Thailand is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, with rice production playing a crucial role in its agricultural sector. However, the current model of industrialized rice production, driven by the Green Revolution, has led to significant challenges, including soil degradation, economic burdens on farmers, and threats to food sovereignty. This chapter examines the limitations of the dominant food security paradigm, which prioritizes food availability and economic access but overlooks cultural and ecological concerns. It highlights how Thai civil society organizations, particularly the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), the Alternative Agriculture Foundation (AAF), and BioThai, are advocating for food sovereignty as an alternative framework. Through focus group discussions and case studies, the chapter explores how these organizations build networks, engage in policy advocacy, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Their efforts emphasize grassroots mobilization, research collaboration, and public education to challenge industrialized agriculture. By reclaiming traditional farming knowledge and fostering solidarity, these movements present a viable path toward an ecologically sustainable and socially just food system in Thailand.

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Promoting Food Sovereignty in Thailand and the Task of Civil Society

  • Nathaniel Punongbayan Candelaria

摘要

Thailand is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, with rice production playing a crucial role in its agricultural sector. However, the current model of industrialized rice production, driven by the Green Revolution, has led to significant challenges, including soil degradation, economic burdens on farmers, and threats to food sovereignty. This chapter examines the limitations of the dominant food security paradigm, which prioritizes food availability and economic access but overlooks cultural and ecological concerns. It highlights how Thai civil society organizations, particularly the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), the Alternative Agriculture Foundation (AAF), and BioThai, are advocating for food sovereignty as an alternative framework. Through focus group discussions and case studies, the chapter explores how these organizations build networks, engage in policy advocacy, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Their efforts emphasize grassroots mobilization, research collaboration, and public education to challenge industrialized agriculture. By reclaiming traditional farming knowledge and fostering solidarity, these movements present a viable path toward an ecologically sustainable and socially just food system in Thailand.