By Kim Gallagher
Kim Gallagher is a multigenerational farmer from Davis, California, where she and her husband, Pat, manage Erdman Farms—a diverse operation spanning 2400 acres in the Sacramento Valley. She is a member of the 2017-19 Rice Leadership Development Class.
DAVIS, CA – In October 2024, traveling through bustling Bangkok and quieter rural provinces, this session of the Rice Leadership Program visited traditional markets, research centers, and farms to understand the rice production process and its cultural significance in Thailand. Even in a modern city such as Bangkok, it was evident that agriculture is the backbone of Thailand, with more than a third of its citizens involved in agricultural production. In a country where the average size farm is 6 acres and rice grows in almost every province, the support for farmers is palpable.
Day 1: Diving Into Thai Culture and Local Markets
Our journey began with visits to the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province. Both markets offered fresh produce, food, and handicrafts. Known for its floating boats and lively atmosphere, Damnoen Saduak gave us a sense of the local trade system. Rice, along with other foods, is sold directly from boats, showing how small farming communities bring their products straight to consumers. Many farmers in this area operate on small plots, sustaining themselves through community markets like this one.
We also visited Bangkok’s famous Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn. Intricately crafted from small mosaic tiles, Wat Arun helped us reflect on Thailand's enduring history, which feels ancient compared to that of the United States. This set the stage for our visit and deepened our appreciation for its rich traditions.
Day 2: Connecting with Agricultural Diplomacy and Rice Research
The next morning, we met with staff from the U.S. Embassy’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Bangkok who highlighted the longstanding agricultural relationship between the U.S. and Thailand, which also supports agricultural development in Myanmar and Laos, countries that lack USDA offices. FAS officers Kelly Stange and Khun Mana-Anya shared their three goals for food security, climate resiliency, and market access. Climate-smart agriculture emerged as a recurring theme throughout our week in Thailand.
Following this, we headed to Thailand’s Rice Department to meet with Thai rice scientists who discussed their work on developing rice varieties that can withstand challenges like pests, floods, and drought. Dr. Steve Linscombe shared insights on U.S. rice production, where larger farms are common. Both Thailand and the U.S. export about half of their rice production; however, Thailand's rice production is roughly 10 times that of the United States.
Later, we visited Talaad Thai Market, the country’s largest agricultural market, showcasing a wide variety of rice types in a wholesale setting. This large market acts as a hub, connecting rural farms with urban buyers, allowing us to see how rice varieties are distributed domestically.
Day 3: Rice Conservation and Local Farming Systems in Prachinburi
On our third day, we visited the Prachinburi Rice Research Center that works on preserving Thailand’s ancient rice varieties, particularly deepwater rice, which grows in flooded conditions. Deepwater rice represents the “wild” ancestor of today’s cultivated rice. By conserving these ancient varieties, scientists retain valuable genetic traits—such as resistance to pests and drought—for breeding modern strains.
The research center also integrates shrimp and fish farms alongside rice paddies. This approach, called rice-fish farming, allows farmers to raise fish in their flooded rice fields, creating an additional food source and income.
Day 4: Irrigation Techniques and Seed Production in Suphanburi
In Suphanburi Province, we visited the Suphanburi Rice Research Center where the focus is on irrigated rice systems and ways to balance water use with high yields. With water availability becoming limited, developing rice that requires less water is essential for the future.
In the same province, we visited Sitto Seeds Company, where we learned about seedling production in a vertically integrated rice farming operation. This company produces and markets proprietary varieties domestically and abroad. We observed how rice is accepted at different moisture levels, with a pricing system that incentivizes lower moisture content, but also accepts 35 percent moisture harvested rice for a modest fee.
Day 5: Sustainable Practices and Community Agriculture in Ubon Ratchathani
At the Ubon Ratchathani Rice Research Center, efforts are focused on developing sustainable practices such as rain-fed rice systems, a crucial effort for small-scale farmers who lack reliable water sources.
We saw more eco-friendly farming practices at the Inclusive Sustainable Rice Landscape (ISRL) Project in Trakan Phuetphon District. Supported by a grant from the German government, this project helps farmers follow sustainable methods like crop rotation and organic fertilizers to maintain soil health, and AWD practices to reduce greenhouse gases.
Later, we visited a Jasmine rice farm and a nearby rice mill, where we observed the production and export process for this premium Thai rice. Known for its aroma and quality, Jasmine rice commands higher prices on the global market, making it a valuable export for Thailand. Only two varieties, KDML 105 and RD15, are allowed to be marketed as Jasmine rice internationally. While the yields are minimal, the price incentivizes production.
Day 6: Medium-Grain Rice and Community Processing in Ayutthaya
On our final day, we traveled to Ayutthaya Province and visited the Ayutthaya Rice Research Center, which focuses on medium grain varieties. The Center is home to one of the tallest rice plants grown, reaching over 6 meters. In Ayutthaya, we also saw the Chang Yai Community Rice Center, where community-based processing allows farmers to add value to their rice locally.
Our last stop was the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a historical hub of trade and commerce in Thailand. Touring the ancient temples and ruins, we were reminded of rice’s long-standing significance to the Thai economy and culture.
Conclusion
Through this journey, we saw how deeply Thailand’s rice industry is rooted in tradition yet continues to evolve with scientific advances. The country’s rice research centers focus on tackling issues like water insecurity, pest resistance, and climate adaptation. Meanwhile, markets and community processing centers keep rural areas connected to the industry, helping rice remain a pillar of local economies and Thailand’s global exports.
Each research center we visited specialized in specific rice ecosystems—whether rainfed, irrigated, or deepwater—underscoring the variety within Thailand’s rice sector. Sustainable practices, innovative seed production, and efforts to preserve ancient rice varieties all contribute to a resilient industry that remains central to Thailand’s identity.
Of course, this trip would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: John Deere Company, RiceTec, American Commodity Company, and Supreme Rice. Their contributions allowed us to gain valuable insights and build new relationships. I also appreciate the diversity within our cohort, which enriched our discussions and deepened our understanding of rice production. Many thanks to Dr. Steve Linscombe for sharing insights drawn from his extensive experience, and a final thank you to Dr. Manoch Kongchum, with the Louisiana State University AgCenter, for making this trip even more rewarding than we could have imagined.