The head of Thailand's rice exporter association has denied reports that Thailand, the world's biggest rice exporter, faces shortage of the staple grain, even as its price has soared on global markets.

Limits imposed by some U.S. stores on rice purchases have more to do with panic among consumers than any supply shortages in Thailand, said Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Rice Exporters Association.
 
Global rice prices have risen sharply this year amid global food inflation, growing demand and poor weather in some rice-producing countries. Some Asian countries, including India and Vietnam, have curbed rice exports to guarantee their own supplies.