Thai rice futures ended mostly steady on Monday in the absence of fresh news to stir interest, brokers said. Overall volume rose as 122 contracts of 5 percent white rice were traded compared to 100 contracts on Friday.
The January contract ended at 9.86 baht per kg on Monday, up from 9.84 baht per kg on Friday, with the number of contracts traded falling to 15 from 50.
Open interest for the January was at 680 contracts at the end of Monday trade, down from 685 on Friday. Other contracts ended flat.
Brokers said they expected prices to move in a thin range this week, with the next technical resistance at 9.96 baht and support at 9.84 baht.
"Technically, the price could climb, but not much given that there is no new factor in sight to boost trade," said one broker.
Thai 5 percent white rice was quoted in the physical market at 9.65-9.7 baht per kg, almost unchanged from last week.
On the physical front, Commerce Minister Wattana Muangsook is due to meet Thai exporters on Tuesday to discuss strategies to boost trade next year.
Thailand, the world's largest rice exporter, started rice futures trading on August 26 with the 5 percent white rice grade.