Rice contest winners stand with Chutima Runmyapraphasara at the award ceremony on May 31, 2018 (Photo: Zhao Yiqu)

Bangkok (People's Daily) - Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce along with the Department of Foreign Trade announced the winners of the annual International Rice Recipe and Innovative Rice Product competitions, both organized under the event “Rice Plus Awards 2018,” an initiative aimed at adding value to Thailand’s rice farming industry.

During the award ceremony people enjoyed taking photos with the winners on May 31, 2018. (Photo: Zhao Yiqu)

The top winners from both contests received royal-approved HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophies at the award ceremony.

Thai Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara delivers a speech on May 31, 2018.  (Photo: Zhao Yiqu)

Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara attended the award ceremony and delivered speech on the importance to Thailand's rice farming industry.

“It is a great honour for the Ministry of Commerce that HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously granted eight royal trophies for the Rice Plus Award winners in all eight categories. The royal support has given us all great morale and inspiration to continue developing innovative  rice farming for the country,” said Chutima. (By Sun Guangyong and Zhao Yipu)