"Suriya” orders extended border opening hours accelerates durian exports after overproduction causes price drop

Today (5 May 2026), 9:47 AM at Government House, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, gave an interview regarding the solution to the low durian prices caused by overproduction. He stated that he had received information from MPs in Nakhon Phanom Province that the limited opening hours at border checkpoints for exporting agricultural products to foreign countries were too restrictive. Furthermore, the rigorous inspection process for contaminants before exporting to China was causing delays.

Mr. Suriya added that durian is Thailand's number one fruit export. He has learned that a large company specializing in organizing fruit expos is scheduled to meet with him tomorrow to discuss the format and timing of such an event in Thailand to attract attention to Thai products.

Mr. Suriya reiterated that he has ordered an extension of border checkpoint opening hours to facilitate the shipment of goods. "Especially durian can now be easily exported abroad," Mr. Suriya added. He further stated that, in addition, there is the problem of El Niño, which results in insufficient water outside irrigated areas. He has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to prepare machinery and equipment to find solutions to this problem.