Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade is intensifying its efforts to address an oversupply of fragrant coconuts from central and southern Thailand by distributing at least 2 million coconuts to the market. The initiative aims to stabilize prices and ease the financial burden on farmers by connecting with modern retail outlets, local stores, central markets, and establishing direct sales points for consumers in Bangkok and its surrounding regions.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirawut Suwannach, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, has disclosed that the department is expediting the purchase and distribution process of fragrant coconuts through provincial commerce offices across the nation. This strategy includes collaboration with entrepreneurs and network partners to continuously absorb excess production from the main coconut-producing areas. Between July and December 2025, the department has already absorbed over 1 million coconuts.

In a recent development, the Department of Internal Trade has set up purchasing points in key production provinces such as Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and Songkhla, offering a price of 5 baht per coconut, which is above the market rate. This initiative is in partnership with the Songkhla Fragrant Coconut Metropolis civil society network and the Ban Chumphon Fragrant Coconut Large-Scale Farming Group in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province, with a target to purchase 220,000 coconuts.

Simultaneously, there is an ongoing effort to link modern trade retailers, central markets, and fresh markets to facilitate the distribution of an additional 350,000 coconuts nationwide. Furthermore, the department has launched over 20 sales points for fragrant coconuts in Bangkok and nearby areas, enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers at special prices. Notable locations include the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Headquarters, and the Siam Commercial Bank Headquarters, among others. Sales will also occur at the Blue Flag event in Ubon Ratchathani Province, with a total target of 330,000 coconuts.

Additionally, the department is working with major private companies listed on the stock exchange to source fragrant coconuts from farmers as part of their CSR activities, with a goal to purchase at least 100,000 coconuts for consumption and further distribution.

Mr. Jirawut emphasized that these initiatives are designed to ensure a stable market for surplus fragrant coconuts, effectively connecting farmer groups to consumers via retail outlets, central markets, fresh markets, and the private sector. The overarching goal is to stabilize prices and establish a balanced trading system for fragrant coconuts in the long term.