Thai Commerce Ministry Expands Fragrant Coconut Community Network
Thailand's Commerce Ministry is expanding a fragrant coconut community network to support farmers facing oversupply, as prices have recovered from a low of 2-3 baht to 9-10.50 baht per coconut following government intervention measures.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammapun led a Commerce Ministry delegation to Samut Sakhon province on August 15, 2025, to monitor the establishment of fragrant coconut community networks at Ban Phraew Agricultural Cooperative. The visit included provincial officials, parliament members, and agricultural representatives to address long-standing issues affecting farmers.
Suphajee stated that the community network system is critical for strengthening farmer bargaining power. Thailand's fragrant coconut production has surged due to favorable climate conditions and expanded cultivation area, causing market prices to collapse to 2-3 baht per coconut at their lowest point. The ministry is implementing immediate measures including product absorption, market linkage, and business compliance checks.
Current prices have improved to 9-10.50 baht per coconut at farm gate and 10.50-12 baht for wholesalers as of August 14, 2025. The Agriculture Ministry forecasts 2025 production will reach 475 million coconuts, a 13 percent increase from 420 million in 2024. The Commerce Ministry plans both immediate intervention—distributing coconuts through major retail and government channels under the "Thai Help Thai" program—and medium to long-term strategies including international market promotion.
