Bangkok: Supajee chaired a meeting of the National Rice Policy Council to review three key measures to address farmers' problems following the Middle East conflict. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, presided over the first meeting of the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) for 2026. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the pressures on the production chain due to the recent Middle East conflict, affecting energy prices and escalating production and transportation costs, which in turn raise the production costs for farmers. Additionally, the anticipated El Ni±o poses further risks to agricultural yields, prompting the need for a comprehensive review of existing standards to effectively manage these challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, Supajee emphasized the necessity of overseeing the entire rice production process, from production and collection to sales and marketing, to address challenges comprehensively. The measures discussed in the meeting focused on three key areas: managing prices at an appropriate level, enhancing the competitiveness of Thai rice in terms of quality, standards, and logistics, and stabilizing both domestic and international markets. The review and discussion of these measures underscored the importance of these principles in tackling the current challenges faced by farmers.