Thailand Post Launches Longan Pre-Orders to Aid Eastern Farmers

The Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Internal Trade, has partnered with Thailand Post to launch pre-orders for Eastern longan starting today (November 12, 2026). This marks the first day of sales via the online ThailandPostMart platform and offline at post offices nationwide. The move aims to accelerate sales channels and distribute produce from production areas to consumers across the country. It is one of the urgent measures under the Eastern longan management plan to assist farmers impacted by the slowdown in exports to the Chinese market, with a target of distributing no less than 500 tons through these channels.

The product on offer is Eastern longan, E-daw variety, export grade, sized 22-26 millimeters, quality-sorted and packed in 3-kilogram baskets in two grades: Grade 3-4 at 150 baht and Grade 1-2 at 180 baht, with free nationwide delivery. Farmers will deliver produce to the Chanthaburi Provincial Post Office in Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, for entry into the distribution system to consumers nationwide.

Orders are accepted from November 12, 2026 to January 31, 2027, with the first delivery lot shipping on November 20, 2026. Additionally, sales channels are expanding to seven housing estates: National Housing Authority, Iris, AssetWise, Supalai, MQDC, Sansiri, and AP. The program also supports 14,000 units of 10-kilogram fruit packaging boxes to facilitate transport and expand market opportunities for farmers.

Deputy Director-General Jiravut Suwanat stated that today's pre-order launch is one of several urgent measures the department is implementing alongside opening sales points, linking buyer networks, promoting domestic longan consumption, and purchasing produce at market prices. The overall target is to manage no less than 30,000 tons of produce to move it out of production areas, reduce oversupply pressure, and maintain price stability during the peak harvest period.

The department has prepared various management measures, including packaging support to ease sales, opening sales points and consumption campaigns in high-potential markets, linking markets through modern retail, wholesale markets, fresh markets, convenience stores, government agencies, state enterprises, and the private sector, as well as opening purchasing points at market prices and coordinating with entrepreneurs to distribute produce out of production areas nationwide.

Eastern longan production in 2026 is estimated at 443,374 tons, down 4.83% from 2025. Chanthaburi accounts for 348,061 tons (79%) and Sa Kaeo 89,885 tons (20%), together making up 99% of regional output. To date, about 96,560 tons (22%) have entered the market. The department is urgently expanding domestic market channels and linking buyers from all sectors to increase selling options and reduce price pressure on farmers. The peak harvest is expected from December 2026 to January 2027, accounting for over 47% of total production.

"The Department of Internal Trade will continuously push proactive measures to create markets that absorb longan production across all channels, including online sales, linking major buyers, coordinating with government agencies and state enterprises, as well as..."