Inexpensive fertilizer offered to reduce financial burden on rice farmers. [Apr 30, 2011]

The Finance Ministry is planning to propose to the Cabinet to consider insuring crops and offering fertilizer at cheaper prices, hoping this would enable farmers to grow rice when the season approaches. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Year of high gains for Thai food exporters. [Apr 28, 2011]

The value of this year's food exports is forecast to grow by 6.5 per cent to Bt855 billion, and volume by 4.5 per cent, in line with rising food prices as climate-change effects reduce global production, according to a joint statement by influential private organisations. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Food price spike projected. [Apr 28, 2011]

Food prices are expected to rise on growing demand from catastrophe-hit Japan and more frequent natural disasters cutting the supply of ingredients. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice price may peak at $550 a ton Q3 2011. [Apr 27, 2011]

Thailand the biggest exporter of rice may see more in exports this year as demand from Middle East and Asia remains strong. ... [More]

Source : Commodity online

Reviving mortgages no solution. [Apr 25, 2011]

The future of the Thai rice industry is at risk if the paddy price insurance programme is scrapped in favour of the costly and inefficient mortgage scheme it replaced, says an industry executive. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Ministry hopeful of exceeding rice export target. [Apr 22, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry is confident that this year's rice export will exceed the target of 9.5 million tons. The ministry also vows to continue its push for worldwide adoption of the Thai rice standard. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Thai rice exports may exceed 9.5 million tons, official says. [Apr 22, 2011]

Rice exports from Thailand, the world’s largest shipper of the grain, may gain more than expected this year, boosted by strong demand from the Middle East and Asia, according to the Ministry of Commerce. ... [More]

Source : Bloomberg

Export growth above 30%. [Apr 21, 2011]

Thai exports continued to grow at an impressive rate above 30% in March, pushing first-quarter growth to 28.26% year-on-year, supported by a strong rise in farm exports, according to Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Nigeria rice demand brisk. [Apr 20, 2011]

The successful staging of elections in Nigeria, the largest buyer of Thai rice, should help Thailand's rice exports, says a study by Kasikorn Research Center. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thung Kula Rong Hai protection debated. [Apr 16, 2011]

The head of the Intellectual Property Department will go to Europe in late May to counter EU nations' opposition to Thailand's geographical indication (GI) registration for Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Asia Grain Outlook: Rice May Fall More On Weak Africa Demand. [Apr 15, 2011]

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Asia's rice prices have mostly declined in the past few days as shipments of a few hundred thousand metric tons to the Ivory Coast have been diverted due to civil unrest in the African country. ... [More]

Source: Dow Jones

Thai rice exporters eye investments in Cambodia. [Apr 13, 2011]

Thai exporters plan to invest in Cambodia's fledgling rice sector, lured by low production costs and tariff-free exports to the European Union, an industry official said on Tuesday. ... [More]

Source: Reuters

Rice crop insurance delay likely; Consensus yet to be reached on 'disaster'. [Apr 12, 2011]

The government may not be able to offer crop insurance for rice farmers for their first crop in August because various parties still are reluctant to join the programme. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

New deal may spur market. [Apr 5, 2011]

Four rice exporters tendered bids yesterday to sell 200,000 tonnes of 5% parboiled rice to Bangladesh under a government-to-government deal. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Jasmine rice farmers demand income guarantee. [Apr 5, 2011]

The director general of the Rice Department is set to propose the government to hold registration for an income guarantee scheme for jasmine rice farmers in Surin province. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Thai Hom Mali hit by copycats abroad. [Apr 4, 2011]

The popularity of Thai fragrant rice has resulted in the exploitation of the Thai Hom Mali trademark and jasmine variety in China and Argentina. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Government to spend B5bn on rice; Shores up prices amid farmers' protests. [Apr 2, 2011]

The National Rice Policy Committee approved a budget of 5 billion baht to buy up to half a million tonnes of paddy to shore up domestic prices that have plunged because of harvests in Vietnam. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Inspection standard of Thailand Fragrance rice to start in Xiamen. [Apr 1, 2011]

Recently, the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China has issued the first inspection standard of Thailand Fragrance rice for degree of purity. The standard was drafted jointly by the Xiamen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau and Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, which are expected to be carried out this May. ... [More]

Source: WOXnews.com

Bangladesh rice deal questioned. [Mar 31, 2011]

