A Review of Agricultural Research System in Thailand : The Development, Policies, Institutions, Investment Patterns, and Impact Assessment

This article aims at reviewing the agricultural research system in Thailand. By reviewing literature and analyzing the data using descriptive statistics the article provides an overview of the agricultural research system with respect to its historical development, policy guidance, public funding and relevant institutions, investment trends and patterns, and returns on research investment. This could serve as a basis for analyzing issues regarding agricultural research investment in Thailand. The review shows the percentage shares of agricultural R&D in agricultural GDP had experienced downward trends. Among major research performers, agricultural research activities have primarily been conducted by the government, followed by universities and private enterprises. The government share in total agricultural R&D spending has declined while that of universities increased. The role of private sector is relatively small. Economic returns on the public agricultural R&D investment are high; however, there is no evidence for universities and private-firm R&D. Research policy should provide a continued support for agricultural R&D and stimulate more collaboration from the private sector. Emphasis should also be placed on developing consistent and comprehensive record of agricultural R&D data