I was just reading an archived topic on this subject - www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/380398-thai-rice-to-make-risotto which is no longer available for posting.

I've tried to buy arborio lice locally in the north, without success, so have been trying alternatives. Normal Thai white rice doesn't really do the job at all, however risotto lovers like me, may be interested to learn that a cheap and readily available short grain Thai sticky rice makes a pretty acceptable alternative. Provided you keep stiring hard & fast, you can make a very decent risotto. The rice is dirt cheap too, which I know if not really the point, but it's certainly an added bonus.

So get yourself a small bag of sticky rice and give it a go - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Thailand grows short grain sticky rice used for export for countries like Japan and Korea. They could make a risotto in a pinch. Personally, I have never seen the passion for such a starchy carb mess. I don't know why it hit the high end food scene in the states so vigorously in the 90's.

The obvious answer is that you move to civilisation - where most supermarkets sell a selection of Arborio rice, or ask a friend to send you some.

Also like risotto , but it really needs the correct rice.