100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center

“100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center”

The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT)

คลิกดูมุมมองภาพรวม 360° ชสท.

100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center

          The cooperative movement in Thailand began on 26th February 1916, and will celebrate its 100th anniversary on 26th February 2016. His Royal Highness Prince Phithayalongkorn, the “Father of Thai Cooperatives,” was the registrar who officially registered the Wat Chan Cooperative as the first cooperative in Thailand. Over the years, Thai cooperatives have developed and expanded, and today there are seven types of cooperatives:

    1. Agricultural Cooperatives
    2. Fisheries Cooperatives
    3. Settlement Cooperatives
    4. Retail Cooperatives
    5. Service Cooperatives
    6. Savings Cooperatives
    7. Credit Union Cooperatives

   In total, there are 8,173 cooperatives with 11.47 million members and a combined operating capital of 2.17 trillion baht. These cooperatives engage in various activities including production, collection of produce, marketing, services, savings, lending, and providing educational training in academic, welfare, and community support areas. Their principles and methods are modeled after the first cooperative established about 180 years ago in Rochdale, England, which later spread to Germany and other countries worldwide.

     To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Thai cooperatives on 26thFebruary 2016, The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) proposed the establishment of the 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center. This center aims to be a comprehensive repository of knowledge related to cooperatives in Thailand and worldwide. It is intended to serve as an educational resource for cooperative members, students, and the general public, as well as government agencies and private organizations. The center seeks to provide knowledge and skills in cooperatives to benefit members and communities sustainably in both economic and social aspects.

Objectives

    1. Provide a resource center for cooperative knowledge accessible to children, youth, students, those involved in the cooperative movement, the general public, as well as government and private sector organizations. The center will offer information on cooperatives, operational methods, and practical applications.
    2. Create a public space for cooperative leaders and members to exchange experiences, develop ideas, and advance the development of their cooperatives and Thai cooperatives as a whole in a sustainable manner.
    3. To Honor the Founder, recognize and celebrate His Royal Highness Prince Phithayalongkorn (the Father of Thai Cooperatives) on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Thai cooperatives.

Target Audience

          Cooperative members, Children and youth, Students, those involved in the cooperative movement, The general public, Government agencies and Private sector organizations

Location of the 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center

       The center will be located in a single-story building on the west side of The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) premises.

Expected Benefits

    1. Children, youth, students, and the general public will gain access to cooperative knowledge, operational methods, and skills. They will be able to apply this knowledge in daily life or as a model for starting new cooperatives.
    2. Cooperative leaders and members who visit the 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center will have a public space to exchange ideas for developing their own cooperatives and enhancing the sustainability of Thai cooperatives.
    3. Children, youth, students, and those involved in Cooperatives will gain awareness of the significant contributions of His Royal Highness Prince Phithayalongkorn (the Father of Thai Cooperatives) to the development of Thai cooperatives.

Exhibition consists of six stations as follows:

Station 1: The Role of the Thai Monarchy in Cooperatives

    • King Vajiravudh (Rama VI): The continuation of cooperative support and development.

    • King Prajadhipok (Rama VII): His role in formalizing and institutionalizing cooperatives.

    • King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII): Contributions to the modern cooperative movement.

    • King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX): His support and influence on cooperatives during his reign.

    • Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn: Her current involvement and support for cooperative development.

Station 2: Evolution of Cooperatives – Global and Thai

    • History of International Cooperatives

    • History of seven types of Thai Cooperatives in Thailand

Station 3: The 100-Year History of Thai Cooperatives

    • Biography of Prince Phithayalongkorn: The Father of Thai Cooperatives and his contributions.

    • Wat Chan Cooperative: The first cooperative established in Thailand on 26thFebruary 1916.

