While attending the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APSDF) in Bangkok, the International Coconut Community (ICC) Delegation paid a courtesy visit to Thailand’s National Liaison Officer (NLO) and ICC Chairman to further strengthen collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Thailand.
Courtesy Meeting with Thailand’s National Liaison Officer and ICC Chairman
On February 28, 2025, ICC Director General Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw and Deputy Director General Mr. A.H.N. Chinthaka met with Dr. Wilaiwan Kraikruan, National Liaison Officer (NLO) of Thailand for ICC and current ICC Chairman, at the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Thailand. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between ICC and DOA and preparations for ICC’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives, specially 61st ICC Session and Ministerial Metting Hosted by Government of Thailand through Horticulture Research Institute.
Dr. Jelfina provided an overview of ICC’s key programs and activities, emphasizing the importance of Thailand’s role in ICC initiatives. She presented ICC’s Youth Empowerment Program, which aims to equip young professionals with training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities to advance the coconut sector. She also introduced “Coconut 101”, ICC’s latest proposal to establish a centralized knowledge hub and exhibition for the coconut industry. The initiative is designed to foster innovation, market promotion, and collaboration, benefiting stakeholders across the coconut value chain.
During the meeting, Ms. Wilaiwan Twishiri, Director of the Research Project Administration Division of the Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), and Dr. Napat Tour, Research Officer of HRI, presented research findings on climate vulnerability and its impact on aromatic coconut yield. Acknowledging the urgency of this issue, ICC committed to extending technical assistance to Thailand and implementing immediate actions to support sustainable solutions for Thai coconut farmers.
Engagement with Thai Coconut Industry Stakeholders
Following the courtesy visit, ICC met with representatives from Thailand’s coconut industry at the Horticulture Research Institute. Several industry leaders participated both physically and virtually, engaging in discussions on key industry challenges and opportunities. Mrs. Piyanoot Naka, Vice Chairman of CDCOT Thailand and Advisor to the DOA and members of the CDCOT also participated in the meeting.
Dr. Jelfina presented the “Coconut 101” proposal, which received strong support from Thai coconut industries. Industry representatives also raised concerns about the shortage of raw materials for coconut industries across member countries. In response, ICC reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating discussions among member nations to find solutions to supply chain challenges and shared ICC’s ongoing efforts to address the issue.
Field Visits to Thailand’s Coconut Industry
Prior to the meetings, the ICC delegation visited Ratchaburi Province to observe Thailand’s coconut farming and processing sector. The visit included a stop at NP Coconut Co. Ltd, founded by Mr. Charuwat, a young entrepreneur who exports aromatic coconuts and other coconut-based products to China, Europe, and the US with technical guidance from DOA Thailand. The delegation also visited NC Coconut Factory, a large-scale coconut processing facility that not only focuses on production but also integrates sustainability by converting coconut waste into organic fertilizers. Another highlight of the visit was the aromatic coconut farm of Ms. Nuanla, winner of the 2022 ICC Innovative Farmer Award, who has successfully increased farm productivity by using insect pollinators, biocontrol agents, and organic fertilizers. In addition to running a highly productive farm, she operates a training center where she has trained thousands of coconut stakeholders. Dr. Jelfina commended her dedication to sustainable farming and knowledge sharing, emphasizing the importance of farmer-led innovation. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit a 60+ hectare aromatic coconut plantation, where molecular tests conducted by Kasetsart University confirmed that 100% of the coconut palms are aromatic, demonstrating Thailand’s advanced research and breeding capabilities in the sector.
Way Forward
ICC will continue working closely with DOA Thailand and coconut industry stakeholders to enhance technical collaboration, drive industry innovation, and promote sustainability initiatives. The courtesy visit and meetings further strengthen ICC’s engagement with Thailand, reinforcing its commitment to supporting coconut sector development in the region.
