In Thailand, traders said lower rice prices over the last few weeks generated some export demand, pushing up prices.

In a major export deal, Ghana has agreed to buy 400,000 MT of parboiled rice and 100,000 MT of Jasmine rice from Thailand, though traders were unable to give any details on selling prices or shipment periods.

In other deals, Thailand has agreed to sell a total of 380,000 MT of white rice to the Iranian and Indonesian governments, Thai Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet said Tuesday.

This is divided into 200,000 MT of 15% white rice to Indonesia and 180,000 MT of 100% grade B white rice to Iran, which is coming from the government's rice stock produced in the 2006-07 crop year.

Prices are also supported as many Iranian and Philippine ships have arrived at Thai ports to take delivery of rice shipments booked in earlier months.

Wednesday, 100% grade B rice was at $322 PMT, FOB Bangkok, up $3 from Monday, while 5% broken was at $317 PMT also up $3.