The government is honouring His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the father of Thai rice research and development for his decades-long dedication to improving farming techniques and boosting farmers' morale and their lives.
Already perceived by Thais as their revered "father", the late King is now being accorded a new honorary title by the cabinet in the field of rice, along with his late grandfather King Rama V who is also honoured as the father of Thai rice reform, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on the Royal Gazette website.
King Rama V brought major changes to rice farming as well as an improvements to the state's management of the rice trade and transportation.
His work included the selection of better rice strains, including those from foreign countries, for field testing. He also encouraged farmers to participate in competitions for the best rice strains, which helped select those most suitable for the country.
The King also supported the expansion of paddy fields and introduced an irrigation system to farmers so they would not need to depend only on rainfall. Ploughing machines were also first tested to help farmers deal with their tough cultivation.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej also contributed in his efforts to helping Thai farmers both mentally and physically, Gen Prayut said.
He advised on ways to solve acid soil for better farming and suggested that farmers adopt what he called his "New Theory", or integrated farming model.
Under the King's method, farmers were encouraged to avoid mono-cropping and instead turn to growing rice, vegetables, fruits and herbs as well as setting aside part of their land as a pond to supply water to their farms during the dry season.
The two kings made strong contributions to rice farming and selling in Thailand. It is thus a good opportunity to honour their work at this moment as Thailand is also marking its 100th anniversary of Thai rice research this year, Gen Prayut said.
A rice farmer in Surin said yesterday that he was very impressed by His Majesty the late King's work and that he will do a good deed for his "father". Sarawut Inphaeng said he was going to donate all his rice that he is going to harvest this Sunday to volunteers giving food to mourners gathering at Sanam Luang.
"I hope to collect up to between eight and 10 tonnes," the 38-year-old said, asking people and agencies to help him with harvesting and transportation.
Mr Sarawut wanted people to try the Hom Mali Ko Kho 15 rice strain of Surin which is said to be "most delicious in the world", he said.