Rice exporters in Thailand have urged the new government to help ease the soaring rice prices that are the result of a supply shortage in local and export markets.

Rice exporters have requested the government to release rice from its stockpiles to help ease the supply shortage, which could help soften the current Thai rice prices.

The price gap between Thai rice and rice exported by key competitors in neighboring countries has substantially widened with offers for Thai rice as high as $30-$50 PMT, FOB compared to Vietnam.