Station 4: General Knowledge about Thai Cooperatives

    • Definition of Cooperatives: Organizations formed voluntarily to meet economic, social, and cultural needs through democratic principles.
    • Cooperative Ideology: The philosophy of mutual aid and support leading to better living standards and social harmony.
    • Seven Cooperative Principles:
      1. Voluntary and Open Membership
      2. Democratic Member Control
      3. Member Economic Participation
      4. Autonomy and Independence
      5. Education, Training, and Information
      6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
      7. Concern for Community

Station 5: History of Agricultural Cooperatives (Kamphaeng Khong)

Station 6: Presentation of Cooperative Operations

           The 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives Learning Center features a layout designed to provide comprehensive understanding and knowledge about cooperatives in Thailand.

The center is divided into six learning stations as outlined below:

Learning Station 1: The Monarchy and Thai Cooperatives

Learning Station 2: Evolution of Cooperatives Worldwide

Learning Station 3: 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives

Learning Station 4: General Knowledge About Thai Cooperatives

Learning Station 5: Agricultural Cooperatives

Learning Station 6: Film Screening Room

Learning Station 1: The Monarchy and Thai Cooperatives

This learning station focuses on the relationship between the Thai monarchy and the development of cooperatives in Thailand. The information is presented through a video display, supplemented by additional details that can be shared by the guide or presenter in brief.

Leaning Station 1: This station highlights the historical context of the monarchy’s involvement in supporting Thai farmers, who faced poverty and debt during the late reign of King Rama V. At that time, commerce was underdeveloped, and farmers primarily grew rice only to sustain their families for a year. The government sought ways to assist these farmers, leading to the establishment of the “National Loan Bank” under King Rama VI in 1904. Sir Bernard Hunter, Chief of the Imperial Bank of India, suggested setting up a “Cooperative Society” to facilitate loans with land and other assets as collateral. This concept was translated into Thai as “sahakorn” (cooperative) by His Royal Highness Prince Phithayalongkorn, a term still used today.

Activities at This Station:

    • Watch a video presentation on the wall projector
    • Explore information boards featuring royal speeches and statements from the Chakri dynasty related to cooperatives.

Information Board of Station 1

Learning Station 2: Evolution of Global Cooperatives

This study is presented through information boards as follows:

          Board 1: A timeline of the evolution of cooperatives, showing the origins of cooperatives worldwide and in Thailand, displayed in both AD. and BE. years. It begins with the first experimental establishment of a “Cooperative Club” in New Harmony, Indiana, in 1825 under the name New Harmony by Robert Owen. The information on the board progresses in order, leading up to the Wat Chan Cooperative. (At this point, it links to Learning Point 3 to explore 100 years of Thai cooperatives and the Father of Thai Cooperatives before returning to the remaining boards.)

            Board 2: Presents information on cooperatives in foreign countries.

            Board 3: Presents information on cooperatives from ASEAN (AEC) member countries.

            Board 4: Presents information on cooperatives in Thailand, highlighting seven types of cooperatives.

Activities at Learning Station

  • Study Information from Boards
  • Visit and read information displayed on boards showcasing the evolution of cooperatives globally and in Thailand. This includes information on cooperatives in other countries and those in ASEAN member states.

Note: While explaining the Timeline board, the presenter can link the origins of the Wat Chan Cooperative to Learning Station 3 to connect with the information on the 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives.

Board 1: Timeline

Board 2: Cooperatives Abroad

Board 3: Cooperatives of ASEAN Member Countries (AEC)

Board 4: Presentation of Cooperative Information in Thailand, featuring 7 types of cooperatives

Learning Station 3: 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives

This station focuses on the centennial history of cooperatives in Thailand. It includes a video presentation and various informational boards related as follows:

    1. Origins of Thai Cooperatives:

In 1916 (B.E. 2459), cooperatives were introduced into Thailand’s economic and social systems as a means to assist farmers struggling with poverty. The Ministry of Finance initiated the trial establishment of cooperatives to help farmers, with Prince Krom Luang Pithayalongkorn (the “Father of Thai Cooperatives”) leading the effort to adapt cooperative methods from abroad, specifically the Raiffeisen model from Germany.

    1. Historical Background of Prince Krom Luang Pithayalongkorn:

Information is available on the graphic board within this station.

    1. History of Cooperatives in Thailand:

Explain why the cooperative was established in Phitsanulok Province.

