The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is spearheading the “Digital Durian” project in Prachuap Province to elevate Thai farmers to international standards and improve their competitiveness.
On 23 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mrs. Apinya Iam-ampa, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Province, revealed after presiding over the farmer honors event under the Digital Durian project at Anan School, Huai Sat Yai Subdistrict, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Attending were Mr. Warit Siriphittayaroj, Director of Promotion and Support for Modern Agricultural Development at depa, local government officials, representatives from the Provincial Agricultural Office, representatives from the Agricultural Council Offices of 10 Central Region provinces, project lecturers, and durian farmers from Prachuap Province.
Mrs. Apinya stated that depa introduced the OTOD Digital Durian project to support durian farmers in Prachuap Province by applying digital agricultural technology to collect data on durian cultivation. This includes support for digital platforms and IoT systems to manage water in durian orchards. Prachuap is known for the “Pa La-U Durian,” the province’s first fruit to receive GI registration from the Department of Intellectual Property. It is characterized by its sweet taste, thick and smooth pale yellow flesh, and mild aroma.
Additionally, there is the new Mon Thong durian variety from Bang Saphan, which has been officially registered with the Department of Agriculture. It features golden yellow flesh, a fragrant aroma, small seeds, and a rich sweet flavor, making it popular among consumers and increasingly gaining attention in the national market.
The Digital Durian project is designed to promote and support durian production with GAP standards that ensure traceability, verifying that cultivation processes meet good standards. This builds confidence among partners and consumers and enables farmers to expand into export markets and international partnerships.
In this event, depa collaborated with local agencies in Prachuap Province, lecturers, and private sector project supporters to honor farmers and raise awareness about applying digital technology in durian cultivation. Workshops were held for farmers seeking GAP certification through digital platform data recording, IoT water management systems in durian orchards, opportunities for farmers to export Thai durians, and marketing through TikTok platforms, helping farmers access e-commerce market channels.
Mrs. Apinya expressed gratitude to depa for selecting Prachuap Province as the representative for central region farmers in this honors event. Prachuap durian farmers can produce high-quality durians comparable to other growing areas nationwide. Access to modern technology is essential for farmers to adapt, acquire new knowledge and technological tools, enhance agricultural efficiency and quality, ensure traceability, and importantly, negotiate new marketing channels to set appropriate prices. This will increase farmers’ income and create stable business opportunities, she said.