Deputy PM Inspects Premium Rice Project Targeting 466 Communities
Deputy PM Supachai inspected the Khao Pranit premium rice project in Udon Thani, which aims to expand to 466 communities by 2027 to boost farmer income through quality-focused production and marketing.
On November 2, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthamphonth, along with Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Phunphong Nainaphakorn and ministry executives, visited the Don Kloy community rice processing enterprise in Phibun Rak District, Udon Thani. They monitored the rice situation and progress of the 2026 Premium Rice project aimed at promoting and developing high-quality rice to increase farmers' income, while listening to farmers' problems and needs.
The core of the "Khao Pranit" project is adding value to Thai rice through meticulous care throughout the entire process — from seed selection, cultivation, harvesting, and processing to packaging development and marketing — to move Thai rice beyond volume and price competition toward products with quality and identity that can sustainably increase farmers' income.
"Farmers can create added value for their produce if they care for it from seed selection through planting, harvesting, and processing, and have market support. We emphasize quality and attention to detail, including advance marketing through contract farming to give farmers stable income," Supachai said.
The project began with 200 communities and plans to expand to another 266 in 2027, totaling 466 communities nationwide. Support is tailored to each group's potential, from knowledge transfer and seed support to production improvements, equipment provision, and market linkages.
In Udon Thani, six farmer groups participate, with Ban Don Kloy showing particular potential for quality rice production, especially organic rice. The Commerce Ministry provided rice milling machines so the community can process its own harvest, reducing transport costs and enabling better quality control.
Farmers noted that quality depends on uncontrollable weather and rainfall. Equipment to reduce moisture during the upcoming harvest season would help mitigate risks of moisture affecting quality and prices.
On marketing, the ministry is building awareness and adding value through the "Khao Pranit Fair 2026" at One Bangkok's Parade Square from October 22-25, 2026, connecting farmers directly with consumers, hotels, restaurants, and chefs. Rice from Ban Don Kloy sold for 100 baht per kilogram, reflecting quality rice's potential to create added value and elevate farmer income.
Supachai and her delegation sampled various Thai rice varieties paired with local dishes and visited demonstration plots of black glutinous rice and organic jasmine rice. Community enterprise chairperson Saengchan Phromsaengsai expressed gratitude for the ministry's field visit and attention to developing the community's rice.
