Bangkok: The government has mandated Thailand Post to assist orchard owners in distributing over 3,000 tons of fruit across the country free of charge. This initiative aims to reduce costs and address the issue of surplus produce resulting from the current border situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Internal Trade, has taken proactive steps to mitigate the effects of slowed fruit imports by Cambodia. This situation threatens to drive fruit prices down and leave produce unsold. In response, the government has partnered with Thailand Post Co., Ltd. to establish a nationwide transportation network that allows farmers to transport fruits without incurring delivery fees.
Mr. Anukul further explained that the initiative focuses on distributing significant Thai fruits, including durian, mangosteen, longan, longkong, rambutan, and mango, totaling no less than 3,000 tons through increasingly popular online distribution channels. This approach enables farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers efficiently and conveniently. The Department of Internal Trade has also arranged for the production of 188,000 10-kilogram DIT boxes and 50,000 5-kilogram baskets, amounting to 238,000 packaging pieces, which will be distributed to provincial commercial offices nationwide. Farmers can obtain these free of charge, thereby reducing costs at every stage of the distribution process.
Moreover, in July 2025, the Department of Internal Trade plans to host the 'Thai Fruits Festival 2025' to promote seasonal fruits from the South and North regions. The festival will showcase and sell popular fruits such as durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, salak, champada, longan, lychee, and orange in a contemporary format aimed at stimulating consumption and expanding marketing channels for farmers.
Mr. Anukul emphasized that the collaboration with Thailand Post will facilitate the swift, widespread, and secure distribution of farmers' produce, particularly during times when online fruit purchases or gifts are in demand, requiring a rapid delivery system to ensure freshness. The government is confident that this support will significantly boost farmers' income. Additionally, the government assures that it will employ every available mechanism to continuously support Thai farmers, addressing immediate challenges while establishing a systematic foundation to sustainably increase farmers' income over the long term.