The Commerce Ministry has reclassifed hom mali rice standards to cater to all export markets after the existing standards have been in place for almost 20 years.
The grain will be divided into three grades aimed at the upper, middle and lower markets to enhance the country's export competition, Duangporn Rodphaya, director of the Department of International Trade Promotion, said on Thursday.
"We've finished revising standards on rice products to better suit world markets, enhance exporters' competitiveness and meet increasingly diverse consumers' demands," she said, adding they would replace the existing standards in use since 1997.
Under the new standards, the best grade is "Thai Hom Mali" rice, targeting the upper market. To qualify as such, the grain must have at least 92% of Thai hom mali.
The second grade, called "Thai jasmine rice", "Thai fragrant rice" or "Thai aromatic rice", is a fighting brand aimed at competing with neighbouring countries such as Vietnam amd Cambodia. It also encourages exports of new grains developed by the Agriculture Ministry.
It must have at least 80% of Thai fragrant rice and not more than 20% of amylose content.
The third grade for the lower market aims to promote exports so it is open to buyers' requirements. Customers who want fragrant rice with specifications other than the previous two types can place custom orders as needed, she said.