Representatives of aromatic coconut farmers submitted a petition to the People's Party, urging the government to urgently address the falling prices. They pointed out that the government's problem-solving lacks clarity and threatened to allow 30 days before escalating by transporting coconuts to the Prime Minister at the Government House.
On 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, representatives of aromatic coconut farmers came to the parliamentary building to submit a petition to the People's Party regarding the declining prices of aromatic coconuts. The petition was received by Anupap Likhitamnuaychai, Member of Parliament for Samut Songkhram Constituency 1 from the People's Party; Sorasak Somrongkraisakrit, party-list MP of the People's Party; and Decharat Sukkhamnerd, Director of the Policy Center for the Future of the People's Party.
The representatives stated that the current price of aromatic coconuts, an export product, is only 3-4 baht per fruit, a burden farmers have borne for eight months. They previously petitioned the government for assistance, but the response has been insufficient. Farmers still face heavy costs such as land rent, pesticides, and fertilizer. The current tense situation has caused fertilizer and pesticide prices to rise, but agricultural product prices, especially coconuts and other crops, remain low. To date, no agency has seriously helped, despite the Commerce Minister’s announcements about establishing a central wholesale market and selling aromatic coconuts at gas stations. However, there has been no tangible progress. What farmers most need now is serious government commitment to solve the problem.
Decharat said the People's Party has long recognized the problem and assigned him, as advisor to the party leader, to receive and follow up on the matter. He described it as a major issue, noting that government measures have lacked clarity and effectiveness. He then presented three demands to the government:
1. If the purchasing and distribution process, whether through gas stations or other channels, cannot raise prices to farmers' expectations, the government should consider alternative methods for quicker product purchase from farmers, including buying for processing. Some products, though small in size, have internal quality that can be utilized. If the government can purchase these, it would quickly improve product prices.
2. Regarding the central wholesale market mentioned by the Ministry of Commerce, farmers are interested in whether it can truly solve the problem. However, after 2-3 weeks, there is no clarity about implementation, no responsible party identified, nor a timeline. If concrete action cannot be taken, farmers should be allowed to participate in designing the process to ensure fairness.
3. The issue of standards affecting the reputation of Thai agricultural products, due to counterfeit coconut water both domestically and abroad, is crucial. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Commerce must work together concretely to affirm that Thai aromatic coconuts remain top quality on the world stage.
Concerning rising agricultural costs linked to the Middle East conflict, the People's Party is aware of issues such as fuel shortages, rising oil prices, and increased chemical fertilizer costs. Details will be announced later.
Finally, the People's Party confirmed it will pursue all channels, including parliamentary debates, referring the matter to relevant committees such as the Agriculture Committee and Economic Development Committee, investigating corruption related to these issues, and submitting motions to establish special committees to resolve agricultural product price problems. Aromatic coconut is one key crop requiring urgent attention. The party thanked farmers for their trust and pledged to push for swift solutions.
The farmers' representatives concluded by saying they will give the government 30 days. If aromatic coconut prices do not improve, they will escalate their actions by traveling to the Government House, bringing numerous coconut trucks to welcome the Prime Minister and relevant ministers.