Rising rice prices will likely only benefit farmers slightly, as most suffered losses from previous seasons because of drought," said Mr Manat. "The current rain showers are unlikely to be sufficient for rice farming."
In related news, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn yesterday said the ministry is committed to continuing helping low-income earners with their cost of living through the Thong Fa (Blue Flag) scheme that sells low-priced products in crowded communities and via wider promotion of low-cost department stores and food outlets.
More low-cost food outlets are planned after the ministry reached its goal of 10,000 on May 19, she said.