Thailand's economy hit by falling rice exports

23 October 2012 Last updated at 20:08 ET Help

Thailand's economy is struggling to deal with a marked slowdown in exports.

South East Asia's second biggest economy is facing the challenge of a slowdown in Asia, Europe and the US, causing a drop in demand for products made in the country.

According to the Thailand Development Research Institute exports of rice have dropped 44% since January, another blow for the economy.

The BBC's Jonathan Head explains why this is an economic and emotional issue for the country.

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