This paper provides empirical evidence on the total factor productivity (TFP) of the Thai
rice sector. It measures growth rates of TFP for the main and second crops and investigates
the factors influencing the growth. The study employs pooled cross-section and time-series
data covering four regions (North, Northeast, Central and South) over the period 1995-2011.
TFPs of the main and second rice crops are measured separately using the Solow-type
growth accounting method. The TFP measures are decomposed to identify their determinants
using the panel data estimation techniques. The results show that TFP has generally been
the main source of growth in rice production, for both main and second crops. The TFP
growth, however, has been declining in recent years, particularly of the main crop,
threatening long-term growth of the Thai rice industry. The results suggest public
investment in research and adoption of high-yielding rice varieties are the key to sustaining
long-term growth of both the main and second crops.