Thailand Celebrates the National Cooperative Day

Delegates attending the Asian Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on “Transforming Cooperative Education in the Digital Era,” had the opportunity to join cooperative members at the Cooperative League of Thailand headquarters in Bangkok to celebrate National Cooperative Day (Wan Sahakon) and to pay respects to Prince Pitayalaphruk, widely honored as the “Father of Thai Cooperatives.”

Prince Pitayalaphruk was a key architect of Thailand’s cooperative movement and served as the country’s first Registrar of Cooperatives. On 26 February 1916, he led the establishment and registration of Thailand’s first cooperative — the Wat Chan Cooperative in Phitsanulok.

In recognition of this milestone, 26 February is observed each year as National Cooperative Day. It was formally designated by the Thai government on 9 October 1984 to honour the enduring contribution of cooperatives to Thailand’s economic and social development.

Today, Thailand has more than 7,300 cooperatives with over 11 million members.

·       3,848 agricultural cooperatives serve around 6 million members.

·       3,452 non-agricultural cooperatives — including thrift and credit, credit unions, consumer, and service cooperatives — serve approximately 4.9 million members.

The delegates had the opportunity to place marigold wreaths and pay floral tributes during the ceremony which are central to the commemoration. Across the country, the day is marked by official ceremonies, messages from national leaders, and exhibitions showcasing cooperative products and achievements.

National Cooperative Day is a powerful reminder that cooperative movements are built not only on laws and institutions, but on vision, courage, and sustained commitment to farmers and communities.

Thailand’s cooperative journey — begun in 1916 — continues to inspire the wider Asia-Pacific region.