Agriculture

Although Thailand in recent years has focused on creating a more forward-thinking, modern economy, ranking second only to Singapore in financial clout within the ASEAN block, the country’s agricultural sector still remains a crucial cog in the engine driving the country forward. It continues to capitalise on its long-standing farming tradition and favourable climate as it retains its enviable position as a key exporter of products – including widely consumed agricultural commodities such as rice, sugar and rubber – around the world. Agriculture, particularly rice, is still the dominant economic activity in many of the rural regions of the country, in places where other economic development efforts have not yet made a significant impact. This chapter contains an interview Chatchai Sarikulya, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.