Thailand's Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) emphasizes that the nation requires a political shift in agricultural policies to address challenges posed by market changes, climate change, technological advancements, and an ageing population.

The Thai GDP saw a modest year-on-year growth of 1.5% in Q1, with agricultural GDP decreasing by 4.1% due to El Nino's adverse effects.

DOAE director-general Peeraphan Korthong advocates for refocused subsidies, particularly for elderly farmers, and highlights the necessity of political awareness on climate change, digital transformation, and demographic changes.

Additionally, human resource development, particularly in financial and digital skills, is essential to enhance the sector's efficiency and competitiveness.

Upcoming initiatives include smart farming practices, the development of a comprehensive agriculture services application, and a push towards high-value agriculture.

The goal is to use technology and better governance to transform agriculture into a robust sector that can contribute significantly to Thailand's GDP.