Thailand has been successful in its agricultural development. During the past half century, the country has
undergone much of the transition from a rural agrarian to an urban and industrial economy, with high growth
rates and major reductions in poverty and hunger. While, as expected, agriculture has declined in relative
importance, Thailand has become an Asian New Zealand: a leading agricultural exporter, able to produce a
range of tropical produce at costs as low as any in the world.
Thailand is a prime example of successful agriculture development in an industrialising country. This paper reviews
the experience over the past 40 years and draws out policy lessons.