Live durian sales reveal farmers say average production costs are 70-80 baht per kilogram. They urge not to push prices down just to clear domestic supply, warning this risks damaging the durian price cycle. This year’s production has increased by 20-30%. Attention is focused on next month’s market, which may be flooded with supply, raising concerns over price drops due to oversupply. Tags: durian market, production cost, price risk, agriculture, Thailand
Durian production in the eastern region has just begun, with expectations that this year’s output will exceed last year’s and likely flood the market, potentially causing prices to fall. Consequently, ideas have emerged to stimulate domestic sales. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthammanon held talks with prominent influencers such as Pimrypie to promote "Thai durian" sales through direct livestreams from production areas, aiming to boost farmers' market opportunities and quickly deliver quality durian to consumers.Tags: durian production, eastern Thailand, government initiative, livestream sales, influencer marketing
However, controversy followed after a promotion announced that on 28 April, one million durians would be sold at 100 baht each. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthammanon collaborated with influencer Pimrypie on this campaign. The Ministry of Commerce later clarified that the 100-baht durians were lower-grade promotional items, not export quality. Current prices average 140-150 baht per kilogram.Tags: durian promotion, price controversy, government clarification, export quality, influencer
Efforts to boost domestic durian sales have sparked mixed reactions. The Thairath Online special news team consulted Panusak Saipanich, President of the Thai Durian Association, who analyzed that selling durians at 100 baht each would undermine the domestic durian pricing system. He emphasized that the season is still early in the eastern region, and actual durian production costs reach 70-80 baht per kilogram.Tags: durian pricing, domestic market, production cost, Thai Durian Association, market analysis
The 2026 durian production and market outlook predicts a 20-30% increase in output over last year, despite some losses due to hot weather and water-related issues.Tags: durian production forecast, weather impact, agriculture 2026, market outlook
Close attention is needed during the critical period in May, when supply to the market will peak and far exceed that of April. There is a risk of price drops if sales cannot keep pace. It is noted that Thailand previously exported durians to Cambodia and neighboring countries, but diplomatic tensions with Cambodia have halted these exports. Additionally, the domestic economic slowdown has reduced purchasing power.Tags: market supply, price risk, export disruption, economic slowdown, durian trade
Panusak also sees positive growth for Thai durian in China this year compared to last. Customs inspections and regulatory measures have become more streamlined. Export prices during the early season, March-April, have remained strong at approximately 130-200 baht per kilogram, depending on grade and timing.Tags: durian export, China market, trade facilitation, price stability
For managing the durian market domestically and for exports, emphasis should be on selling "off-size" durians—those with less attractive skins, black spots, or compressed thorns—that still taste good but cannot be exported. Domestic prices for these should not fall below 60 baht per kilogram to ensure farmers’ survival.Tags: market management, off-grade durian, domestic pricing, farmer income protection
Meanwhile, traditional marketing activities such as durian buffets and orchard tours remain popular and effectively add value.Tags: marketing activities, durian tourism, value addition
For foreign markets like China, supporting influencer livestreaming is recommended, but with a focus on presenting the “premium” aspect of durian.Tags: international marketing, influencer strategy, premium branding
It is suggested that the government help produce promotional media showcasing the meticulous production process to highlight the value of Thai durian, rather than competing solely on price.Tags: government promotion, production quality, branding strategy
Panusak emphasizes that quality control is crucial, especially strict enforcement against "immature durians," particularly early in the season when prices are high. Allowing poor-quality durians to enter the market would undermine consumer confidence and depress prices nationwide.Tags: quality control, immature durians, market confidence
He calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce to work together closely, integrating quality control at the source with effective marketing and distribution.Tags: inter-ministerial cooperation, quality management, marketing strategy
Regarding logistics for shipping Thai durians to China, preparations must be made for the busy period in May, when shipments are expected to exceed 1,000 containers per day.Tags: logistics, export capacity, China trade, durian shipping
This year’s Thai durian market looks lively with promising opportunities, but "quality" remains the key to stabilizing prices. If quality and taste are consistently maintained, buyers will return repeatedly, sustaining the durian economic system.Tags: quality importance, market stability, consumer loyalty, durian economy