Abstract:
The study of the implementation of agricultural products policy in Thailand: paddy mortgage policy implementation in 2012/13. This research aimed to analyze the current situation, problems which have been caused by implementation of paddy mortgage policy in Thailand and to recommend the path and implementation of agricultural products policy model especially paddy which was appropriate for contextualization, Thailand, by applying Van Meter and Van Horns top-down theory (1975). The study had characteristic of qualitative research, case study design. The subjects were all levels of relevant officers. The research instruments were in-depth interview and documentaries.
The finding showed condition and problem of implementation of paddy mortgage policy which were (1) policy objectives and criteria of operating solved the problem in some parts. Some criteria of proceedings did not correspond with each contextualization. This policy did not solve the problems of famers inclusively and equally. (2) Policy resource, budget, officer and equipment were not sufficient. (3) Horizontal communication of officers between inside and outside organizations was high efficiency, but central government sent the message to operational officers inefficiently. In addition, central government made a final decision or commanded to operational officers slowly. (4) Characteristic of implementing agencies was complex. The pyramidal organization chart was very high, and they had to involve with many agencies. Therefore, this structure encouraged corruption and spent a huge of budget. (5) Although the government took charge of paddy stock individually, this caused problems about releasing and distributing paddy.
Meanwhile, foreign countries developed production potential rapidly, and they also received benefit from exporting this crop in high rate. In aspect of famers, the way of their life was changed obviously. They involved with technology, hired labors more than past. At the same time, they faced suffering because of high investment cost, natural disaster, rental fee and debt. (6) The implementers believed that paddy mortgage policy certainly affected benefit for famers. On the contrary, this policy caused a lot of negative effects such as market and co-operation system, damaged organic rice, decreased self-sufficiency and potential of farmers and private organizations. As for method and model of implementation of paddy mortgage policy which should be suitable for contextualization in Thailand is (1) should establish individual organization that directly takes responsibility for each type of agricultural productivities. It should not appoint many boards, who are responsible separately, and government should not hold absolute power to command, but it should allow private organization to conduct mechanism price normally. (2) It should appoint coalition board between government and private organization, who manage paddy policy, and the government should support and develop system of benefit allocation which includes farmers, rice mills and rice exports. (3) It should create model of implement policy which is equilibrium between top-down practice and bottom-up practice. Moreover, it should emphasis on participation of public and relationship with private organization.
Based on the finding, there were some recommendations. (1) The government should seek measure to control price of production factors. (2) It should reduce the price of paddy mortgage appropriately and should determine this policy as supportive measure. It should bring this measure to operate when farmers face problem. (3) The government should administrate risk by making paddy insurance for farmers. (4) It should encourage assemble farmers to use technological equipment. (5) It should reform land by encouraging farmers and agriculturist to have their own land for cultivating.