Asia-pacific
Thailand rice prices stir up debate
Government pledges help to rice farmers despite criticism from some about cost of programme.
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2012 21:16

Thailand's governing Pheu Thai party won last year's election partly based on a promise to improve the income of rice farmers.

The government introduced a scheme which currently pays them around 50 to 60 per cent more than market prices.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that this could amount to $3.8bn, excluding the cost of storage.

Despite the cost, the government says it will continue with the programme, because it has a duty to look after farmers.

But not everyone agrees that the benefits are worth it.

Al Jazeera's Florence Looi reports from Bangkok.

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Al Jazeera
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