The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives unveiled Thai durian export figures for 2026, surpassing 760,000 tons with a value exceeding 88 billion baht. Alongside this, it deployed the special task force "Phra Pirun," integrating four key agencies to intensify border inspections to intercept durian fraud schemes, concerned about potential damage to the global market image.
Sarawut Nueangjamnong, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that under the policy of Minister Surya Jungrungkit to seriously combat illegal agricultural products, he was assigned to lead the "Phra Pirun" special task force. This task force integrates four agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, especially during the durian season, to prevent durian fraud and other illegal agricultural goods smuggling along the borders, as well as to elevate the standards of Thai agricultural products system-wide. The task force was established to coordinate the work of agencies within the ministry efficiently, since agricultural issues involve multiple agencies overseeing various laws. Without strong collaboration, regulatory enforcement would lack effectiveness in protecting consumers, supporting farmers, and promoting the agricultural sector simultaneously.
"Phra Pirun" is a mechanism that integrates the work of four main agencies responsible for primary agricultural laws: the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, and the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS). Each agency has specific duties and laws governing agricultural products. Without coordinated collaboration, law enforcement may have gaps and reduced effectiveness.
Sarawut added that the "Phra Pirun" task force’s field operations improve coordination and unify law enforcement, enabling agencies to utilize their legal tools and authority more effectively. This aims to prevent and suppress illegal agricultural products throughout the production chain. Specifically for durian, this year is a golden year for Thai durian. In the eastern region alone, 39,665 shipments of fresh durian were exported to China, totaling 644,025.25 tons valued at 74,262.97 million baht. Nationwide, from 1 January to 10 June 2026, exports reached 47,310 containers/shipments, totaling 768,154.84 tons, valued at 88,254.79 million baht. It is clear that durian is a major export product for the country, with a chance to surpass last year’s record of 150 billion baht due to maintained durian quality.
"Durian regulation must be divided into two parts: legally authorized imports for processing, and illicit imports along the borders in 'ant army' style, which require strict monitoring. There is concern that imported durian may be fraudulently labeled as Thai durian. If residues, pests, or quality issues are detected, it could harm the reputation and trust in Thai durian in the global market. Allowing fraudulent Thai products could lead trading partners to consider these problems as inherent to all Thai products. Therefore, inspection and surveillance must be intensified. The Department of Agriculture and ACFS deserve praise for their strong quality control of durian. This year’s 'Four No's' measures have been very effective, resulting in excellent yields, making it a golden year for Thai durian," Sarawut said.
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