On 30 September 2025, DPS Paisan Rupanichkij met with Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), to discuss recent developments and APTERR’s role in supporting its member countries affected by rice shortages or natural disasters. Most recently, APTERR released 6,500 tons of rice to Myanmar to assist those impacted by the March 2025 earthquake. The discussion also touched on APTERR’s role in enhancing regional food security and improving rice quality and nutrition.

Established in 2012 with its Secretariat based in Bangkok, APTERR comprises ASEAN Member States, China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. Its mandate is to strengthen regional food security and provide timely assistance to member countries in need.