In 2025, Thailand continues to develop biological pest control methods initiated in 2012 with a pilot project on Samui Island. Today, over a decade later, these initiatives are part of the national strategy for sustainable agriculture, aimed at reducing pesticide dependency and protecting ecosystems.
The project, originally supported by PM Yingluck Shinawatra, has proven effective: predatory wasps of the species Trichogramma successfully control coconut moth populations without harming the environment.
How Biological Control Works
Entomophagous wasps act as natural regulators of pest populations:
- Lay eggs inside pest eggs (e.g., coconut moth);
- Larvae destroy the pest from within, preventing development;
- Adult wasps emerge and continue the cycle, harmless to humans, animals, or plants.
Today, this method is used not only on Samui but also in Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Scaling & Technology in 2025
The project has expanded with modern technology:
- Mass-rearing facilities: 12 centers nationwide, producing up to 100 million wasps/month;
- Drone releases: wasps deployed via drones over hard-to-reach plantations;
- AI monitoring: cameras and sensors track pest and wasp populations;
- Satellite analysis: GISTDA uses imagery to assess coconut grove health.
Environmental & Economic Results
According to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and FAO:
- Pesticide use reduced on coconut farms by 68% since 2015;
- Pest populations down by over 50% in target zones;
- Coconut yields up in Samui and Surat Thani by 22% over 5 years;
- Reduced soil and water pollution — improved ecosystem health.
Expansion to Other Crops
The success with coconuts is now applied to:
- Rice pests: Trichogramma and Telenomus against borers and armyworms;
- Citrus fruit flies: using Fopius arisanus;
- Aphids and whiteflies: in vegetable and flower farms.
Support & International Recognition
The project is supported by:
- National Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) — strain development;
- FAO and GIZ — funding and expertise;
- Farmer cooperatives — training and implementation;
- Q-GAP certification — for eco-friendly produce.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Complete phase-out of chemical pesticides on 30% of coconut farms by 2030;
- Development of next-gen bio-factories with AI control;
- Export of biological agents to ASEAN countries;
- International recognition of Thailand’s sustainable agriculture model.
"We don’t fight nature — we work with it," said DOA Director Dr. Somkiat Prommas. "Biological control is the future of farming."
Growing coconuts, rice, or vegetables in Thailand? My Thai Home helps you adopt biocontrol, access support, and enter eco-markets. The land gives harvest — if treated with wisdom.
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