Government absorbs 3 million tonnes of rice to stabilise prices

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล) chaired the first meeting of the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) for the 2025 fiscal year (1/2025), with Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ) serving as Vice-Chairman. The meeting took place at Phakdee Bordin (ภักดีบดินทร์) Building, Government House, on 18 November 2025, with the participation of the Minister of Commerce, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, relevant government agencies, private-sector representatives, the Thai Rice Exporters Association, the Thai Rice Millers Association, and farmer organisations.

During the meeting, the overall global rice market situation was reviewed, noting heightened volatility but recognising emerging opportunities for Thailand. An initial signal of strengthened trade prospects was demonstrated by China’s intention to purchase 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice, conveyed during the official visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen to the People’s Republic of China. This development marked a significant milestone, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand diplomatic relations. Additional progress was reflected in Thailand’s agreement to sell 100,000 tonnes of rice and food in advance to Singapore, reinforcing international confidence in Thai rice and underscoring the importance of policies aimed at raising farmer income and maintaining product standards.

The NRPMC outlined three central principles for the sector: ensuring rice prices remain at appropriate levels, strengthening competitiveness through quality, standards, and logistics, and enhancing market stability both domestically and internationally.

The Department of Internal Trade reported revised guidelines for the Paddy Sales Postponement Loan Programme for the 2025/2026 main crop targeting 3 million tonnes of paddy, with storage support ranging from one to five months. Loan prices for major rice types will be reviewed in accordance with market conditions, and storage fee support of THB1,500 per tonne will be offered for farmers with personal storage facilities. The committee approved, in principle, new measures under the “Thai Rice Towards the Future Economy” framework.

Short-term measures include the Paddy Absorption Project for the 2025/2026 main crop, with a 3-million-tonne target and a budget of THB1.68 billion, aimed at managing supply and directing processed rice to agencies with verified demand. Long-term restructuring measures focus on adjusting 160,000 hectares of off-season farmland, promoting premium varieties, and enhancing seed development. Market mechanisms will be further supported through continued Paddy Market Fair activities in over 40 provinces.

Export indicators remain positive, with projected volumes rising to between 8 and 9 million tonnes. Domestic prices have shown improvement, led by Jasmine rice at THB14,300–15,800 per tonne and white rice at THB6,100–6,800 per tonne, reflecting favourable trends for farmers.