Supachee Monitors Quality Durian Exports, Pushes Online Commerce with Hundred-Million-Baht Orchard Model
Thailand's Commerce Minister monitored durian exports in Chanthaburi on April 25, promoting a "hundred-million-baht orchard" model and online sales to China while working to resolve logistics bottlenecks ahead of peak season output.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi led a delegation to Chanthaburi province on April 25, 2025, to closely monitor Thailand's durian production and export situation. She promoted the 'hundred-million-baht orchard' model and value-added innovations while working to resolve Thai-China logistics issues and prepare for a surge in output during the latter half of the season.
Supachee visited the orchard of Sompong Klibmalee in Chanthaklam subdistrict, a model farm for premium export-grade durian production. She participated in harvesting premium-grade Monthong durians to confirm the season's production readiness.
She also toured successful local brands including Q-Chan and Durrianar Thailand, which produces cosmetics from durian flower extracts—an important strategy for adding value to agricultural products beyond fresh fruit sales.
The Commerce Ministry plans to increase cold storage facilities to support comprehensive durian processing, from flesh to biochar production from durian rinds, creating sustainable circular income for farmers.
Supachee witnessed the signing of an MOU between public and private sectors promoting online commerce and live-streaming commerce with influential Chinese livestreamer Yan Gongzhu, who broadcasted live durian sales directly to Chinese consumers—a key mechanism for rapid product distribution.
Regarding logistics, the Commerce Minister disclosed that advisory teams were dispatched to Vietnam and China on April 23 to survey key checkpoints in Guangxi province, addressing customs and logistics bottlenecks to ensure smooth fruit exports during peak season and prepare for the latter half-season crisis. The new target market is India. Chanthaburi has currently exported approximately 700,000 tons (50% of the season).
However, Supachee expressed concern about the latter half of the season (May-June) when mangosteen and durian from northern and southern Thailand, along with competing nations like Vietnam, would flood the market simultaneously, potentially causing container shortages and higher shipping costs.
Panuwat Maikaew, managing director of Sam-San Inter Fresh Company and chairman of the Durian Exporters Association, proposed that the government accelerate opening new destination markets, particularly India, which shows high potential but faces unclear shipping routes. He requested the government establish logistics infrastructure to maintain durian quality for timely delivery to Indian consumers.
The activity concluded with dispatching a durian caravan of over 100 tons (6 containers) bound for Chinese markets and major Thai retailers to enhance confidence in the safety and quality standards of Thailand's king of fruits on the international stage.
