Minister of Commerce Worried that the effects of the drought will last for 3 years, making Thailand’s important agricultural products. There is a problem with exports. We ask the 2 departments to closely monitor, especially rice, fearing a shortage. As well as having them go down and track the products, what will they do to make Thai people feel that the products are cheaper?

Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, said: Has given policy guidelines to the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Foreign Trade to work together. After looking at the trend of natural disasters, especially the drought problem that will drag on for 3 years from now, which will affect the cultivation of important agricultural products such as rice, cassava, animal feed rice and palm that may be in short supply. Quantity available Although drought problems occur in many countries around the world, Many countries are increasingly interested in ordering these products from Thailand. Thailand has sufficient cultivation of these products. But if Thailand rushes to export too much, there may be a shortage of products for consumption within the country itself. Therefore, it must be managed and managed appropriately so that Thailand, even though it is a country that grows agricultural products, has a high quantity. Not enough for internal consumption.

The Ministry of Commerce has not implemented a policy prohibiting the export of agricultural products. Even though during this period the market prices of economic crops in the world market continued to improve. But most agricultural products go up and down quickly, so hoping only for the price won’t help. It must also be seen that there are sufficient agricultural products within the country without shortages. which this afternoon Having met with the Thai Rice Exporters Association, they will ask the private sector to look at the quantity of rice products as well, not just hoping for high rice prices alone. This concern will also be taken to discuss and understand with relevant agencies and various associations as well.

In addition, he has ordered the Department of Internal Trade to look at the overall price of consumer products to ensure that there must be a real decrease in the number of products. So that people can feel that consumer products have decreased. Although it is difficult, the Ministry of Commerce will do everything possible to make the people understand.

Mr. Phumtham also mentioned the project. digital wallet To support economic expansion and stimulate the economy more clearly. Because it is a strong economic stimulus for a limited time. But by the principles and methods used Can still be adjusted as appropriate and to see the most results By thanking the many parties who expressed concern about the use of such a large amount of money. The government acknowledged and took the concerns into consideration. But I think there are too many concerns about some matters. The government tries to think as carefully as possible. Regardless of the project duration Location includes area of use

However, the Ministry of Commerce may bring stores in the Blue Flag network to join the project as one channel for distributing products. Including the cooperative network if necessary And as for concerns about bringing convenience stores into the project to the point where blue flag stores or small stores may not be able to compete, it is considered that consideration must be given to each area. By main goal is to distribute products as much as possible and most appropriate without being limited to any one part

Mr. Chukiat Opaswong, Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said: Meeting with Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce this afternoon to pay a courtesy call after officially assuming the position of Minister of Commerce. The Thai Rice Exporters Association will explain the overall picture of Thai rice exports. This year, with 3 months remaining, if Thailand can export 7-8 hundred thousand tons per month, it is expected that the total rice exports for the whole year should be at 8-8.2 million tons. And importantly, many parties are concerned that This year, due to the drought problem, the amount of rice in the country will also decrease. It is still seen that this year’s drought should have passed because in the past 2-3 months there has been continuous rain. As a result, there is sufficient water for cultivation.

In addition, it is considered that next year the drought problem will not be of much concern. Because Thailand is a rice cultivation area per year of 33-34 million tons of rice, converted to milled rice per year, 20-22 million tons of milled rice is considered. Definitely enough for export and domestic consumption. But if the drought problem becomes severe and there is no water to use at all, then we will probably have to talk and find a solution again.

5 million tons, seeing that next year the competition for rice in the world market will be high. It is believed that India will lift the ban on rice exports, which will make the competition for rice exports become more active. Currently, the price of Thai rice is lower than Vietnam. The average Thai white rice price is 580 USD per ton, while the average Vietnamese rice price is 610 USD per ton. But what worries rice exporters is the exchange rate. If the baht moves to 36-37 baht per US dollar, it will make exporters competitive. But if the baht strengthens by 1 baht, it means that the price of white rice must be increased to 17 dollars per ton, making it difficult for exporters to compete in the world market.

Moreover, exporters continue to closely monitor the situation of violence in Israel. But at this time the incident has not spread throughout the Middle East region. It will still not affect Thai rice exports. The Middle East is considered an important rice export market for Thailand, especially Iraq which is considered a large important market in the white rice market. But if the fighting does not expand Until the port is closed or air transport is closed, it will not affect Thai trade. Israel imports approximately 50,000 tons of Thai rice per year, thus having very little impact on exports.

Source: Thai News Agency