Weerisa from Pheu Thai Questions Live Durian Sale at 100 Baht Per Fruit When Farm Gate Prices are 120 Baht Per Kilogram
A Pheu Thai politician questions a government plan to sell durians at 100 baht each when current farm prices average 120 baht per kilogram, warning the initiative could crash the entire market rather than help growers.
On April 27, 2025, Weerisa Meechon, head of Pheu Thai's agricultural policy team and former party-list parliamentary candidate, posted a critical question about the government's planned durian sales initiative. Commerce Minister Sophajee and influencer Pimrapai announced plans to sell durians live on April 28 at 100 baht per fruit, causing concern among durian growers.
Currently, Eastern Thailand's durian exports remain strong with no market oversupply driving prices down. Grade ABC durians are trading at an average of 120 baht per kilogram at farm gates. If premium quality durians (2-6 kg per fruit, perfect appearance, full flesh) are sold at 100 baht each, their normal price exceeds 240 baht—essentially destroying the market price mechanism.
Weerisa analyzes possible scenarios: selling defective fruit graded at 60 baht per kilogram would still cost over 120 baht per fruit given their size; selling smaller "pop-pak" durians under 2 kilograms priced at 70+ baht per kilogram would also exceed 100 baht per fruit at cost; selling damaged fruit affected by worms or insects would be poor quality; or orchards voluntarily accepting losses. She emphasizes that true farmer assistance means fair prices, not artificially cheap products. Weerisa supports live streaming and online sales as genuine channels to reduce middlemen, but questions whether this policy actually helps farmers or damages the entire durian price structure. She urges the Commerce Ministry to consult farmers before implementing programs, as farmers—not ministers or influencers—bear the real burden if farm-gate prices subsequently collapse.
