Bangkok: Watcharaphol Khaokham, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has announced plans to propose an extension of Thailand's school milk program to the Cabinet next week, aiming to cover up to grade 9 (M.3). This initiative is part of broader efforts to manage the surplus of raw milk in the country and to revitalize the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DFPO) alongside the entire Thai dairy industry.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to present the proposal that would absorb an additional 90 tons of surplus raw milk daily. This move is seen as a strategic measure to alleviate the financial strain on the DFPO, which currently receives a limited school milk quota and has to purchase significant amounts of raw milk beyond its agreements with cooperatives. To further support the dairy industry, the Ministry is also looking to expand milk export markets.
In response to challenges with expired products, the DFPO has announced a public auction of over 500,000 cartons of expired Thai-Denmark UHT milk, scheduled for August 6th. This auction aims to reduce stock burdens and facilitate the swift disposal of spoiled goods. The auction will take place at the DFPO Northeastern Regional Office in Khon Kaen Province, with registration for bidders opening in the morning hours.
The Ministry is also exploring potential markets abroad, such as China and Indonesia, for Thai dairy products. By developing innovative products like durian and mangosteen-flavored milk, the DFPO aims to capture the premium segment of the Chinese market. Meanwhile, negotiations are underway to open up dairy export opportunities to Indonesia, a country heavily reliant on milk imports. A delegation led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, including Mr. Watcharaphol, will visit Indonesia to expedite these discussions.
In collaboration with Kasetsart University, efforts are also being made to develop lactose-free milk products for pets to tap into the global pet food market. This is part of a larger strategy to increase the value of raw milk and create sustainable distribution channels for the Thai dairy industry. The draft Dairy and Dairy Products Act, recently approved by Parliament, is expected to further reform the industry's management structure, ensuring its long-term competitiveness and adaptability.