Bangkok, Feb. 20 -- Thailand's Commerce Ministry is implementing seven measures to lift rice prices, such as paddy fairs.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the recent dip in rice prices is primarily due to external factors, notably India's resumption of exports and decreased demand from Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), as of February 17 hom mali paddy prices were 15,500-16,500 THB (15,600-16,500 USD) per tonne, up 8% year-on-year, Pathum Thani paddy prices were 11,500-12,700 THB per tonne, a decrease of 16%, and non-glutinous paddy prices were 8,300-9,000 THB per tonne, a decline of 30%.

Pichai said the ministry approved urgent measures to address the drop in paddy prices.

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