Abstract
The article provides a comparative economic analysis of land reforms in Thailand and Malaysia, assessing their impact on key performance indicators: agricultural productivity, farm profitability, and sustainability of economic models. The study reveals significant differences between the two approaches: the Malaysian model of large plantations demonstrates higher productivity and profitability of participants but is characterized by monocultural dependence and vulnerability to global market shocks. The Thai model of small farms, despite relatively lower economic indicators, provides better resilience to crises through diversification of production and maintaining the ecological balance (forest loss is 12% versus 25% in Malaysia). Based on the analysis, the authors offer differentiated recommendations for countries with different starting conditions: for countries with excess rural population, a gradual consolidation of land through cooperatives with elements of digitalization is recommended, while for countries with a land deficit, the creation of diversified agroholdings with strict environmental control is recommended. Particular attention is paid to finding the optimal balance between economic efficiency and sustainability of development through the introduction of adaptive institutional solutions, including green subsidies, certification of sustainable practices, and protection of land users' rights.