"The regulation requiring rice exporters to hold at least 100 tonnes of rice in stock is intended to prevent traders from 'catching a tiger with bare hands' -- having no rice in stock. Stockpiling rice also enables the state to oversee the quality of rice for export, as historically some rice shipments were rejected and returned due to poor quality. Regarding stockholding costs, Mr Somporn said medium-sized rice mills naturally maintain rice stocks as part of their normal trading operations. "The cost of holding rice stocks is not very high because exporters normally need to keep a certain amount of milled rice in stock. FREE TRADE FOR RICEChookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said rice exporters have to ensure adequate rice for customers while safeguarding the country's food security.

Source: Bangkok Post January 19, 2026 23:17 UTC