BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 – The Ministry of Commerce is allowing potential rice buyers to inspect the government’s stock this week, before the bidding process begins. Government stock rice has been stored in warehouses across 35 provinces.
Those wishing to buy rice from the government stock in the third round of the rice auctions are able to inspect the grains at 153 barns this week.
Potential bidders will be able to submit an application form on June 15 and check whether they have met all the requirements on the following day. Their names will be submitted to the National Rice Policy Committee for further consideration.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has praised the ministry for attempting to dispense a large lump sum of government rice, which would affect global prices and Thai farmers.
Stock rice will only be released when the ministry is certain that it will not affect the prices of new grains, which are expected to be produced during the rainy season.
The ministry disclosed that there are currently 17 million tons of rice in the government stock. Only around two million tons possess standard quality, while 14 million tons are said to be below standard and 690,000 tons are spoilt.
