The Thai government plans to boost rice exports by negotiating sales directly with other governments in a move intended to help struggling farmers ahead of a general election to be held by February next year. Indonesia and Malaysia import around 800,000 tons of Thai rice per year, while the Philippines imports 1 million tons. The Philippine government is due to hold a tender in March for the purchase of 250,000 tons of rice from the private sector, for which Thai companies are expected to bid.