Trend of Rice Consumption and Export Surplus in Thailand

Somporn Isvilanonda

Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University

Abstract

A successful economic development over the past few decades has influentially made an improvement in per capita income of the Thais and consequently stimulated a change in household rice consumption patterns. In all types of community development, a decline in per capita household consumption of rice was found whereas the income level increase. This has diminished the total household rice consumption. In Thailand, the use of rice and rice by products as a raw material in rice processing industry is relatively small. As a result, most of the excess rice supply are exported as milled rice grain. The value share of rice processing products export is negligible. Since Thailand is a major exporter in international market, a continuously declining the world rice price would simultaneously affect the domestic farm price.

It is necessary for Thailand for enhancing the country’s rice consumption demand situation through technological development for improving new forms of rice and rice processing products. Forms of promotion strategies are also essential for alleviation a declining trend of household rice consumption patterns.