There are better ways to bolster Thai rice
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The demand side of rice should not be overlooked. The idea of paying farmers to stop growing rice in order to reduce supplies might help raise the market price domestically, but prices on the global market are determined by other major exporters, such as
Contributing factors also include the condition of the world stockpile and whether any natural disasters occur. These are situations that cannot be manipulated, so world prices are not guaranteed to rise or to fall.
It is Thailand’s topography and climate and the rich experience handed down from our ancestors that give it the capacity to compete globally.
As well as the supply side, the demand side must be taken into account in efforts to stop rice prices falling. We could, for instance, make rice a part of healthy food dishes and beverages that could be valuable exports.
Sutipunt Bongsununt
Kanchanaburi
