File photo for reference only

Thai rice stockpiling regulations, considered a safeguard against price volatility, are under heavy scrutiny as experts weigh in on their effects on exports and food security.

Rice experts argue that maintaining a stockpile is reasonable for export quality and food security. Somporn Isvilanonda, a seasoned rice expert, supports the rule requiring exporters to hold at least 100 tonnes in stock to prevent order cancellations in volatile price cycles. He notes that historically, the government mandated even higher stock thresholds to ensure stability and quality supervision of rice exports.

Somporn emphasises the importance of maintaining stocks to absorb surplus rice, prevent rapid price drops, and minimise rejected shipments due to quality issues. Medium-sized rice mills typically keep stock as part of their trade operations, mitigating holding costs. Experts suggest the government might consider new channels for SME support, pointing out successful organic rice exports to Switzerland as a model.

Honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Chookiat Ophaswongse, stresses the importance of adequate reserves for export and domestic market stability. Recent government measures reduced mandatory stock levels from 500 to 100 tonnes to assist smaller exporters, with stock requirements varying based on company capital. This step aims to keep costs manageable for smaller firms.

The debate over stockpiling's necessity intensified between Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Sirikanya Tansakun, a deputy leader of the People's Party. Arguments revolve around whether the stock requirement burdens small businesses lacking storage facilities and capital. Sirikanya suggests it hinders smaller players from entering global markets, while Suphajee defends the reduced requirement as a balance facilitating trade.

Past years saw a decline in rice exports, with the Department of Foreign Trade projecting further drops in 2026. Exporters face challenges from higher costs and currency fluctuations affecting competitiveness. Despite these concerns, the ability of different-sized exporters to maintain varying stock levels remains a pivotal issue as the industry navigates future trade conditions, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Rice stockpiling regulations are essential for export quality and market stability.

• Revised rules aim to support small exporters while maintaining essential safeguards.

• The debate continues to balance export abilities with industry competitiveness.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-20

 

 

Rice experts argue that maintaining a stockpile is reasonable for export quality and food security.

Or higher profits by stockpiling and waiting for price rises?

On 1/20/2026 at 9:33 AM, webfact said:

a seasoned rice expert

I imagine he has a doctorate in condimentary starch science.

2 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

I imagine he has a doctorate in condimentary starch science.

Salt of the earth?

On 1/20/2026 at 9:33 AM, webfact said:

Rice stockpiling regulations are essential for export quality and market stability

Known as the Yingluck Effect!

On 1/20/2026 at 9:33 AM, webfact said:

File photo for reference only

Thai rice stockpiling regulations, considered a safeguard against price volatility, are under heavy scrutiny as experts weigh in on their effects on exports and food security.

Rice experts argue that maintaining a stockpile is reasonable for export quality and food security. Somporn Isvilanonda, a seasoned rice expert, supports the rule requiring exporters to hold at least 100 tonnes in stock to prevent order cancellations in volatile price cycles. He notes that historically, the government mandated even higher stock thresholds to ensure stability and quality supervision of rice exports.

Somporn emphasises the importance of maintaining stocks to absorb surplus rice, prevent rapid price drops, and minimise rejected shipments due to quality issues. Medium-sized rice mills typically keep stock as part of their trade operations, mitigating holding costs. Experts suggest the government might consider new channels for SME support, pointing out successful organic rice exports to Switzerland as a model.

Honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Chookiat Ophaswongse, stresses the importance of adequate reserves for export and domestic market stability. Recent government measures reduced mandatory stock levels from 500 to 100 tonnes to assist smaller exporters, with stock requirements varying based on company capital. This step aims to keep costs manageable for smaller firms.

The debate over stockpiling's necessity intensified between Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Sirikanya Tansakun, a deputy leader of the People's Party. Arguments revolve around whether the stock requirement burdens small businesses lacking storage facilities and capital. Sirikanya suggests it hinders smaller players from entering global markets, while Suphajee defends the reduced requirement as a balance facilitating trade.

Past years saw a decline in rice exports, with the Department of Foreign Trade projecting further drops in 2026. Exporters face challenges from higher costs and currency fluctuations affecting competitiveness. Despite these concerns, the ability of different-sized exporters to maintain varying stock levels remains a pivotal issue as the industry navigates future trade conditions, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Rice stockpiling regulations are essential for export quality and market stability.

• Revised rules aim to support small exporters while maintaining essential safeguards.

• The debate continues to balance export abilities with industry competitiveness.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-20

 

 

Wonder what happened to the 10 year old rice they found a year or two ago in that wearhouse in Surin (i think) I don't like the idea of all that rice getting soaked in rat urine whilst it sits there rotting

10 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

Wonder what happened to the 10 year old rice they found a year or two ago in that wearhouse in Surin (i think) I don't like the idea of all that rice getting soaked in rat urine whilst it sits there rotting

Shipped off to china, perhaps.

14 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

Wonder what happened to the 10 year old rice they found a year or two ago in that wearhouse in Surin (i think) I don't like the idea of all that rice getting soaked in rat urine whilst it sits there rotting

They were trying to sell it all off at a discount. I know they were trying to pawn it off in Africa at one point.

Heck the PM even tasted a yummy bowl to show everyone it was still good.

2 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

Wonder what happened to the 10 year old rice they found a year or two ago in that wearhouse in Surin (i think) I don't like the idea of all that rice getting soaked in rat urine whilst it sits there rotting

Looking at some of the sacks of rice in the photo, they have been there a long time, most certainly not nice new, fresh sack of rice.

As for some of the Yingluk rice, some went for livestock feed, probably sold off cheaply to the likes of CP.

1 hour ago, kickstart said:

probably sold off cheaply to the likes of CP.

ending up in 7/11 ready meals

4 hours ago, novacova said:

Shipped off to china, perhaps.

not donated as food aid to Africans?