The Thai government is considering the possibility of suspending sales of rice for a short time, given fluctuating rice prices, currency volatility and uncertainty over the weather.

Photo for illustration: dntm.vn

Director General of the Commerce Ministry’s Foreign Trade Department Duangporn Rodphaya told a press conference on August 20 that the overall stockpile remains large and the government would monitor the market situation daily to make suitable decisions.

The upcoming auction for one million tons of rice could be the last this year and rice sales would be suspended for three to four months during the harvest season, which starts next month, she said.

She affirmed that the ministry will continue releasing lower-grade rice that is unfit for human consumption, and that would not affect the current rice price.

Source: VNA