Post by : Shakul

Thailand is moving forward with a major plan to strengthen its cooperative sector as part of its development strategy for 2026. The meeting was chaired by Piyarat Tiyapairat, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who led discussions on improving the performance and sustainability of cooperatives across the country.

The meeting of the National Cooperative Development Committee focused on building a strong, transparent, and sustainable cooperative system. Officials from different sectors participated in the discussions, sharing ideas and suggestions to guide future policies and actions.

One of the main priorities highlighted during the meeting was the use of digital technology. The government plans to improve applications and websites to make them easier to use and more accessible for the public. The goal is to create a user focused system that helps cooperative members access services quickly and efficiently.

The plan also includes better data sharing between government agencies. By connecting systems and encouraging innovation, the government aims to improve decision making and service delivery. Collaboration with education and research institutions will help develop new technologies tailored to the needs of farmers and cooperative members.

Another important focus area is debt resolution. The government aims to support thousands of cooperative members in managing and reducing their debt. This step is expected to improve financial stability and enhance the quality of life for many families.

The roadmap for 2026 is based on the 5th Cooperative Development Plan covering the period from 2023 to 2027. So far, a large number of projects under this plan have already been implemented, showing strong progress in achieving the set goals.

For the coming year, the government will focus on improving weaker cooperatives by strengthening management systems and promoting transparency. Technology will be used for auditing and governance to ensure better accountability.

The plan also includes promoting ethical practices among cooperative staff and supporting thousands of cooperatives and farmer groups. Efforts will be made to develop high performance model cooperatives that can serve as examples for others.

Thailand currently has more than nine thousand cooperatives with millions of members, especially in the agricultural sector. These cooperatives play a major role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to national income through activities such as lending, deposits, and agricultural services.

The meeting also recognized several national level cooperative federations that help drive the sector forward. Officials believe that with strong cooperation between government agencies and the use of digital innovation, the cooperative system will continue to grow and support sustainable development in Thailand.

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