Politics
Thai Cabinet Approves School Milk Program Expansion
The Thai Cabinet has authorized the extension of the school milk program to include students up to Grade 9 in specific opportunity-expansion schools.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 11, 2026, the Thai Cabinet has officially approved an expansion of the national school milk program. The initiative will now cover students up to Grade 9 (Matthayom 3) specifically within 'opportunity-expansion' schools—institutions located in areas where secondary education might otherwise be inaccessible.
Watcharaphon, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that this policy adjustment is intended to alleviate the financial burden on parents. By providing milk to older students in these specific educational settings, the government aims to support nutritional health and reduce household expenses for families in underserved regions.
For residents and expatriates, this development highlights the government's ongoing commitment to social welfare programs targeting educational equity. While the policy has received cabinet approval, details regarding the implementation timeline and the specific list of qualifying schools have not yet been fully disclosed. Observers should monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for further updates on when these benefits will reach the classroom level.