Thai Ministry of Commerce Announces Measures to Boost Rice and Langan Exports

Strategic Insights -

The Thai Ministry of Commerce is launching a series of initiatives to increase prices and exports of rice and langan, a crucial move to support struggling farmers. Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat revealed that production of in-season rice is set to be completed in November and December, following reports of falling rice prices and farmer struggles since July 9. The ministry aims to provide long-term relief to farmers through measures such as expanding export markets, cooperating with relevant agencies, and implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards. The initiatives also focus on supporting the development of langan, with an unlimited export quota secured for Indonesia and plans to expand into other markets such as India and the United Arab Emirates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai Ministry of Commerce is introducing measures to boost rice and langan exports, with a focus on supporting farmers and expanding export markets.
  • Total rice production for the 2025/26 season is expected to reach 35.28 million tonnes of paddy, an increase of 5.41% compared to the previous season.
  • From January to May, Thailand recorded rice exports of 3.05 million tonnes worth US$1.8 billion, a 25.6% decrease from 2024.
  • The ministry is working to export 65,000 tonnes of longans, including processed products, generating around 200 million baht in sales through a business matching event.
  • Longan farmers in Lamphun have secured an unlimited export quota for Indonesia and plan to expand into markets such as India and the United Arab Emirates.
  • The ministry is collaborating with PTT Public Company, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), and other agencies to open more sales outlets during the harvest season and organize the Thai Fruit Festival.
  • Fruit farmers raised concerns about shortage of labour and called on the government to support GMP and HACCP standards to boost export efficiency, including packaging for online deliveries.

Statistics:

  • Total rice production for the 2025/26 season: 35.28 million tonnes of paddy.
  • Increase in rice production compared to the previous season: 5.41%.
  • Rice exports from January to May 2025: 3.05 million tonnes.
  • Value of rice exports from January to May 2025: US$1.8 billion.
  • Decrease in rice exports compared to 2024: 25.6%.
  • Business matching event generated: 200 million baht in sales.
  • Amount of longans to be exported: 65,000 tonnes.
  • Unlimited export quota secured for Indonesia.

Sources:

  • "Thai Ministry of Commerce to boost rice and langan exports" by Thai News Agency (TNA)
  • "Thailand's rice production expected to reach 35.28 million tonnes in 2025/26 season" by Bangkok Post
  • "Thailand's rice exports drop 25.6% in first five months of 2025" by The Nation
  • "Longan farmers in Lamphun secure unlimited export quota for Indonesia" by Thai News Agency (TNA)