In 2025, Thailand’s role as the world’s top rice exporter has fundamentally changed. While the country dominated the market in 2011–2012, today it ranks behind India and Vietnam in export volume.
According to the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) and FAO, Thailand exported 7.8 million tons of rice in 2024 — third globally, after India (22 million tons) and Vietnam (8.2 million tons).
What Happened to Production?
Thailand’s total rice harvest in 2024 was 29.6 million tons — near record levels, but no longer sufficient for global leadership. Reasons:
- Drought & climate change: reduced farmland in central provinces;
- High production costs: Thai rice is more expensive than Indian or Vietnamese;
- Competition: other countries export more and cheaper;
- Farmers shifting crops: moving to corn, vegetables, electronics.
Where Is Thailand’s Advantage Now?
The country has restructured: from quantity to quality, premium, and value-added products.
- Jasmine Rice (Hom Mali): remains the gold standard — exported to 100+ countries;
- Black Rice: rich in antioxidants, popular in EU and USA;
- Organic Rice: certified under GOTS and EU Organic;
- Value-added: rice flakes, flour, beer, rice-based cosmetics.
Premium rice prices are 2–3 times higher than bulk.
Government Support
The government helps farmers adapt:
- Subsidies: up to 3,000 THB per rai for switching to organic;
- Infrastructure: new drip irrigation systems;
- Export programs: support for entering EU, GCC, Japan markets;
- Digitalization: platforms for direct farmer-to-consumer sales.
Rice Prices in Thailand: Current Situation
Domestic market:
- White rice: 35–45 THB/kg (~1–1.3 USD);
- Jasmine rice: 80–120 THB/kg (~2.3–3.4 USD);
- Organic black rice: 200–300 THB/kg (~5.7–8.5 USD).
Prices are stable due to state reserves and import controls.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Growth of premium rice share to 40% of total exports;
- Development of smart farms with AI and drones;
- Global recognition of Thai rice as one of the world’s highest-quality food products;
- Creation of a national digital rice registry on blockchain for traceability.
"We no longer compete on volume. We compete on quality," said Agriculture Minister Thanavat Viratsakul. "Real rice is not just food. It’s culture."
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