Chinese durian seen as no threat to Thai exports

A vendor arranges durian for an all-you-can eat buffet at Si Mum Muang market in Pathum Thani province in May 2022. Customers paid 339 baht per head for a one-hour fruit and dessert buffet. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)

China-grown durian should not have any serious impact on Thai durian exports given limited supplies in China and the pleasant taste of Thai durian, according to representatives of the private sector.

Sumit Khiawkhajee, secretary-general of the eastern chapter of the Federation of Thai SME, said on Sunday that the cultivation of durian in other countries including Vietnam, Cambodia and lately China certainly provided more competition, but there were other factors supporting international demand for Thai durian.