The Department of Internal Trade is taking swift action to stabilise Thailand's fruit market as tensions at the Cambodian border disrupt regular export flows. With border closures limiting cross-border movement, authorities are coordinating with the private sector to absorb over 2,500 tons of late-season durian and mangosteen into domestic channels, as informed by Thairath Online
According to Director-General Witthayakorn Maneenet, recent inspections in Chanthaburi Province confirmed that while significant volumes of graded durian and mangosteen had already been shipped to China earlier in the season, the remaining late-season fruit now faces limited export options. The closures at Ban Laem and Ban Pakkat border checkpoints have slowed movement to neighbouring countries, forcing an urgent shift in distribution strategies.
To prevent oversupply in production zones and support price stability, the Department of Internal Trade has partnered with major retailers. CP Extra Public Company Limited, operating Makro and Lotus stores, has committed to purchasing 1,000 tons of medium-sized mangosteens from Chanthaburi. GO WHOLESALE and other retail partners across Thailand will handle additional volumes.
The department is also working with the Bank Association, the Royal Thai Police, and local shopping centres to expand domestic sales channels. Further promotional efforts include organising a Thai Fruits Festival at Phuket City Pride 2025 later this month.
Despite rising concerns among farmers about the Cambodian border situation, the Department of Internal Trade remains confident that coordinated domestic absorption will safeguard prices and stabilise income for growers during the critical late-season period.
Source: Thairath Online