THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Jasmine rice to be sold as souvenir at Thai airports

Jasmine rice to be sold as souvenir at Thai airports

THAI jasmine and organic jasmine rice will be on sale to tourists for the first time at airports around the country this month as part of a government plan to promote the famed Thai rice to the rest of the world.

Srirat Rastanapa, director-general to the International Trade Promotion Department, said that the department had received cooperation from Airports of Thailand to secure an area at kiosks to sell the Thai rice as a “souvenir”.
In the initial phase, the rice will be available at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket airport, and Chiang Mai airport. Two types of rice will be available – jasmine and organic jasmine rice – in small, stylish packaging.
Aimed at promoting the famed jasmine rice to foreign visitors, the plan was initiated by Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach. In addition to promoting Thai rice around the world, it is also hoped that sales will go towards reducing the quantity of rice in government stockpiles.
The packaging will provide information on the rice, cultivation and the traditional production methods practised by Thai people. The words “Gift from Thailand”, will also be printed on the packaging to emphasise it’s importance as a national product of the Thai people.
The attractively packaged rice will be sold in small 1kg and 2kg packs that can be easily carried. The ministry also plans to seek the cooperation of other travel agencies to sell Thai rice at tourist destinations.
Thai rice is well known for its quality and there is high demand among consumers, particularly jasmine rice, known locally as “hom mali”.
Many countries have their own unique souvenirs, such as South Korea’s Ginseng, the Netherlands’ tulip, and Japan’s green tea. Thailand will promote Thai jasmine rice in the world market as a symbol of international recognition, Srirat said.
 

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