Plan to Build Paddy Silos in Thailand Draws Criticism.

Byline: Phusadee Arunmas

Aug. 8--Paddy silos will be built nationwide at a cost of 30 billion baht as part of a programme intended to stabilise and secure the incomes of rice growers.

However, some in the industry see building new silos -- a proposal that was first floated more than a year ago -- as a costly measure that will not justify the touted benefits and could fuel corruption.

The Commerce, Agriculture and Industry ministries agreed on the step in their strategic plan for the rice industry over the next five years.

The plan entails spending 90 billion baht, of which the government will fund 24 billion baht directly and provide the …