TURKEY, Nov 18 (TNA) — Thailand’s Hom Mali fragrant rice remained popular in global markets and Thai people should not panic when Thai rice lost its championship in a contest, said Keerati Rushchano, acting director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade.
He was responding to the annual World’s Best Rice Contest in Manila where the championship went to the ST24 rice variety of Vietnam.
Thailand should not overly panic and concerned parties should look into the details, methodology and standard of the contest, said Mr Keerati who is also an inspector-general of the Commerce Ministry.
Thailand organized its rice contest every two years with uncompromised standard and the next contest would happen in 2021, he said.
“As far as I have talked to rice-importing countries, they shared the same view that Thai rice is better than rice from many other countries, Mr Keerati said.
Thai Hom Mali fragrant rice was highly demanded in global markets thanks to its established good characteristics, he said.
Thai Hom Mali rice was sold in global markets at at least US$1,100-1,200 per ton. The price might be lower some times because of market mechanisms, Mr Keerati said. (TNA)
