Interior Trade Department Recruits Buyers for 100 Tons of Golden Rambutan from Trat Province to Combat Price Collapse
The Interior Trade Department is recruiting buyers for 100 tons of golden rambutan from Trat Province after prices collapsed to 15 baht per kilogram, distributing the fruit through government agencies and tourism events to stabilize the mar
The Interior Trade Department has intervened to help rambutan farmers in Bo Rai District, Trat Province, whose golden rambutan prices have plummeted to approximately 15 baht per kilogram. Deputy Director Jirawut Suvanaj revealed that the department coordinated with the Trat Provincial Commerce Office and brought in direct buyers starting May 23, 2025, with an initial target to purchase 100 tons within one week at market-leading prices.
Suvanaj stated that the purchased rambutan will be distributed through various channels including Thailand's Tourism Authority trail running event this weekend in Rayong Province, as well as government and private sector units such as the Customs Department, Royal Thai Army, Teachers' Council, and Central Department Store branches to help clear inventory and stabilize prices for farmers.
Regarding Trat's 2025 rambutan situation, the province has 45,657 rai of rambutan plantations (golden and school varieties) with total production of 106,906 tons, up 5%. Currently 50% of the harvest has reached the market, while golden rambutan production costs stand at 13.86 baht per kilogram. Early season prices were relatively strong and higher compared to the same period last year. However, prices have recently begun declining due to market factors and weather conditions, including Vietnamese market slowdown in purchasing due to economic conditions and competing fruits entering the market, giving consumers more options. Domestically, consumers prefer school rambutan while golden rambutan is mostly used for canned fruit processing. Additionally, recent continuous rainfall has caused some fruit to remain in orchards. The department has moved quickly to prevent further price declines that could impact farmers' incomes.
"The Interior Trade Department will work with the Provincial Commerce Office to closely monitor rambutan prices and production volumes to maintain price stability and promptly relieve farmers' hardship," Jirawut stated.
