BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce is expanding measures to support mature coconut growers, directing the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) to pursue central government funding to purchase coconuts at prices above market levels. The ministry said more than 11 million mature coconuts have been purchased from growers in the country’s four main producing provinces, exceeding the estimated surplus of 10 million. Field inspections, however, found that some farmers were excluded because many processors purchase through established supplier networks and require certifications such as Good Agricultural Practices, Monkey-Free Certification, and product traceability.
The DIT has also been instructed to identify growers who have not received assistance, while the Department of Foreign Trade continues monitoring coconut imports. Importers and coconut milk manufacturers have been asked to suspend imports during the domestic harvest, and processing factories have agreed to prioritize locally grown coconuts. Coconut imports during the first five months of 2026 fell by more than 60% compared with the same period last year. Thailand’s mature coconut production is projected to reach 608 million coconuts in 2026, with another 69 million expected to enter the market between June and August. The ministry said it will continue supporting growers through above-market purchases, value-added processing, and other measures to help farmers sell their harvest at prices that exceed production costs. (NNT)
