CropWatch monitoring indicates that Thailand experienced hot and dry conditions from July to September 2025, which adversely affected agricultural production nationwide. During this period, precipitation totaled only 430 mm, 56% below the 15-year average. The average temperature reached 27 °C, 1.7 °C above the 15-year mean, while RADPAR increased by 6% to 887 MJ/m². These hot and dry conditions led to a substantial decline in BIOMSS to 963 gDM/m², 31% below the 15-year average. Drought stress also reduced CALF by 3% compared to the 5-year average, and the CPI stood at 0.96, reflecting below-average production prospects for the period.

Affected by drought, the planted area of Thailand’s rainy-season rice from July to September 2025 was approximately 5,520 thousand hectares, down 0.55% from 5,551 thousand hectares in 2024. Persistent high temperatures further shortened the rice heading stage and lowered the seed-setting rate, imposing additional constraints on yield. Consequently, the average yield of rainy-season rice in 2025 declined to 4,150 kg/ha, a 4.93% decrease compared with the previous year.

In summary, Thailand’s rainy-season rice in 2025 experienced simultaneous reductions in both planted area and yield. This dual decline was primarily driven by severe precipitation deficits and heightened water stress due to elevated temperatures, highlighting the notable impact of hot and dry climatic conditions on agricultural production.

Figure 2.15 Distribution of Rainy Season Rice in Thailand, 2025

Figure 2.15 Spatial Distribution of Rainy Season Rice Yield in Thailand, 2025