Bangkok: The Beef Cattle Association has voiced its opposition to the potential merging of the Agriculture and Commerce ministries. Mr. Sitthiporn Burananut, Vice President of the Thai Beef Cattle Association, expressed concerns regarding recent rumors of a cabinet reshuffle that could see Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce, overseeing both the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. He highlighted the importance of aligning production and marketing efforts, but warned that assigning one individual the responsibilities of both sectors could pose risks and disrupt the balance between production and trade.
According to Thai News Agency, the association suggested a more effective solution would involve appointing a minister who can work closely with the Commerce Minister. This individual should possess a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain to proactively manage and prevent market oversupply, irrespective of their political party affiliation. The association also emphasized the need for the government to reform its approach to supporting small-scale farmers by moving away from large-scale relief spending, and instead, focus on building robust, long-term group mechanisms.
The Beef Cattle Association further recommended restructuring the Thai cooperative system, which is currently hindered by outdated regulations and ongoing corruption. These issues prevent cooperatives from effectively serving as a catalyst for grassroots economic development, as seen in other countries. The association urged the new government to remove legal barriers and enhance cooperatives, enabling them to become pivotal tools for genuinely improving the quality of life for Thai farmers and helping them escape poverty.