This volume analyses rising income disparities in the agricultural sector of Thailand with the aim to find income determining factors. The empirical analysis of single household income data shows that, surprisingly, income is not determined by factors like the size of holding, regional location or farm type. Only land productivity and off-farm income are found to strongly determine the household's economic position. Based on this result, the study analyses and discusses selected policy measures that would positively influence these two factors. This study concludes that the more these policies are integrated into a consistent and comprehensive 'equity cum growth' development strategy, the more likely they are to further growth and distribution at the same time.

Investigates changes in income distribution from 1962 to 1986.

Bridges the gap between the statistical and the theoretical literature on income distribution in an attempt to make clearer what the underlying trends are and to make recommendations of the sort of policies which can provide growth with equity.

Over the past 35 years, income structures and poverty levels in Thailand have generally followed the same patterns as most developing countries. This study shows a growing income inequality between different groups of the Thai population. However, the country's poverty levels, whether expressed as a percent of the total population or in absolute terms, have reduced significantly. These contrasting results are explained by two main factors: natural resource endowments and the effects of government policies on income distribution. Growth patterns and income structures in each region, especially in the agricultural sector, are primarily determined by natural resource endowments. These regional and sectoral endowments are either strengthened or weakened by government policies. Among these policies, the economic and social development plans have a great impact on income distribution. As the Thai economy has matured, the government is now attempting to both reduce poverty and narrow the income gap.

Over the past 35 years, income structures and poverty levels in Thailand have generally followed the same patterns as most developing countries. This study shows a growing income inequality between different groups of the Thai population. However, the country's poverty levels, whether expressed as a percent of the total population or in absolute terms, have reduced significantly. These contrasting results are explained by two main factors: natural resource endowments and the effects of government policies on income distribution. Growth patterns and income structures in each region, especially in the agricultural sector, are primarily determined by natural resource endowments. These regional and sectoral endowments are either strengthened or weakened by government policies. Among these policies, the economic and social development plans have a great impact on income distribution. As the Thai economy has matured, the government is now attempting to both reduce poverty and narrow the income gap.

Research report examining the impact of industrial sector labour force distribution on economic growth in Thailand - discusses employment, labour productivity and income distribution trends, export oriented industryalisation, shift in the labour force from the agricultural sector, etc. Bibliography, graphs and references.