April 8, 2008
Bangkok - According to the Department of Foreign Trade, the price of Thai rice is still high in the world market though the rice exporters are afraid some countries may delay their orders.
Mr. Apiradee Tantraporn, director general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said the purchasing orders were carefully taken so as not to make the rice price go up in the world market too much.
The soaring rice price is line with rising price of other agricultural products. The price hikes are caused by global warming.
The Agriculture and Co-operatives Ministry confirmed there would be more than 6 million tons of unmilled rice during March-May.
Thai rice is in high demand as other major rice exporters like Vietnam and India focus on domestic rice consumption.
Thai rice exports were up to more than two million tons in the first two months of 2008, 70.27% rise from last year.
It is expected this year’s rice exports will remain at 8.75 million tons.
The domestic rice stock is more than 4.3 million tons, according to the Department of Internal Trade.
Rice hoard can be reported at the hotline 1569.
