RSPO STANDARD AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF OIL PALM AGRICULTURE THE ADAPTATION TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY OF OIL PALM FARMERS IN THAILAND

Abstract

This article aims to examine the role of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard in promoting and developing Thailand’s oil palm agriculture toward a systematic and sustainable model. The RSPO standard provides a comprehensive framework for advancing oil palm cultivation in the long term, covering three key dimensions - environmental, social, and economic—throughout the palm oil supply chain, from planting and labor management to legal compliance. The RSPO guidelines seek to reduce negative environmental impacts of agricultural activities, such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of hazardous chemicals. They also promote labor welfare, community participation, and responsible local development. The study finds that the formation of farmer groups - such as cooperatives or community enterprises—is a critical mechanism for enhancing compliance with RSPO standards. These groups help reduce production costs, increase economic bargaining power, facilitate knowledge exchange, and improve access to both public and private sector support. Although farmers still face challenges, including high certification costs, limited market access, and uneven understanding of RSPO principles, the case of oil palm smallholders in Surat Thani Province reflects a positive trend in grassroots adaptation. This shift contributes to balanced development at both community and industry levels. Ultimately, the RSPO standard has emerged as a strategic policy tool with strong potential to drive Thailand’s oil palm sector toward long-term sustainability.