Ministry of Commerce, price, aromatic coconut, nominee warehouses, market support, domestic market, international market, inspection, export promotion, import control, Geographical Indication, Ratchaburi, sustainable agriculture
Mrs. Supachai Suthammanphun, Minister of Commerce She revealed that the Ministry of Commerce has closely monitored the falling prices of aromatic coconuts and has directed relevant agencies to urgently assist farmers and entrepreneurs. The ministry has implemented comprehensive measures covering the entire supply chain to support better prices since July 2025.
Mr. Nantapong Jiralertpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, added that following the minister's orders, the ministry's agencies have integrated efforts with related departments to address the low aromatic coconut prices, carrying out key actions as follows.
The Department of Internal Trade has continuously acted by (1) absorbing 830,000 coconuts during the first price drop (July–September 2025) through market-leading purchase points in Bang Phae District, Ratchaburi Province, sales points, Pre-Order activities, and CSR collaborations with major private sectors and government agencies; (2) during the second price drop (November–December 2025), absorbing 460,000 coconuts by linking provincial trade mechanisms from origin to destination, ordering via the MOC GO app, connecting farmers' coconuts to gas stations (PT Susco PTT Bangchak) in Bangkok and metropolitan areas for distribution as an alternative to drinking water, and promoting awareness through MasterChef Thailand Season 7; and (3) during the third price drop (late January 2026 to present), targeting management of 1 million coconuts by opening purchase points in four main production provinces—Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and Songkhla—setting up sales points in Bangkok and its vicinity, and at Thong Fah (Blue Flag) events, engaging modern trade operators, central and fresh markets to buy coconuts for nationwide distribution, as well as coordinating with private companies to purchase coconuts from farmers via CSR activities.
The Department of International Trade Promotion is pushing to export Thai aromatic coconuts beyond the main market of China, targeting markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Plans include promoting aromatic coconut products through various activities throughout the year. Soon, there will be a business matching event for fresh fruits, processed goods, and other agricultural products (7th year) on 5 March 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, where trade representatives will invite importers worldwide for both offline and online trade talks. Initially, 101 exporters will participate, including 38 coconut exporters.
Import controls are in place for both mature and young coconuts to prevent negative impacts on domestic farmers. Import management measures follow the resolutions of the Oil Crops and Vegetable Oils Committee, including import quotas under WTO and AFTA agreements. Imports are restricted to two customs checkpoints: Bangkok Port Customs and Laem Chabang Port Customs, to prevent illegal coconut smuggling. Since most imports are outside the unlimited WTO quota and without time restrictions, the Department of Foreign Trade has added measures during peak domestic harvests: (1) requesting coconut processing factories to delay imports and buy domestic coconuts at fair prices; and (2) since 1 January 2023, requiring importers to provide written explanations of import necessity and to purchase domestic coconuts at reasonable prices before approval of WTO quota imports outside the main quota.
Regarding inspections of coconut warehouses potentially acting as nominees violating related laws, the Department of Business Development, together with relevant agencies, has conducted two field visits in Ratchaburi Province, inspecting three coconut warehouses and four companies possibly acting as nominees. They also examined 217 risky companies with less than 50% foreign shareholding (thus still Thai-owned) in Ratchaburi, and reviewed land holdings of 5 rai or more in Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon. Three companies with foreign shareholders were found to hold three land plots; detailed investigations and related actions are ongoing. Further inspections in Ratchaburi will target foreign investment groups engaged in aromatic coconut agriculture, which violates the Foreign Business Act, with strict enforcement to ensure fairness to farmers and protect the local economy sustainably.
Additionally, emphasis is placed on adding value to elevate aromatic coconuts from community identity products to high-potential economic goods through Geographical Indication (GI) registration. The Department of Intellectual Property has continuously managed this, supporting farmers and GI product entrepreneurs to expand market channels and increase access to diverse consumers concretely. Currently, four aromatic coconut products have GI registration: (1) Ratchaburi aromatic coconut, (2) Ban Phaeo aromatic coconut, (3) Bang Kla aromatic coconut, and (4) Sam Phran aromatic coconut. Recently, on 18 February 2026, "Ratchaburi aromatic coconut" was registered as a GI product in the European Union, enhancing export markets, upgrading quality recognition internationally, and creating new long-term trade opportunities.
The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson concluded that the ministry has prepared several additional measures to support aromatic coconut products, with plans to promote these products throughout the year to ensure clear markets for excess supply. The ministry will continue closely monitoring price developments and watch agricultural products, including aromatic coconuts.
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