Thailand is increasing its rice export target to 8.5 million tonnes this year due to rising prices from competitors like Vietnam. The Philippines and Indonesia are increasing orders for Thai rice because Vietnamese rice is more expensive. Thailand is the second largest exporter of rice in the world, and its rice production this year has been minimally impacted by the El Nino weather phenomenon. However, Thai rice exports are expected to decrease to 7.5 million tonnes next year due to India easing its export ban.