Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appealed to Thais nationwide to bear up under higher costs for rice - even to eat less if necessary, because higher prices help the farmers. A poll showed they already are doing just that.

Speaking during his weekly TV-radio broadcast to the nation, Mr Samak said the rising cost of rice is a natural market mechanism based on supply and demand.

But he said all Thais should consider that higher prices mean that farmers are able to sell their rice stocks at more than double the usual price to exporters, and increase their income.

"'If you sacrifice and pay more for rice - a bit more, not much more - it will benefit farmers," he said. ... Read full article