Thailand has finally managed to become the world’s largest rice exporter once again, exporting more than 10 million tons so far this year.
Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikalaya said the country is also trying to win back its place as the world’s largest jasmine rice exporter after losing the title to Hong Kong. He added that the stockpiled rice would be sold or exported as quickly as possible as grains are perishable goods.
General Chatchai said the inspection of rice in stock nationwide has been completed. Out of the 17 million tons of rice, only 10 percent are in good condition. The rest are of lower-than-standard quality including 14 million tons which have turned yellow and 700,000 tons which have begun to deteriorate. Authorities are now investigating how another number of 200,000 tons has gone missing.
The Ministry of Commerce will ask the Rice Policy Committee to consider more channels to release the rice in stock. It is expected that 400,000 tons of rice will be released within this month.
