Thailand
| Thailand: Factsheet | |
|---|---|
| Population size: 69 million | Annual population growth: + 0.3 % |
| Annual urban population growth: 2.6 % | Population density: 134.8 people per sq. km of land area |
| Surface area: 513,100 sq. km | Forest area: 164,000 sq. km |
| Protected areas (terrestrial and marine): 12.5% of total area | CO2 emissions: 4.62 metric tons per capita |
| Human Development Index (HDI): 0.74 | GINI coefficient (income inequality): 37.8 (2013) |
| Mostly 2016 data. Sources: World Development Indicators Database, Human Development Index | |
World Bank data
Thai Starting Situation
Thailand is located within a global production and regional consumption hub for market commodities. The country is the largest producer of rubber in the world, as well as one of the top international producers of palm oil and sugarcane. Thailand is also a major regional buyer and producer of forestry products.
The production of these key agricultural commodities has contributed to economic growth in Thailand, which has provided significant economic benefits and reduced poverty. But like many countries, Thailand is facing serious environmental challenges due to this rapid economic growth. This results in significant environmental impacts, including mangrove deforestation, reduced forest cover leading to increased GHG emissions, water and air pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Thai Approach to SCP: Area-based SCP models and sustainable value chains
The Thai component of the project applies a market-based approach in that it has developed model sites in northern Thailand (provinces Nan and Chiang Mai) with 1100 farming families involved and a total area of 500 hectares, on which agricultural practice is shifted towards sustainability.
In Chiang Mai, Thailand, commercial agriculture is the single largest driver of deforestation. / © Baramee Temboonkiat
WWF-Thailand is partnering with one of Thailand’s largest retailers (Central Group) to establish more sustainable value chains. A monitoring and traceability tool is developed to establish a strong producer-consumer partnership. Active communication, community development and campaigning engages consumers to reconsider their consumption choices and lifestyles, demand more sustainable products and lower their ecological footprint.
For videos explaining the Thai component in more detail, please follow this link.
Thai Team
From left to right – Teerawat Ruangmak (Project Field Officer), Chonlathan Naratree (Project Coordinator), Tammarin Dejsupa (Project Campaigner), Ply Pirom (Project Manager), Anothai Soma (Project Finance Admin) © WWF-Thailand
Project News
Reforestation in Chiang Mai
On 11 October 2019, the project forwarded its Forest Landscape Restoration 349 model in Mae Khi Muk village with around 100 people planting different types of trees such as perennials, cacao and banana.
ASEAN Sustainable Business Forum & Expo (ASBF) 2019
The project in Thailand participated in the 2019 ASBF and highlighted the importance of SCP for the future of Asian businesses.
Proposing measures to support Thailand’s transition towards sustainable agriculture
The consultation workshop discussed the research findings as recommendations towards the promotion of a policy instrument to achieve deforested-free food supply chains in the context of environmental sustainability and rural community development. The workshop also...