"Decharat" challenges "Supachai," pointing out that the positive value of fruit exports in April resulted from earlier fruit production than last year, not from improved orchard prices. Orchard prices have broadly fallen.
On 23 May 2026, Mr. Decharat Sukkamned, Policy Director of the People's Party, posted a rebuttal against Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthumpan, who showcased fruit export figures for April turning positive after eight months (durian +109.5%, rambutan +92.8%, lychee +70%). He said this was a rushed claim that overlooked the reality that orchard prices for farmers have sharply declined.
Mr. Decharat added that upon examining the price index from the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) for April 2026, the real data hidden is that orchard prices declined despite the export value rising because this year’s production came earlier and was greater than last year’s, not because prices improved (durian production up 26.1%, rambutan surged 6,137% due to late production last year). However, orchard prices plunged as the market was flooded, causing actual prices farmers received to fall, contrary to export figures. Durian prices dropped 1.7%, rambutan 22.8%, and lychee 7.4%.
"When viewing agricultural product figures, the whole picture must be considered. Do not rush to present achievements excessively, as some positive numbers may obscure the real problems Thai farmers face," said Mr. Decharat. He urged the Commerce Minister to promptly update export statistics on the ministry’s website to the current month (currently stuck at March) so the public can fully verify which agricultural products have declining values, since only upward figures are being shown.