Coalition Party Boots Commerce Minister Supachee Over Durian Live-Streaming Controversy
Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammapun was removed from the coalition over a durian live-streaming controversy, as critics argue she should focus on fixing export bureaucracy instead of marketing stunts during a 30% production glut.
On April 30, 2025, at Parliament, Krit Potrananthan, list MP and Palang Pracharath Party chairman, addressed the case of Supachee Suthammapun, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, appearing in an influencer's video before a durian live-shopping broadcast. He stated that Supachee's actions may not have addressed the real issues of public interest, noting that social media has been flooded with criticism demanding her resignation.
Krit noted that the durian market is currently experiencing a 30% production increase compared to previous years, totaling over 2 million tons, which could depress prices to as low as 90 baht per kilogram. He argued that live-shopping streaming doesn't solve the problem, but rather the real solution lies in streamlining the management of 14 export licenses across 5 government agencies. Currently, anyone wishing to export durian must navigate two additional training courses, effectively making the bureaucracy a barrier to exports.
Krit warned that if the minister fails to address these 14 licenses, the surplus 30% of durian production will become a disaster. Given that Thai durian exports are worth hundreds of millions of baht annually, immediate action on these licenses is critical. He suggested that rather than focusing on live-shopping gimmicks, the minister should prioritize removing these bureaucratic obstacles for durian farmers, which would be a meaningful achievement and could save her position.
