Bangkok: Thammanat expressed concerns about the agricultural sector, noting that after seven years overseeing the Ministry of Agriculture, he has observed the complexity of farmers’ problems, requiring structural solutions. He stressed that policy continuity is difficult to achieve success without it. He emphasized the need for leadership that understands the problems, is decisive, and “dare to act,” and noted that the transition period between governments might see increased protests from farmer groups demanding urgent solutions to their hardships.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat Phromphao, and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Kla Tham Party, presided over the opening ceremony of the 51st anniversary of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) under the theme “ALRO Creates Rights, Enhances Capital, Supports Agriculture.” Also in attendance were Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Amin Mayuso and Mr. Nares Thamrongtipyakun; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Winairoj Thrapsongsook; and ALRO Secretary-General, Mr. Setthakiat Krajangwong, along with executives and staff.
Captain Thamanat said that one of the key policies that the Ministry of Agriculture is pushing forward through the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) is the “Agricultural Land Title Deed,” which upgrades the ALRO 4-01 land ownership document to create land security for farmers and provide them with greater access to funding sources. However, the implementation has not met its targets due to budgetary constraints and the inconsistency of the policy due to changes in government or leadership.
Captain Thamanat said that, from his experience overseeing the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for over seven years, he has found that solving problems for farmers is not easy. Although the Ministry of Agriculture is considered a top-tier ministry that receives a large budget allocation, in reality, the majority of the budget is spent on water infrastructure and personnel expenses. This limits the allocation of funds to address structural problems in the agricultural sector.
Concerns were expressed regarding the agricultural situation in the coming period, particularly the volatility of weather conditions. This year, there is a tendency for an El Ni±o phenomenon to occur, which may affect water availability in many areas. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently manage water resources and continuously develop irrigation infrastructure to mitigate potential impacts on the agricultural sector.
In addition, there are immediate issues that need urgent attention, such as the case of dairy farmers from various areas who have submitted demands regarding the surplus of raw milk in the market. They also proposed the continuation of the school milk program 365 days a year to alleviate the milk surplus during school holidays, and requested the government to expedite the allocation of funds to assist the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO), which has a large outstanding payment for raw milk to dairy cooperatives.
Captain Thamanat said that the problem of a surplus of raw milk in the market is a structural issue that needs to be addressed. Regarding the outstanding debt of over 1 billion baht of the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DFPO), he said it can be resolved if the full four-year term of supervision is completed. He noted that in the past, the DFPO’s management system involved a large number of businesses, leading to volatility. However, during the transition period of forming a new government, it is necessary to address the immediate problems first. He has assigned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to closely oversee the resolution of these issues.
When asked about the political situation, Captain Thamanat said that it is currently uncertain whether the Kla Tham Party will join the government or not, as it depends on the political party that leads the formation of the government.
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives emphasized that if agricultural policies lack continuity due to frequent changes in government or leadership, it could lead to the accumulation of problems and increased farmer protests. He stressed that agricultural development requires consistent policies and leadership that understands the problems, is decisive, and “dare to act” to ensure tangible long-term solutions for farmers.