Bangkok: Narapat, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has proposed significant reforms aimed at transforming Thailand into a leading global food hub. The proposed measures focus on energy reform and the revitalization of the national fertilizer industry to reduce costs and increase revenue, thereby enhancing the country's agricultural competitiveness.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narapat Kaewthong, Deputy Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, presented these ideas during a special lecture at the party's Energy and Law Training Program No. 1/2026. He emphasized the severe impact of the current energy crisis on the country, particularly on farmers who are burdened with rising costs. He pointed out that escalating energy costs, especially oil prices, directly affect fertilizer costs. These costs are rooted in natural gas and energy, which are crucial for agricultural production and national competitiveness. High costs make Thai products less competitive in the global market, especially against countries like Vietnam with lower production costs.

Mr. Narapat highlighted that Thailand imports over 90% of its fertilizers despite its strong agricultural base. He questioned the lack of domestic fertilizer production, referencing the past "National Fertilizer" program that was shuttered following the 1997 economic crisis. The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party has proposed a new "National Fertilizer" policy encouraging domestic production using natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand to produce urea, a key component of fertilizers. The plan aims to reduce costs for farmers and potentially offer export opportunities.

In addressing water management, Mr. Narapat proposed developing weather radar systems for better flood preparedness and promoting solar energy for pumping water to reduce costs. He also discussed utilizing "pyrolysis" fuel from waste for agricultural machinery and advocated for a "free solar power" policy to further lower energy expenses for farmers.

Mr. Narapat further suggested collaborative resource pooling among farmers to invest in infrastructure like rice mills and machinery centers to improve efficiency. He stressed the importance of increasing farmers' income through value-added processing of agricultural products and reallocating government subsidies towards sustainable infrastructure development. This approach, he argued, would elevate over 30 million Thais in the agricultural sector and re-establish Thailand as the "kitchen of the world."

Finally, Mr. Narapat urged for policies that benefit the majority and emphasized the need for government sincerity in overcoming resistance from business groups. He likened the reform efforts to a "Robin Hood" approach, balancing wealth distribution to strengthen the nation's foundation.