North Korea is trying to buy half a million tons of rice (over three years) from Thailand. But North Korea already owes Thailand $120 million for rice bought (on credit) eight years ago. The North Koreans are discussing a barter deal. Thailand is the world's largest rice exporter (6-7 million tons a year). North Korea is also trying to get financial aid from international organizations (like, currently, the Asian Development Bank.) But North Korea has yet to come clean on a long list of bad deals and broken promises with foreign nations. The North appears to be still living in a fantasy land of its own creation.