Banjongjitt Angsusingh, director-general of the Department of Business Development, said the agency will work with the Thai retailers’ association to market milled rice using e-commerce websites and social media such as Facebook and Instagram to tap Thai and foreign buyers. Domestic paddy prices have dropped to the lowest level in about a decade, averaging at Bt5,000 to 6,000 per tonne, which is too low for farmers to make a profit. As for social media and online channels, she said, the agency will use its own website, ThaiCommerceStore.com, as the main platform featuring special banners advertising Thai milled rice and other rice and related products.
Those farmers who have their own website can add their link to this platform so visitors from across the world can reach the farmers’ sites. Farmers who do not have their own website, but use social media such as Facebook and Instagram can have their own social media links on the ThaiCommerceStore.com website.
As for farmers who have neither a website or a social media link, they can leave information on their rice products as well as their contact numbers at the ThaiCommerceStore.com, so visitors can reach the sellers directly if they are interested in the products.
In addition, she said, the department has initiated the setting up of a prototype of a retail outlet as an offline sales and marketing channel for rice farmers. The farmers will be able to use this space to sell packaged rice and other products directly.
Those who have the potential to tap the foreign market, another Commerce Ministry website called Thaitrade.com will serve as a platform for social organisations and business associations etc to help farmers sell their products online.
Former premier Yingluck Shina-watra has been using her social media fanpage to promote the sale of rice as well as cooking events where rice and related products are used as key ingredients. Her menus include popular dishes from the North and Northeast.
Meanwhile, police are on the hunt for Nopjorn Panni-yom, who has been accused by actress Akumsiri “Juk-Jun” Suwansuk of allegedly luring many people, including the actress’s fans, to buy rice via Instagram. Akumsiri claims the suspect did not deliver the goods once the payment was made.