Thai rice absence from World’s Best Rice 2023 comp sparks debate

The online community is embroiled in a heated debate following the omission of Thai rice from the top three spots in the World’s Best Rice 2023 competition. This has sparked questions about the quality of Thai rice, a key export and a source of national pride.

However, it has been revealed that Thailand did not participate in this year’s competition due to perceived bias in the judging process. The current controversy surrounding the Thai rice drama has left people both intrigued and puzzled.

On December 5, The Rice Trader (TRT) announced the results of the World’s Best Rice 2023 contest at the World Rice Conference in Cebu, Philippines, held from November 28 to November 30. Vietnamese Ong Cua ST25 rice clinched the first prize, beating about 30 other rice varieties submitted for the competition.

The top three spots were occupied by rice from Vietnam, followed by Cambodia, and India. The absence of Thai rice from the top three spots has caused a stir among the Thai public, given that Thai rice has long been a world champion and has always been among the top three best rice types worldwide. This created a minor drama in the social media realm, reported Sanook.

As the drama heated up, Chukiat Opaswong, the dignified president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, disclosed the truth about the matter. He clarified that Thailand did not submit its rice for the competition this year.

According to the association, the competition lacked fairness. The organisers set unusual judging criteria, particularly in terms of rice variety analysis, where chefs were chosen to judge the rice varieties instead of rice analysts or rice variety researchers. This led to Thailand’s decision not to participate in this and any subsequent competition.

Thailand absence

Even though Thailand did not submit its rice variety for the competition, it does not imply that Thai rice development will come to a halt. Over the years, Thailand has developed a strategic plan for its rice, which includes continuous research and development. This has led to Thailand having as many as 13 rice varieties that are soft, delicious and meet the needs of consumers worldwide.

In 2021 and 2022, Thai Hom Mali Rice 105 won the World’s Best Rice award. However, this year Cambodia’s Phka Rumduol rice managed to clinch the 2023 World Rice competition title.

The World’s Best Rice title over the past 14 years

2023 – Phka Rumduol, Cambodia
2022 – Thai Hom Mali 105, Thailand
2021 – Thai Hom Mali 105, Thailand
2020 – ST24, Vietnam
2019 – Angkor Mali, Cambodia
2018 – Thai Hom Mali, Thailand
2017 – Thai Hom Mali, Thailand
2016 – US Calrose, USA
2015 – Thai Hom Mali, Thailand and Angkor Mali, Cambodia
2014 – Angkor Mali, Cambodia and US Calrose, USA
2013 – Angkor Mali, Cambodia
2012 – Paw San, Myanmar
2011 – Thai Hom Mali, Thailand
2010 – Thai Hom Mali, Thailand.