The Commerce Ministry has announced a new classification of Thai fragrant rice to tap high-end market abroad.
Surasak Riangkrul, director general of the Foreign Trade Department, said high-quality Thai fragrant rice, widely known as Hom Mali, will from now on comprise two categories: Premium Quality Thai Hom Mali Rice with at least 98 per cent of fragrant rice, and Thai Hom Mali Rice with at least 92 per cent of fragrant rice.
Thailand formerly has only one kind of Hom Mali rice while the new classification, effective as of February, will be promoted worldwide, he said.
Besides Hom Mali, Thai rice consists of white rice and brown rice.
There are eight kinds of white rice – 100% Grade 1, 100% Grade 2, 100% Grade 3, 5%, 10%, 15%, premium A-1 broken rice and A-1 broken rice.
Brown rice is divided into six kinds – 100% Grade 1, 100% Grade 2, 100% Grade 3, 5%, 10% and 15%.
Mr Surasak said exporters are required to clearly state the category of rice, especially Prime Quality Thai Hom Mali Rice and Thai Hom Mali Rice, to ensure the quality and standards of Thai agricultural produce.
He said the new classification of Thai Hom Mali rice was to upgrade the standards of Thai fragrant rice in overseas market, especially in Hong Kong and China where consumers are willing to pay higher price for premium goods.
He said Thailand exported 2.3 million tonnes of rice, at a value of over US$1.1-1.2 billion, since early this year.
