Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce to Launch AI Tool for Rice Price Forecasting

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has announced the upcoming launch of a new AI-powered system named 'Krai Keb Kiao' (Near Harvest). According to OTPS Director Nantapong Jiralertpong, the initiative follows a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun to modernize agricultural management by shifting from reactive problem-solving to proactive forecasting.

By integrating data on production, cultivation areas, market trends, and pricing, the AI aims to provide the government with early warnings regarding potential supply gluts or price volatility. The pilot program focuses specifically on rice, as the main crop enters the market toward the end of the year. Officials emphasize that this is not merely a data dashboard but a strategic tool designed to anticipate market conditions before they become critical issues.

For residents and those involved in the agricultural sector, this development suggests a more data-driven approach to commodity management, which could potentially stabilize local food prices. However, the system is currently in the pilot phase. It remains to be confirmed how effectively the AI will integrate data from various agencies and whether the government will successfully implement the resulting measures in time to mitigate market fluctuations during the upcoming harvest season.