Physical rice export prices in Thiland were steady to higher Wednesday due to the ongoing demand in Thailand as a stronger baht kept Thai offers at high levels.

Thailand also expects to export as much as 3 million MT of parboiled rice to Africa in 2008, up from 1.8 million MT a year currently.

Thai 100% grade B was offered steady Wednesday at $350-$355 PMT, FOB, 5% broken was offered at $340-$345 PMT, FOB. Parboiled 100% sortexed was offered $5 higher at $370 PMT, FOB.