Diplomatic Tensions Lead to Replacement of Thailand's WTO Ambassador Following Controversial Comments on India's Rice Program

Thailand's Ambassador to the WTO Replaced After Controversial Comments Spark Diplomatic Tensions with India Thailand has made the decision to replace its Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) following a strong protest from India regarding her remarks on New Delhi's rice procurement program, according to media reports. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries after contentious statements made by the Thai Ambassador, leading India to express disappointment and file a formal complaint. Reports indicate that Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield has been instructed to return to Thailand after the ongoing 13th ministerial conference, now in its fifth day of discussions.

Pitfield is set to be replaced by the Thai foreign secretary. India expressed disappointment over Pitfield's comments during a consultation meeting on Tuesday, where she accused India of utilizing its rice procurement program at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the public distribution system not for the benefit of its citizens but to dominate the export market. India has formally conveyed its protest to the Thai government and expressed discontent with WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Following their protest, Indian delegates at the WTO meeting opted out of participating in certain group discussions where the Thai representative was present. India, alongside Thailand, plays a significant role in rice exports. Reports suggest that on various platforms, certain developed and developing nations have criticized India's public stockholding, particularly of rice, for distorting global market prices.

From 2018 to 2022, India held the title of the world's largest rice exporting country, followed by Thailand and Vietnam. However, in 2023, India imposed a ban on the export of broken and non-basmati white rice due to uncertainties surrounding rice production, geopolitical factors, El Nino phenomena, and extreme weather conditions. This measure was aimed at stabilizing domestic prices and ensuring an adequate supply in the domestic market.

In 2022, India's rice exports totaled 22.24 million tonnes, representing 40.63 percent of the world's rice exports.

Export bans were placed on broken rice starting in September 2022 and non-basmati white rice from July 2023, while exports of basmati and parboiled non-basmati rice continue. This article was originally published by Sonu Vivek on March 1, 2024.