Chanthaburi: Prime Minister Suriya has directed immediate assistance measures for durian farmers in Chanthaburi following severe damage inflicted by recent summer storms. The Prime Minister has tasked the Chanthaburi Provincial Agricultural Office with conducting an urgent survey to assess the extent of damage to durian orchards, with a particular focus on crops that were nearing harvest. Additionally, the Department of Cooperative Promotion has been instructed to collaborate with cooperatives to procure the fallen durians for processing.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has mobilized various agencies under his ministry to provide immediate relief to affected farmers. The Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion has been assigned to coordinate with provincial and district agricultural offices in assessing and reporting the damage to the Center for Monitoring and Solving Agricultural Disaster Problems (CMDP). This report will play a crucial role in determining the financial assistance to be provided in alignment with Ministry of Finance regulations.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to establish collection points for fallen durians that meet processing standards within Chanthaburi province. This initiative aims to process fallen durians into fried durian or durian paste, thereby mitigating the financial impact on farmers. The Department of Agriculture is also deploying officers to ensure the quality of agricultural produce, particularly to prevent unripe or low-quality durians from entering the market. Farmers are receiving guidance on orchard restoration, including pruning and supporting damaged branches.
Farmers affected by the storm can access assistance through the "Pirunraj" One-Stop Service Center, available at every district agricultural office. This center streamlines the process for lodging complaints and obtaining support, thereby facilitating quicker access to necessary aid.
According to a preliminary report from the Center for Monitoring and Resolving Agricultural Disaster Problems, 77 farmers have been impacted, with 58 rai of land affected and a total loss of 103 tons of durians due to the storms, primarily in Khlung District.
Additionally, the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce reported expectations for durian production entering the market in May 2026, with an estimated 544,202 tons, accounting for 26.28 percent of total production.
As of April 30, 2026, the average daily price for Monthong durian was observed to be between 145-160 baht per kilogram, with grade C priced at 90-110 baht, grade D at 80-90 baht, and undersized durian at 70-90 baht.