Bangkok, Jan. 6 -- Key government mechanisms to manage living costs, regulate the agricultural market and support businesses at all levels have contributed to a significant increase in rice prices across Thailand, the Department of Internal Trade under the Thai Ministry of Commerce reported on January 5.

The price of white rice in Thailand has now risen to over 8,000 THB (about 255 USD) per tonne, while fragrant Hom Mali rice is selling for between 14,700-16,100 THB per tonne, and up to 18,000 THB per tonne in some areas. Prices for Pathum Thani paddy range from 8,000-8,300 THB per tonne, while glutinous rice fetches between 7,000-10,000 THB per tonne. Hom Mali paddy has seen the sharpest increase, reaching 1,000 THB per tonne, while reg...