A roadside vendor on Highway 304 is selling durian segments starting from 5 baht up to several hundred baht, acknowledging the poor economy and decreased consumer spending. He urges the government to quickly resolve issues related to oil prices and the economy.
On 25 Mar 2026 GMT+7, a reporter observed that along Highway 304 between Nakhon Ratchasima and Kabin Buri, near Ban Non Khang, Udomsap Subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Mr. Montri Piwphong, 42, continues selling durian from Chonburi at affordable prices. He sells peeled durian segments starting at 5 baht up to several hundred baht to give low-income customers a chance to enjoy the year's first durian without straining their budgets during a sluggish economy and amid concerns over multiple issues, especially the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil shortages and prices.
Mr. Montri said he has been selling durian here for about 10 years and has noticed the country's economic fluctuations. He wants to help low-income community members enjoy durian affordably by cutting and selling it by segment starting at 5 baht up to several hundred baht as customers desire. This approach has been well received, with both walk-in customers and advance orders, as the prices remain accessible to everyone.
Mr. Montri added that despite facing rising transportation costs—since he must bring durian from Chonburi while oil prices are increasing and fuel is harder to find—and durian prices still being high early in the season, he wishes to maintain the same prices so his loyal customers can enjoy durian before others.
Regarding the current oil price issues, he believes that if the government had allowed oil prices to follow market mechanisms from the start, people would understand and accept it. The ongoing Middle East conflict affects Thailand and likely prevents simultaneous fuel shortages at gas stations. He sympathizes with the government, which has just taken office, and urges them to address economic problems affecting people's livelihoods. Many are worried about the situation and hesitant to spend as before. For example, his durian sales this year show customers have adapted by buying in smaller amounts, dropping from thousands of baht per purchase to only a few hundred, clearly showing everyone is spending more cautiously.
