The government is advancing a comprehensive reform of the Thai dairy sector by restructuring the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO), enhancing industry capacity, and simultaneously expanding the school milk program through Grade 9 to help absorb more than 90 tons of excess raw milk daily.
On 1 August 2026, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is systematically addressing issues in the Thai dairy industry. The focus is on improving farmers’ quality of life, food security, and investing in children's nutrition. A key measure being promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and set to be proposed to the Cabinet is expanding the school milk program to cover students up to Grade 9. This aims to increase Thai children's access to quality milk while absorbing over 90 tons of excess raw milk daily.
In addition to expanding the school milk program, the government prioritizes revitalizing the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to serve as the main mechanism for stabilizing the Thai dairy industry. Efforts include improving stock milk management, quota administration, expanding marketing channels, and developing new dairy products to increase the value of raw milk and enhance the industry's long-term competitiveness.
Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi added that the government believes integrating cooperation among the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and other relevant agencies will improve the efficiency of raw milk management nationwide. This will reduce surplus milk problems, provide stable income for farmers, and enable the school milk program to fully benefit Thai children.