“I was shocked to learn from a newspaper that someone is trying to sell old rice to Africa. My concern is why Africa is mentioned,” said Kiptiness Lindsay Kimwole, Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand in response to the Thai government’s plan to auction off decade-old rice in June.
While the Medical Sciences Department certified that the stockpile of old rice is still consumable, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s intention to target African markets is unsettling for the Ambassador.
In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World, he reiterated his concerns that old rice could harm African people’s health.
“The reference to Africa is not ideal. Why didn’t they mention another part of the world? As we don’t not have full information on the quality of the old rice, we, as African envoys, should protect our people,” the ambassador said.
He said that, despite proper repacking, the rice could still contain aflatoxin, a carcinogen, stressing the need for clarification, assurance and the opportunity to inspect the rice.
While the government targets African markets, the ambassador believes that the stockpile of 15,000 tons will be auctioned to buyers, who will then resell the rice on the global market.
As the government has assured that the old rice is still edible, the way to which Africa was referred has agitated the ambassador, prompting him to pose this question, “Would that rice be consumed at home in Thailand? If the quality is good, it should be consumed by everyone, including people in Thailand.’’
As the Dean of African Ambassadors in Thailand, the Kenyan envoy also mentioned that his colleagues from African countries have requested a meeting with officials at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to clarify the plan to sell this old rice. They are still waiting for a response.
“Everyone wants to purchase the best quality rice and no one wants to buy rice of inferior quality. It is not a good idea to sell old rice and the government needs to find a way to put out this fire,” he added.
The highly controversial decade-old rice is part of the much criticised rice-pledging scheme of Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Earlier this month, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai inspected the warehouse in Surin province, where he tasted a sample of the rice which, he claimed, is edible if washed 15 times before cooking.
Thai PBS World’s Franc Han Shih (L) talks to Ambassador Kiptiness Lindsay Kimwole
Strengthening Thailand-Kenya relations is the priority
While concerned over the old rice policy, the ambassador also highlights cooperation and trade relations with Thailand. In addition to Thai rice, Kenya imports computer parts, vehicles and medical devices from Thailand.
He said that trade between Kenya and Thailand, in 2021, totalled US$250 million, with Kenya exporting only US$21 million worth of goods. He has been working to close this trade gap by signing MOUs with various Thai ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, adding that these agreements will expedite the import to Thailand of fresh Kenyan products, such as avocados.
In addition to trade and investment, the ambassador appreciates the efforts of Thai authorities in combatting human trafficking. “We are aware that Thailand is not a destination for human trafficking, but Thailand is a transit country.
Most of them transit through Thailand. I am happy to note that the government of Thailand has been very keen. They have been helping us,” he said.
By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World
