Bangkok: Dairy cooperatives have urged the government to address the surplus of raw milk and delay powdered milk imports until 2026. According to Thai News Agency, representatives of dairy farmers and cooperatives, under the Dairy Cooperative Federation of Thailand Limited, submitted a letter to the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. They stressed the negative impact of powdered milk imports on Thai farmers. Mr. Subin Pom-ocha, Chairman of the Dairy Cooperative Federation, highlighted the challenges faced by dairy farmers due to the liberalization of powdered milk imports under free trade agreements. He noted that businesses have switched from raw milk to imported powdered milk, especially after tariffs were reduced to zero for imports from New Zealand and Australia. Mr. Subin urged the Ministry of Commerce to delay the import of approximately 90,000 tons of powdered milk until 2026, emphasizing that half of this quota remains for import s tarting May 1st. There are currently about 211 tons of raw milk per day that remain unsold. Mr. Subin warned that further imports would worsen the situation for farmers. The cooperative also asked the Ministry of Commerce to support the distribution of UHT milk cartons, which are currently in surplus, through government-run sales points or gas stations to generate revenue for farmers. Mr. Nattavut Prateepavanich, Vice Chairman of the Dairy Cooperative Federation, called for clearer milk product labeling by the Food and Drug Administration to help consumers distinguish between products made from fresh cow's milk and those made from reconstituted powdered milk. The cooperatives proposed promoting the school milk supplement program to extend to 365 days a year, aiming to absorb surplus raw milk during school holidays. They also requested urgent funding to pay nearly one billion baht owed to farmers by the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand since September 2025. Mr. Subin warned that unresolved issues might force farmers to discard milk or cease dairy farming, impacting the dairy and crop farming sectors. Domestic milk production is essential for food security, he emphasized. Mr. Kritthana Thongprasert, representing the Ministry of Commerce, confirmed receipt of the proposals. Plans are underway to distribute cooperative-produced milk through modern retail stores, Blue Flag stores, and events. Additionally, cooperation with fuel service stations is being explored for direct consumer distribution.
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