The government appointed the Director-General of Commerce and Statistics as the Registrar of Cooperatives to oversee the establishment and registration of cooperatives.

Phitsanulok was chosen as the location for the first cooperative due to its sparse population, poor conditions, and high levels of debt among its residents. The goal was to help these farmers by providing financial support and serve as a model for other regions.

    1. Wat Chan Cooperative, Phitsanulok: The Wat Chan Cooperative was the first cooperative established in Thailand on 26th February 1916.
    2. 26th February – National Cooperative Day:

 Activities at This Station:

    • Watch Video Presentation
    • Explore Graphic Boards
    • Examine Historical Documents

Graphic Board presenting Information Station 3

Learning Station 4: General Knowledge about Thai Cooperatives

         This station features a long counter bar equipped with a touchscreen system, offering visitors an interactive way to explore various aspects of cooperatives in Thailand. The touchscreen contains a wealth of information organized into different categories for easy access and learning. Monarchy and Thai Cooperatives:
    • Evolution of Cooperatives
    • 100 Years of Thai Cooperatives
    • General Knowledge about Cooperatives
    • Definition and Concept of Cooperatives
    • Cooperative
    • History of International Cooperative
    • History of Cooperatives in Thailand:
    • Cooperative Principles, Ideals, and Methods:
    • 7 Types of Cooperatives
    • Cooperative Registration

     Since you have already reviewed information at 3 stations, it is recommended to click on the “General Knowledge of Cooperatives” icon. This will explain the information provided for learning at Station 4, which pertains to current cooperatives and additional details about the 7 types of cooperatives.

Activities at this station:

– Select and display information from the touch screen.

Learning Station 5: Agricultural Cooperatives

 This station provides an in-depth look into agricultural cooperatives in Thailand, highlighting their historical evolution and current practices. It features a combination of historical displays, interactive touchscreen systems, and hands-on activities related to rice milling.

    1. Agricultural Cooperatives in the Past:
      1. Rice Cooperatives: Display old photographs of rice cooperatives, showing how they operated in the past.
      2. Training for Cooperative Staff: Show historical images of training sessions for cooperative employees.
      3. Seminars for Board Members or Cooperative Members: Display photographs from past seminars for cooperative boards or members.
    2. Curved Wall Board Information
      1. Overview of Agricultural Cooperatives and Their History
      2. Objectives of Agricultural Cooperatives
      3. Why Establish Agricultural Cooperatives?
      4. General Criteria for Establishing Agricultural Cooperatives
      5. How to Establish an Agricultural Cooperative
    3. Interactive Touchscreen Systems:
      1. Touchscreen 1: Displays information about cooperatives in Thailand, including definitions and the process of establishing cooperatives.
      2. Touchscreen 2: Features an interactive game related to rice, engaging visitors in a fun and educational way.
      3. Touchscreen 3: Focuses on the activities involved in rice farming, showing the journey from rice paddy to processed rice. Connects with the board information and showcases the transition to processed rice and its sale.

Note: Before proceeding to Station 5, visitors will encounter a board titled “Cooperatives: By Members, For Members.” This is an opportunity for them to reflect on the concept of cooperatives.

Activities at this point:

    • Use the touchscreen displays to explore information interactively. There are three machines available for this purpose.
    • A traditional rice mill is available for visitors to try milling rice. This exhibit demonstrates the process of converting paddy into rice and serves as a photo opportunity.
    • A cabinet featuring products from the Agricultural Cooperative Union of Thailand. Visitors can use a magnifying glass to examine different types of rice and can purchase real rice at the center’s sales area.

Graphic Information Boards for Station 5 (Board on the Curved Partition)

Graphic Information Boards for Station 5 (Board on the Wall Near the Air Conditioning Unit)

Learning Station 6: Movie Screening Room

         This station is designed to be a movie screening room where short films or educational videos related to cooperatives are shown. It serves as a space for viewing educational content and can also be adapted for dynamic exhibitions in the future.

Activities at This Station:

           Display short films or videos about cooperatives, providing valuable insights and knowledge and the present videos from international study tours, highlighting cooperative practices and innovations from abroad, as provided by the chairman.