Commerce Ministry Rushes to Clear 300,000 Tons of Southern Durian

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Paibul has instructed the Internal Trade Department to monitor the southern durian situation closely. Southern durian output in 2025 totaled 752,515 tons, representing a 30 percent increase. To date, 35 percent of the harvest has been sold, leaving 489,199 tons in storage. Early-season price declines were triggered by weak Chinese market demand stemming from quality problems—immature fruit arriving in China prompted buyers to delay orders—alongside competition from durian grown in other Thai regions such as Udon Thani, Surin, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

As prices fell, the Internal Trade Department implemented market-support purchases and launched consumer-promotion campaigns. Grade AB durian currently ranges from 85 to 105 baht per kilogram; Grade C from 60 to 80 baht; and Grade D from 40 to 55 baht.

Investigations into viral media reports of durian priced at 5 baht each found these to be small, cracked local-variety fruits—not premium Monthong durian—typically used for durian jam and stuffed pastries. In Udon Thani, quality-grade durian has been affected by heavy rains causing mold and insect damage; the Commerce Ministry has absorbed affected stock for processing.

The Internal Trade Department plans to manage 300,000 tons of southern fruit through advance purchase contracts (3,700 tons), consumer campaigns (9,000 tons), regional distribution networks (281,000 tons), retail outlets, postal-service shipping support, and value-added processing. Medium-term efforts include targeted tourism campaigns and partnerships with food businesses and brands to feature durian in new menu items, with promotional events scheduled in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces.

Durian exports for 2025 (January 1–July 5) totaled 908,047 tons across 55,831 shipments, generating export revenue exceeding 104.2 billion baht.