Thailand's rice exports fell year-on-year between January and April 2026 as the Middle East conflict halted shipments to Middle East markets. Key African and Asian markets partially offset the shortfall in demand. Although Thailand officially entered the 2026 rainy season on May 15, national rainfall through May 31, 2026, remained below the 30-year average. The Royal Irrigation Department reported the Chao Phraya basin usable water storage at 36 percent capacity and a risk of a June-July dry spell, particularly for farmers outside irrigation zones.