Bangkok: Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, participated in the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Thai Farmers and Agriculturists Association, where she listened to the problems and suggestions of farmers nationwide. She emphasized the association's commitment to addressing rice-related issues comprehensively, stabilizing paddy prices, and reducing production costs.

According to Thai News Agency, Supajee stated that solving the problems in the rice sector requires a comprehensive approach, linking production, processing, and marketing to meet market demand. She affirmed that the government will consider the farmers' association's proposals and expedite their implementation. Supajee highlighted the importance of overseeing the entire agricultural sector, especially rice, from the beginning of production, through midstream processing, to the end of marketing.

For short-term measures, a market-leading purchasing mechanism will be used to support prices. In the medium term, the focus will be on adding value to rice through processing, and in the long term, the production structure will be restructured to meet market demand. The goal is to push the price of paddy rice higher from the current average of around 6,000-7,000 baht per ton to a target level of approximately 8,000 baht per ton.

Furthermore, the government is pushing to export over 7 million tons of rice this year, coupled with utilizing government mechanisms to absorb surplus production and connect farmers directly with buyers. This also includes developing refined and high-value rice varieties to increase farmers' income.

Mr. Pramote Charoensilp, President of the Thai Farmers and Agriculturists Association, expressed satisfaction with the government's response. The presence of Supajee, along with Mr. Witayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, and Mr. Anont Nonthri, Director-General of the Department of Rice, in listening to farmers' concerns has instilled confidence that the association's proposals will be implemented to solve their problems concretely.

The Thai Rice Farmers and Agriculturists Association has proposed four urgent measures: maintaining paddy rice prices above production costs; reducing production costs, especially fertilizer and energy; developing rice varieties that meet market demands; and managing water resources to mitigate drought risks. These measures aim to address the rice sector's problems systematically and sustainably.