The Department of Internal Trade teams up with the private sector to open space helping “coconut farmers” sell produce directly from farms to consumers without charge, alleviating the impact of fluctuating coconut prices.
On 18 March 2026, it was reported that “Makro-Lotus,” under CP Axtra Public Company Limited, opened space for coconut farmers to sell fresh produce directly to consumers at no cost, expanding market channels, reducing middlemen, and easing the effects of volatile coconut prices.
Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, and the Agricultural and Food Coordination and Public Relations Center (AFC) of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, visited the sales event. They were joined by Ms. Siriporn Detsing, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, and Mr. Somnuek Yoddamnoen, Fresh Food Product Management Director of CP Axtra, who welcomed the farmers at Makro Nakhon In branch.
At the event, farmers sold Nam Hom coconuts and coconut-based products at affordable prices: Nam Hom coconuts at 15 baht each (7 for 100 baht), bottled coconut water at 20 baht per bottle, and coconut jelly cups at 20 baht each. This helped increase farmers’ income and gave consumers the opportunity to purchase quality produce directly from the source.
From 18 to 31 March 2026, the sales are held at 10 branches: Makro Ladprao, Srinakarin, Bang Bon, Salaya, Nakhon In, and Lotus Sukhaphiban 1, Bangna, Phatthanakan, Ramintra, and Bangkapi. The initiative aims to quickly move produce to market, targeting to purchase and distribute 3 million coconuts by April and over 6 million coconuts throughout 2026 to support price stability and enhance market opportunities for Thai farmers.