Rice exporters oppose populist policies

Rice exporters have voiced concerns about prospects, suggesting the entire rice market is likely to tumble if the next government reinstates populist rice policies that distort the market.

Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said political factors are likely to affect the rice export outlook if the next ruling coalition reinstates populist policies such as the rice-pledging scheme, which set pledged prices higher than the market price, distorting typical market cycles.

The pledging scheme caused most of the rice supply to be controlled by the government, meaning private shippers could not purchase rice for export.

“Rice policy is often used as a political tool, exploited by parties. These policies distort the rice market over time,” he said.

Mr Charoen said the income guarantee scheme adopted by the current administration is…