Thai Rice Exports to Malaysia Forecasted to Exceed 700,000 Tons

MGR Online•Economy•6d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand is projected to export over 700,000 tons of rice to Malaysia in 2026, marking a 20-year high.

•The Department of Foreign Trade and Thai rice exporters visited Kuala Lumpur to discuss trade with BERNAS.
•Thailand became the number one rice source for Malaysia in the first half of 2026 with 327,995 tons exported.
•BERNAS values Thai rice for its quality, consistency, and punctual delivery according to contracts.
•The Department of Foreign Trade expects exports to Malaysia to exceed 700,000 tons in 2026.

Overview

•The Department of Foreign Trade sent a delegation led by Chaninthorn Rimcharoen to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to strengthen rice trade relations with Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS).
•BERNAS is the sole entity granted the right to import rice into Malaysia.
•In the first half of 2026, Thailand exported 327,995 tons of rice to Malaysia, accounting for approximately 46% of Malaysia's total imports of 710,656 tons.
•Thailand's export volume in the first six months of 2026 exceeded the total 2025 annual export volume of 264,605 tons.
•White rice from Thailand is preferred by consumers in the Malay Peninsula due to its relatively firm texture and ability to expand when cooked.
•Arada Fuangthong stated that Thai rice exports to Malaysia have the potential to surpass 700,000 tons in 2026, the highest level in over 20 years.
•The Department of Foreign Trade organized a networking event at Malai Thai restaurant, attended by Lada Phumas and over 50 Malaysian rice traders and officials.

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Key Quotes

Arada Fuangthong

"Malaysia prioritizes the quality of Thai rice, consistency, and Thailand's export potential in delivering goods according to contract and on time, which is a confidence Thailand has continuously built."

มาเลเซียให้ความสำคัญกับคุณภาพของข้าวไทย ความสม่ำเสมอ และศักยภาพในการส่งออกข้าวของไทยในการส่งมอบสินค้าได้ตามสัญญาและตรงเวลา ซึ่งเป็นความเชื่อมั่นที่ไทยสั่งสมมาอย่างต่อเนื่อง

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Foreign Trade(กรมการค้าต่างประเทศ)

A government agency under the Ministry of Commerce that manages rice trade relations with Malaysia.

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The parent ministry of the Department of Foreign Trade.

BERNAS

The sole company granted the right to import rice into Malaysia.

Padiberas Nasional Berhad

The full name of the sole rice importer for Malaysia.

Thai Rice Exporters Association(สมาคมผู้ส่งออกข้าวไทย)

An association of Thai rice exporters that joined the delegation to Kuala Lumpur.

Person

Arada Fuangthong(อารดา เฟื่องทอง)

Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce.

Chaninthorn Rimcharoen(ชนินทร หริ่มเจริญ)

Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade.

Lada Phumas(ลดา ภู่มาศ)

The Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur.

Place

Kuala Lumpur(กัวลาลัมเปอร์)ℹ️

The capital city of Malaysia and the location of the trade discussions.

Malaysia(มาเลเซีย)ℹ️

The importing country and primary market for Thai rice mentioned in the report.

Malai Thai

A Thai SELECT certified restaurant that hosted the rice networking event.