Legal action to be taken against those damaging Thai rice reputation

BANGKOK, July 11 (TNA) - The Ministry of Commerce will take legal action against those who have tarnished the reputation of Thai rice by accusing it of being contaminated with chemicals. Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach told reporters on Thursday that he has ordered his ministry's Department of Internal Trade to take legal action against the people who have accused through social media that Thai rice was contaminated with hazardous substances. Yanyong said that the accusation has confused the general public and damaged Thai rice reputation, urging all parties to help promote Thai grains. The deputy commerce minister affirmed that all processes of Thai rice were based on international safety standards, ranging from its production to its packaging, storage and display by operators, traders and department stores. The deputy commerce minister noted that the rumor of contamination in Thai rice has reduced the sales of bagged rice in local big stores by a certain extent, from about 4 million bags monthly, and unless the Commerce Ministry hurriedly creates understanding, the overall sales of bagged rice on the domestic market will be more affected. The deputy commerce minister acknowledged that he has also ordered chiefs of Thailand's overseas commercial offices to create understanding and build confidence in the Thai rice among people in their respective countries. According to the deputy commerce minister, his ministry will lead reporters to inspect the safety standards of the Thai rice at all processes on July 13. (TNA)