Thailand Plans Agricultural Restructuring to Boost High-Value Crops

Gobsak Phuutrakun, chair of the agricultural goods and food security working group under the trade, tourism, and community economy subcommittee, said the committee's first meeting discussed Quick Win and Big Win policies directed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suthathip Sutheephan. Discussions covered the entire agricultural sector from production through processing to distribution, with plans to engage private companies to establish markets for producers across the country.

The meeting explored crop research, plant variety improvement, agricultural innovation, and farmer processing capabilities. On the SME side, the committee discussed SME-GP initiatives to support small and medium enterprises in selling goods, as foreign products are flooding the market. The committee aims to help SMEs scale up into larger companies that can become industry leaders and regional pioneers through mentorship systems, skills training, online courses, AI consulting, and coding support.

Gobsak stated that the agricultural sector has significant potential but requires identifying which crops are profitable, which lose money, and which should be imported instead. The strategy involves moving away from loss-making production and focusing on high-value agriculture. The committee will consider involving young, change-ready farmers through a Young Smart Farmer programme. On a separate note, Wisit Limlueechaa, vice chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, commented after attending the meeting at Government House that day.