Northeast Thailand is the largest region of Thailand constituted
approximately a third of landmass and population. The region is the
poorest in terms of income and gross regional product compared to other
regions of Thailand. This is not only because natural resources are
relatively poorer whether in terms of soil, water and forests, but also
historical factors dealing with political division. Geographically, the
terrain is largely upland with poor soil, often with salinity problem.
Irrigation is possible only in limited areas. Climatically, the amount of
rainfall is not low but quite erratic and unreliable making the region
vulnerable to droughts and floods. Politically, the region had been
neglected by past governments up until 1960s when popular discontents
and communist insurgents required concerted attention by governments.
Due to high population growth during the 1960s-80s, forests was cleared
and used for agricultural purposes. In such forest areas, land tenure
security was a problem for Northeast farmers who use the land for
agricultural purposes. In agricultural areas, however, most farmers are
land owners.