Cooperatives Management in Thailand
Study Tour on Cooperative Development of Lao PDR 1 on 8-10 of March 2016

Lao Delegation at Peanut Processing Cooperative

HSF

Udon-Thani, Thailand --- Hanns-Seidel-Foundation (HSF) in cooperation with the Cooperative Promotion Department Udon-Thani organized a study tour for the Lao Women Union of Department of Agriculture, Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC) from 08.03.2016 until 10.03.2016 in Udon-Thani in Thailand. The group visited different local production sites that are part of cooperatives management. All participants could get an insight on the work and efficiency of cooperatives.

On the melon farm in Nong Harn District everyone had a look at the different growing places of melons and listened to a short speech about how they grow melons efficiently and how the participation of cooperatives works. In Pak Tob District the participants visited a local company which produces leather shoes. The owner gave information how they produce the shoes, where they get the materials from and how they finally sell their shoes with help of cooperatives.

Visit at Peanut Processing Cooperative

HSF

In Kud Jab District the group visited a “One Tambon One Product” (OTOP) site at Ban Nong Kong, the local entrepreneurship program designed by Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The local company produces peanuts and the group watched and learned about the peanut processing. The participants got to know the importance of cooperative work again and further learned about their business strategies and marketing management. Furthermore a local business group for herbal products in Ban Chiang Peng informed the delegation about their selling conditions of these products and important business partners. In the Visitor Center of Increasing Efficiency of Agricultural Production the group listened to an interesting speech. The next stop at Wangsammor Agriculture Cooperative Center gave information about the members and about their management structure and aims. 

Visit at leather shoes cooperative

HSF

Accordingly the group had a look around the farm close to the Center, where they breed cows and grow vegetables. For the participants it was very interesting to see the facilities and the working procedures on this exemplary farm. Finally the delegation visited the rice farm of the Governor of Udon-Thani Province, where Mr. Thawatchai Pelachat, Veterinarian of Udon-Thani Municipality, gave a speech and the group learned important things about how to be successful farmers when specializing in one product and how to improve marketing options. This center is a learning center for Local farmers in order to spread the knowledge of successful farming. All in all the study tour was very informative for all participants, because they got an insight about the Cooperatives Management of local Thai companies. With this gained knowledge the Lao Delegation is prepared to make plans for Lao cooperatives in order to improve their efficiency as well.