The Foreign Trade Department will seek to export 200,000 tonnes of parboiled rice to Bangladesh under a government-to-government deal, but industry players are suspicious about conditions that seem to benefit only a few large exporters. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

BAAC receives B31bn budget for second crop paddy. [Mar 31, 2011]

The cabinet approved a 31.51-billion-baht budget as proposed by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives to spend on insurance for the second crop paddy of the 2010/2011 season. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Traceability for rice to be introduced. [Mar 28, 2011]

Thailand will implement a traceability system for rice as a strategy to add value to Thai rice and boost the confidence of consumers and, in particular, Japanese importers. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Production cuts seen as rice price fix; Removing one crop could cut infestations. [Mar 24, 2011]

Exporters and millers agree that reducing rice exports could help raise sagging world prices, but they admit it may be hard to persuade farmers to do so. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thailand planning fewer rice harvests in pest fight means drop in exports. [Mar 24, 2011]

Thailand, the world’s largest rice exporter, plans to reduce planting to curb pests and improve quality, an official from the Thai Rice Mills Association said. ... [More]

Source: Bloomberg

Thailand to establish benchmark rice price with physical market. [Mar 24, 2011]

Thailand, the world’s largest rice supplier, plans to establish a global benchmark price by allowing buyers and sellers to bid for shipments through a privately run centralized auction, the government said. ... [More]

Source: Bloomberg

Government lacks a 'Plan B' for rice; CP says price falls could be avoided. [Mar 17, 2011]

The current drop in domestic paddy prices reflects flaws in the government's price insurance scheme, which lacks supplementary measures to set minimum insured prices, according to Charoen Pokphand Group, Thailand's largest food conglomerate. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Cabinet approves B200m assistance for Japan. [Mar 15, 2011]

The cabinet on Monday approved a 200 million baht budget for providing assistance to victims of the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that have devastated northeast Japan, and will send a medical team and supplies to help rescue efforts. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Japan to impose traceability rules on farm imports in July. [Mar 14, 2011]

TOKYO : Thai rice exporters to Japan should be aware of new traceability rules that will take effect on July 1 as part of improved food safety measures. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice farmers pressing for better guarantee prices. [Mar 12, 2011]

Rice farmers in the central and northeastern provinces want the government to improve the crop insurance programme for paddy to allow for higher moisture content in order to make pricing fairer. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Farmers unhappy with new rice price. [Mar 10, 2011]

Rice farmers are not happy with the cabinet's decision to raise the price paid for pledged rice by only 1,000 baht as it still does not cover the cost of growing a crop, Thai Farmers Association chairman Prasit Boonchoey said on Wednesday. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

FAO calls for rice production boost. [Mar 10, 2011]

The UN's food agency on Wednesday called on Asian nations to help small farmers to grow more rice to prevent food shortages in the face of expanding populations. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Thailand to cooperate with neighbors on rice trade. [Mar 9, 2011]

To achieve its goal of making Thailand a rice-trading centre, the Commerce Ministry has drawn up a plan to cooperate with Burma and Cambodia, as both countries have high competency as supply sources to Thailand. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice farmers against new price guarantee schem. [Mar 9, 2011]

Many disgruntled rice farmers have come out to protest the National Rice Policy Board's decision for the small raise in reference price and quota for the income guarantee scheme. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Govt agrees to increase paddy prices. [Mar 8, 2011]

The government has agreed to raise guaranteed rice paddy prices in an attempt to ease pressure from protesting farmers blocking roads in Phitsanulok and Ayutthaya. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Benchmark price hike to be considered. [Mar 7, 2011]

The National Rice Policy Committee today will consider a request by farmers for a higher benchmark price for rice under the insurance programme in the 2010-11 crop year to reflect rising costs. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Private sector urges rice ties; Cooperation can benefit Thailand. [Mar 7, 2011]

The private sector wants Thailand to co-operate with neighbouring countries on rice production in order to beat rising costs and maintain long-term export leadership in the commodity. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Paddy prices continue to dip. [Mar 4, 2011]

Paddy prices in local markets have continued to drop despite rising demand in the world market and declining production in other rice-producing countries, according to a source from the Commerce Ministry. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice export outlook good. [Mar 1, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry expects rice sales through government-to-government channels will increase dramatically to 700,000-800,000 tonnes this year. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Projected drought to be major boost for Thai rice. [Mar 1, 2011]

