Indonesia’s Mount Marapi erupted, sending ash 2,000 metres into the sky. Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Indonesia erupted on the morning of 30 May 2026. The ash reached around 2,000 metres above the volcano peak and 4,891 metres above sea level. Despite the limited seismic activity, the volcano remains at Alert Level II (Caution).  Local residents and climbers were advised to avoid all activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the volcano’s activity centre, including the Verbeek Crater. The authorities also urged the communities living along valleys and riverbanks originating from Mount Marapi to remain alert for the potential of cold lava floods, especially during the rainy season. 

Source: TEMPO. (2026, May 31). Indonesia’s Mount Marapi Erupts, Sends Ash 2 Kilometers High.

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines was placed under closely monitoring following the latest activity. On 31 May 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) instructed its disaster response units and concerned police officers in the Bicol Region to remain on standby after a report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on the occurrence of the pyroclastic density current (PDC) at Mayon Volcano a day earlier. Although the volcano remains Alert Level 3, PHIVOLCS reiterated that the 6-kilomatre Permanent Danger Zone strictly still prohibited.

Source: Philippine News Agency. (2026, June 1). PNP heightens disaster readiness amid Mayon Volcano’s renewed activity.

Monsoon rains raised flood risks across to parts of Thailand. On 1 June 2026, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) warned that flash floods, forest run-offs, and mudslides were expected to occur in six provinces due to the south-east monsoon. The affected provinces included Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket.  People in the risk areas were advised to remain vigilant and monitor local announcement for the safety guidance  

Source: The Nation. (2026, June 1). ONWR puts six provinces on flood alert as heavy rain hits Thailand.

Philippines and Vietnam Deepen Strategic Ties and Economic Cooperation. The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to deepen economic cooperation and USD expand bilateral trade beyond their 10 billion target following talks between Philippines and Vietnam’s government. Under an upgraded Enhanced Strategic Partnership, the two countries will strengthen collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, green technology, the digital economy, and defense. Agriculture remains a key focus, with plans to expand cooperation in agribusiness, seafood processing, and climate-resilient farming research. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to food security through a recently established long-term rice trade mechanism, building on Vietnam’s role as a major rice supplier to the Philippines.

Source: The Philippines News Agency. (2026, June 1). Indonesia rice reserves hit record ahead of dry season.

CMP Repositions as ‘Premium Rice Specialist’ at THAIFEX 2026. At THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, Managing Director of CMP Group has announced a strategic shift from a traditional rice producer and exporter to a “Premium Rice Specialist,” aiming to create greater value for the global food industry, which the company’s nearly 90 years of experience across the rice value chain provide a strong foundation for its new direction. CMP markets rice globally under brands including Golden Phoenix, Q Rice, and Golden Crane. CMP Group highlighted five key business areas, which is premium export solutions, organic rice products, OEM and private-label services, innovative rice concepts, and global partnership opportunities. Under the theme “Generations of Trust. Future of Rice,” CMP’s 2026 strategy focuses on innovation, sustainability, farmer support, and responsible sourcing. The company also plans marketing campaigns and collaborations with chefs and international culinary networks to promote Thai premium rice worldwide. Moreover, the move marks an important step in strengthening its position in the global food industry while supporting the long-term development of Thailand’s rice sector.

Source: Bangkok Post. (2026, June 2). CMP Unveils "Premium Rice Specialist" Vision at THAIFEX 2026 for Global Food Innovation

Japan Raises Concerns Over Surge in Private Rice Imports. The Japanese government has warned that a sharp rise in private-sector rice imports, driven by soaring domestic rice prices, could reduce demand for domestic produced rice and negatively affect domestic production. According to the fiscal 2025 food and agriculture white paper, the government acknowledged that inaccurate demand forecasts and delays in releasing stockpiled rice contributed to supply concerns and further price increases. The report also highlighted growing food security risks stemming from Japan’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and feed, as well as disruptions to global supply chains.

Source: The Japan Times. (2026, May 29). Japan voices concern over rice imports in white paper