Chanthaburi: The Prime Minister will be visiting Chanthaburi this Saturday to address the challenges faced by fruit growers in the region. The visit aims to gather insights and provide policy directions to support farmers and enhance the global presence of Thai fruit products.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, has scheduled an inspection tour of Chanthaburi Province on May 17, 2025. This visit is intended to engage with farmers in the eastern provinces, understand their problems, and offer solutions through government policy. The eastern region is a vital area for Thailand's fruit production, making this visit significant for both local and national agricultural development. Accompanying the Prime Minister will be key government officials, including Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, and several deputy ministers.
The day's schedule includes a morning departure from Bangkok to Chanthaburi, where the Prime Minister and her team will visit Rak Tawan Garden. Here, discussions with fruit farmers and buyers will focus on production costs and yields. The delegation will also participate in a live durian sale and visit Thai SELECT-marked restaurants to promote local fruits. Presentations on these initiatives will be made by the Director-General of the Department of Business Development and the Department of Internal Trade.
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will observe the export processes of durian at Dragon Fresh Fruit Co., Ltd., including sorting and packing for international markets. Additionally, she will engage with various stakeholders in the fruit export industry and observe the cooperation model for serving fruit menus on Air Asia flights.
Thailand's fruit export industry is a significant contributor to the national economy. In 2024, the export value of durian alone reached 4,404.9 million US dollars, with a substantial portion from fresh and frozen durian. Early 2025 figures show continued strong performance in fruit exports. The Prime Minister's visit underscores the importance of the durian export market, which accounts for 75% of Thailand's production, with the remainder consumed domestically.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly regarding market access and pricing. The visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance the global reputation of Thai fruits, including mangosteen, rambutan, and others from the eastern region. The government is implementing a proactive 2025 fruit management plan to ensure stable prices and expanded market opportunities throughout the year.