Farmers in Kalasin Province, Thailand are experiencing improved harvest conditions after a initial slump in rice prices. This was due to a market glitch that resulted in low purchase prices for rice, causing farmers to suffer losses. However, following a delay in sales and drying of the rice, purchase prices have increased. Despite this, the prices are still lower than last year due to smuggling of paddy and rice from neighboring countries. Authorities have called for strict measures against this smuggling to stabilize rice prices for Thai farmers.