Thailand Launches "New Rice Economy" to Boost Farmer Incomes 

Thailand's Ministry of Commerce is working with partner agencies to strengthen Thai rice through higher productivity, wider markets, and greater value, with the goal of giving rice farmers more stable and sustainable incomes.

● Why it matters: 
Rice supports around 4.6 million households, nearly 60% of all farming households in Thailand, across 73.82 million rai of farmland. Thailand also has 24 GI-certified rice varieties covering 30 provinces.

● The challenge: 
Thai yields average 456 kg/rai, compared with 1,146 in China, 979 in Vietnam, and 704 in India. Thai 5% white rice export prices in October 2026 were also about 21% higher than India's and about 12% higher than Vietnam's and Pakistan's. The ministry says this shows why efficiency and cost control matter.

● The plan: 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will run a 100-rai "Thai Rice Sandbox" using high-yield varieties (RD113 and RD85), low-carbon rice, precision farming, and better water management. Yields are expected to reach 1.4–1.5 tons/rai under suitable conditions.

■ The results so far (Jan–Sep 2026):
 • Exports of 4.99 million tons, worth about 94.9 billion baht
 • 5% white rice up from $335 to $470/ton
 • Hom Mali rice above $1,035/ton
 • Farm-gate prices for 15% paddy up 44%, from 6,600 to 9,500 baht/ton
 • Hom Mali paddy up 11%, from 14,700 to 16,350 baht/ton
 • Fast-growing markets: Philippines (+262%), Malaysia (+155%), DR Congo (+63.81%)

Despite stiffer global competition, the ministry says the goal is not just to export more rice, but to help farmers cut costs, earn fair prices, and improve their livelihoods.

Source: PR Thai Government