The Bangkok-based influencer Pimradaporn “Pimrypie” Benjawattanapat has accepted losses of more than 10 million baht after staging a 100-baht durian sales campaign aimed at helping Thai farmers clear excess supply.
The popular online retailer addressed criticism during a livestream on Tuesday night, saying the initiative was intended to support durian growers who are facing a 30% production surplus and weakening demand.
She said her goal was to draw public attention to the agricultural crisis rather than distort market prices.
“I went directly to Chanthaburi, bought entire orchards without selecting sizes, and absorbed losses because I wanted farmers to sell their produce,” she said.
In one of the most widely shared moments of the livestream, she confirmed personal losses of more than 10 million baht.
The livestream, which began around 8pm, attracted more than 800,000 viewers across TikTok and Facebook. One hundred baht was the promotional entry price, while additional grades of durian were sold at higher levels. Reports indicated that orders exceeded 200,000 units during the campaign night.
Her campaign was widely criticised not only because of the 100-baht price, but also due to the participation of Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who appeared with her in a promotional clip.
The minister later denied any involvement in the promotion.
MPs in parliament have raised concerns over durian market control, alleging that Chinese middlemen now dominate pricing from orchards to export.
