Surin farmers are smiling as paddy rice prices continue to surge, reaching the highest level in 16 years. Freshly harvested jasmine rice prices have topped 15,000 baht per ton. They say this gives them encouragement to keep going because prices are better than in previous years when earnings barely covered fertilizer and pesticide costs.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed the atmosphere during the main rice harvest season at Ban Kae, Village No. 9, Nong Khwao Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province. This is a 56-rai rice field owned by farmer Pawarit Wongsaa, who grows jasmine rice varieties 105 and Khao Khao 15. His face was full of excitement and smiles after the Ministry of Commerce revealed that paddy rice prices are continuously rising.
Currently, the price of freshly harvested jasmine paddy rice has surpassed 15,000 baht per ton. Dry paddy rice prices have risen to between 16,000 and 18,000 baht per ton, while premium-grade organic jasmine rice has soared to nearly 20,000 baht per ton. This marks the highest price level in 16 years.
Local farmer Pawarit Wongsaa said, “I’m very happy. This year, paddy rice prices are better than in any previous year. In past years, prices were around 7,000-8,000 baht per ton, barely covering fertilizer and pesticide costs. But with prices like this year, farmers feel encouraged to continue.”
The main factors driving the sharp rise in Thai rice prices include drought conditions in several countries, which have reduced global rice production. Additionally, India, a major global exporter, has imposed export restrictions to secure domestic supply. This has caused trading partners, especially Indonesia, the Philippines, and countries in Africa, to significantly increase their rice purchases from Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and the Rice Department have urged farmers to promptly maintain rice quality, particularly by reducing moisture content, to achieve the best prices. They expect Thai rice prices to remain stable at favorable levels for some time.