Challenges and Opportunities for the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Thailand: A Microfinance Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the challenges and opportunities faced by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) in Thailand from a microfinance perspective. It examines the role of BAAC as a specialized financial institution in assisting underprivileged households and small businesses in accessing financial services. The study highlights the political exploitation of BAAC for populist strategies and the negative impact of corruption on the effectiveness of its operations. Additionally, it discusses the rice-pledging policy in Thailand, which was driven by political motivations and resulted in significant losses for the government. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable development strategies and decreased political interference to enhance the performance of BAAC and effectively support farmers and the poor in Thailand.