Bangkok Bank led by Bangkok Bank Executive Chairman Mr. Singh Tangtatswas, President Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Director Mr. Amorn Chandara-Somboon, Executive Director Mr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, and Mr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President. Bangkok Bank organized the 18th Modern Agriculture Fair 2025 under the "Thai farmers: from technology to sustainability" concept. The fair showcased a selection of export-quality agricultural products from 58 entrepreneurs for shoppers to buy as gifts for their loved ones during the New Year festival. The Bank also presented awards to honor three outstanding Thai farmers and organized a seminar at Bangkok Bank's head office on Silom Road to boost knowledge and provide preparation advice for the impact of changes in global trade as well as providing up-to-date guidance on state-of-the-art technology and innovation.
Bangkok Bank Executive Director Mr. Pichet Durongkaveroj said that Bangkok Bank has been supporting and driving Thailand's agricultural sector for 81 years. The Modern Agriculture Fair 2025 was organized to affirm the Bank's commitment to being a trusted partner and reliable close friend, standing alongside Thai farmers to achieve sustainable development. In addition, the Bank has provided opportunities for Thai farmers to step boldly onto the global stage by sharing the latest developments in the industry, particularly on precision agriculture, which can reduce fertilizer and pesticide costs by 15-40% while increasing yields by 10-30%, and how to improve product quality to meet international standards including the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Carbon Footprinting standards. The Bank also promoted agro-processing innovations such as food preservation through food tech innovations, encouraged the use of low-cost machinery at the community level, enhanced markets and pricing through digital platforms including the use of AI to analyze demand and pricing, and the adoption of traceability through the use of blockchain technology. Additionally, Dr Pichet highlighted the use of biotechnology innovations to increase production through the development of drought and disease resistant crops while reusing agricultural waste to reduce garbage. These approaches align with global focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, while ultimately moving toward a zero waste future.
The Modern Agricultural Fair 2025 has been organized for many years allowing farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase quality products to sell at special prices. These include low-carbon coffee, orchids and ornamental plants, fresh and processed strawberries, ready-to-eat fried fish, processed pork products, grilled Northern Thai sausage, fresh eggs, vegetable tofu and products from avocado oil.
Bangkok Bank also organized the Modern Agriculture 2025 award ceremony to honor Thai farmers and encourage them to adapt and develop their farming practices by using technology to improve production quality. The awards were in three categories as follows:
Outstanding digital technology adoption was awarded to Mr. Nanthiwat Pattanasakpinyo - Pattanasak, owner of the Pattanasak Plantation from Bueng Samakkhi district, Kamphaeng Phet. Mr. Nanthiwat uses GPS land leveling technology to adjust land slopes to the desired level, eliminating waterlogging and enabling precise irrigation planning. This innovation has allowed him to efficiently manage a large area of 2,600 rai.
Outstanding agricultural supply chain management was awarded to Miss Jaruwan Natinwirun, Managing Director of Thaitea Suwirun from Mae Lao district, Chiang Rai. The company produces organic tea from tea leaves, herbs and flowers. With a network of more than 1,500 farmers, the plantation covers over 20,000 rai of land in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Her work has created a sustainable balance among businesses, people and the environment.Outstanding young farmer was awarded to Mr. Chatchai Deesawat, Managing Director of Lemon Me Farm from Putthamonthon district, Nakhon Pathom. He is a young gen farmer who has built a comprehensive lemon farming empire and has expanded into agri-tourism. He also developed the concept of zero waste agriculture, ensuring that every part of a lemon is used to its fullest benefit.
In addition, the Bank organized the Modern Agriculture 2025 seminar, featuring guidance from expert speakers. The seminar topics included "Thailand-US Tariff Trade Agreement: How Thai Agricultural Products Can Adapt to Stay Competitive" by Mr. Chanintr Chalisarapong, Vice Chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, "Carbon Farming: Opportunities and Pathways for Thai Farmers" by Mr. Poonpipope Kasemsap, Department of Horticulture Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, "Agri-Tech: Transforming Thai Agriculture and Reducing Risks with Innovation and Technology" by Mr.Preesan Rakwatin, Acting Senior Executive Vice President , Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).
The Modern Agriculture project was introduced in 1999 and has been running until today with a focus on promoting knowledge in production and technological innovation during times of technological, market and consumer behavior changes to ensure Thai farmers can grow sustainably.