The National Rice Policy Committee agreed on Monday to launch a new subsidy scheme worth 18 billion baht to aid struggling farmers amid plunging rice prices.
The decision still needs cabinet approval at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.
The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, said the fresh financial aid was for 2016/17 crops. Farmers to join the scheme are required to register with the Agriculture Promotion Department of the Agriculture Ministry.
Commerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn told reporters that farmers would receive 10,500 baht for every tonne of white paddy stored, and those who keep Thai Pathum Thani fragrant rice in their barns will receive 11,300 baht per tonne.
Under the previous package, the barn-pledging programme covers only Hom Mali and glutinous paddy.
"The overall budget is set at 18 billion baht," said Mrs Apiradee.
"This is to help relieve grievances farmers are facing while the main crop is being harvested," she said.
The minister expected 700,000 farming households in the Central Plains will be aided by the scheme, she added.
- Earlier report: Government extends rice scheme
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said urgent measures were needed to help rice growers but stressed that they would not distort market mechanisms.
The government is also encouraging government agencies and the armed forces to directly buy rice from farmers.
Several provinces open their offices or hold events to bring farmers to meet buyers, bypassing middlemen.
Some army units have bought rice directly from farmers to cook for soldiers and Royal Thai Air Forces commander ACM Chom Rungsawang on Monday agreed to buy rice directly from farmer cooperatives to supply the barracks.
Last Tuesday, the government approved the decision of the rice board to help growers of Hom Mali and glutinous paddy and encourage them to delay selling the grain.
All 28 airports under its supervision of the Transport Ministry also set up booths to sell rice bought directly from farmers to help them, according to deputy permanenet secretary Darun Saengchai.
Udon Thani airport was the pioneer, with a booth already set up in front of the check-in area on the first floor to sell the locally produced grain for 15 days, he said.