Approximately 21 million ha or 40.9% of the total area is used for agricultural
production, 31.3 and 27.8% are under forest and unclassified land investment, human
resources development, intellectual property rights protection and the environment.
As an open developing country, Thailand should be aware of the importance of its
agricultural sector and yet its farmers have received relatively few benefits from trade
liberalization so far and are often poor. In order to maximize the potential benefits of
existing FTAs and minimize the possible negative impacts, the Thai Government
needs to satisfactorily make the necessary adjustments to its economy and develop the
competitiveness of its enterprises in emerging free markets. Restructuring and
adjustment processes in the Thai agricultural sector, especially for the empowerment
of Thai farmers, are critical in order to keep pace with the rapid changes brought
about by globalization and increased trade and to gain more benefits from FTAs for
society at large. In addition, Thailand has to be aware of the distribution of benefits to
each domestic sector involved. A balanced distribution would create a better-off
society and improved acceptance of FTAs by the public. Developing productivity and
increasing competitive ability will empower farmers and improve their business
potential.