A combination of the approaching drought season, the impact of the turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East and projected lower supply is expected to increase the price of Thai rice after a fall over the past month, the Foreign Trade Department said yesterday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Thai rice to face challenges. [Feb 24, 2011]

Thailand is likely to lose more rice sales to Vietnam in Asean countries once the Asean Economic Community (AEC) takes effect in 2015, warns an academic. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Stockpile release blamed for low rice prices. [Feb 23, 2011]

Falling rice prices are the consequence of the government releasing 4 million tonnes of rice from its stockpile and traders using it to swell domestic supply, according to a ricetrading source. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Traders, academics agree on need for change. [Feb 23, 2011]

Thai rice traders believe that market integration under the coming Asean Economic Community (AEC) will not only maintain Thailand's status as the world's largest rice exporter, but make the country into a ricetrading centre where buyers can shop for all kinds of rice. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Hong Kong remains major importer of Hom Mali fragrant rice. [Feb 22, 2011]

Hong Kong remains interested in buying Hom Mali fragrant rice from Thailand despite Vietnam's attempting to penetrate the rice market in Chinese territory, according to Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yangyong Puangraj. ... [More]

Source: MCOT online news

Commerce ministry dismisses bagged rice price hike. [Feb 18, 2011]

The commerce ministry insists it has no plans to approve the hike for bagged rice given that production costs have yet to increase. ... [More]

Source: TANN

Japanese food safety law could affect Thailand's rice exports. [Feb 17, 2011]

Japan has launched stricter quality measures for its rice supply, which could cause problems for Thai exports, the National Food Institute (NFI) said yesterday. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Rice exporters undercut in Indonesia. [Feb 17, 2011]

Thai rice exporters have cut sales projections to Indonesia to 351,000 tonnes, far lower than their expected 820,000 tonnes, after failing to convince Jakarta to extend the shipment delivery date. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Weaker dong a challenge. [Feb 12, 2011]

Vietnam devalued its beleaguered currency yesterday for the third time in a year in a bid to address economic problems including double-digit inflation. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Food security plan drawn up. [Feb 11, 2011]

Thailand has stepped up its efforts to ensure food security with a first strategic plan to cope with escalating demands in both domestic and overseas markets in the future. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice stockpile to be reduced. [Feb 10, 2011]

The government intends to reduce the volume of rice in domestic stockpiles to only 100,000 tonnes of white rice, which is already double the reserve for national food security, according to Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice panel rejects B30 bn buy. [Feb 1, 2011]

The National Rice Policy Committee turned down a Commerce Ministry request to spend 30 billion baht to purchase 2 million tonnes of white rice for fear of heavy financial burdens for the government. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Prospects of Thai rice exports in 2011. [Jan 28, 2011]

Thai rice exporters say there has been a good sign for 2011 rice business growth, as Indonesia has promised to buy a huge amount of rice from Thailand. ... [More]

Source: TANN

EU jasmine rice filing hits snag. [Jan 27, 2011]

Five EU nations are opposing Thailand's registration with the European Commission for geographical indication (GI) of Thai jasmine rice - labelled Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai - but the country has vowed to fight the case. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Road shows scheduled in potential new rice markets. [Jan 20, 2011]

The Commerce Ministry will conduct road shows in potential rice-importing countries in a bid to tap new markets for Thai rice. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

December exports rise 18.8%. [Jan 20, 2011]

Exports of goods and services for December 2010 were up 18.8 per cent on the same month last year to stand at 516 billion baht (US$17.37 billion), Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post

Rice exports to get a boost this year. [Jan 8, 2011]

Thailand's rice export volume is expected to reach 9 million to 9.5 million tonnes, valued at US$5.3 billion to $5.6 billion (Bt150 billion to Bt158 billion), with lower stockpiles and a plan to promote higher value-added grains. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

Export focus shifts to organic rice. [Jan 6, 2011]

Thailand is focusing on promoting organic rice in developed nations to capture more income and ensure export growth in those markets. ... [More]

Source: The Nation

CP rice business goes to the source; Farming ventures test new techniques. [Jan 3, 2011]

CP Group has raised its profile in the rice industry by entering rice farming and wants to manage production efficiently via the upstream business. ... [More]

Source: Bangkok Post