Export market for Fresh Durian in Thailand (11월, 2022)

Thai durian advisor, Mr. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, has initiated an investigation following reports of durian fraud in China, where durians labeled as Thai were found to be of low quality and sold at high prices in Shanghai. The investigation, led by the Thai fruit development and management committee, confirmed that the durians were sold by a truck evading authorities and found to be lower in quality and price compared to Thai durians available in fruit shops. This incident is part of a larger effort to improve the quality and standards of Thai fruits, as directed by the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on. This initiative aims to ensure the authenticity and quality of Thai durians in the Chinese market, where Thailand remains the dominant exporter despite competition and increasing planting of durian trees in China. The investigation also highlights the importance of brand development and traceability systems to prevent the sale of inferior quality or contaminated durians.