Economy
Black Sticky Rice Shortage Hits Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is facing a supply crunch of black sticky rice, leading to price hikes and calls for imports from Vietnam.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 20, 2026, Southern Thailand is experiencing a significant shortage of black sticky rice. Local rice mills report that domestic production is currently insufficient to meet the demands of the regional traditional dessert industry.
As a result of the scarcity, the price of the popular northern 'Luem Pua' black sticky rice variety has surged to between 60 and 70 baht per kilogram. To address the supply gap, some entrepreneurs have considered importing the grain from Vietnam. However, this potential solution faces logistical hurdles, including high transportation costs, import taxes, and ongoing challenges related to border transit routes. Rice traders in Phatthalung are currently in discussions to address these supply chain issues and are simultaneously advocating for increased domestic cultivation to stabilize the market.
For residents and travelers, this shortage may lead to higher prices or limited availability of traditional desserts that rely on black sticky rice as a primary ingredient. While the industry is actively seeking solutions, it remains to be confirmed whether government authorities will facilitate easier import processes or if local farmers will be able to scale up production quickly enough to alleviate the current market pressure.