Rice farmers in the Mekong Delta and Thailand are struggling as rising costs and global conflicts affect the rice trade. In Vietnam, farmer Nguyen Thanh Giang says diesel, fertilizer, and transport prices have increased sharply, while rice selling prices remain almost the same, making farming less profitable. Many farmers are thinking about reducing or stopping one of their yearly crops. Experts like Do Ha Nam warn that if costs keep rising, farmers may switch to other crops. In Thailand, exporter Chookiat Ophaswongse reports that exports have slowed due to shipping problems and higher fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions. Transport delays and higher freight costs are also hurting profits. Even though Vietnam still exports large amounts of rice, incomes are falling. Farmers say they must work harder just to survive. Many now hope for better prices, lower costs, and more stable global trade conditions in the future.

Pray for economic stability in Thailand and its neighboring countries, which are under unstable conditions due to the war in the Middle East region. Pray for more government support for the farmers in the region during this time of uncertainty (The Holy Bible, Psalm 57:1).

Pray for the immediate and peaceful end of the war in the Middle East region. Pray for divine provision for all the families in Thailand and its neighboring countries. Pray for food security in the region (The Holy Bible, Psalm 121:7-8).

News Source: The Straits Times

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