Thailand Defeats Durian Scare; Exports Soar to Record Levels
Thailand is taking proactive steps to reassure international consumers, particularly in China, about the safety of its durian exports following concerns over chemical residues. The Thai government emphatically asserts that its durians are 100% free from harmful chemicals, including Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye, a carcinogenic food coloring agent. This reassurance comes as the country aims to export 950,000 tonnes of durian to major markets like China, the United States, Europe, and India this year, projecting revenues exceeding 10 billion baht.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan directly addressed these concerns, stating unequivocally that Thai durian exports remain uncontaminated and free from chemical residues. He acknowledged that recent anxieties surrounding BY2, as well as previous concerns about cadmium last year, have impacted consumer confidence, particularly in China, a crucial market for Thai durian. To counter these anxieties and rebuild trust, the ministry has unveiled its 2025 fruit management strategy. This multifaceted approach incorporates seven key measures primarily focused on enhancing quality control and preventing chemical contamination.
A crucial element of this strategy involves rigorous on-the-ground inspections and sanitation protocols. In Chanthaburi province, a major durian-producing region, authorities have implemented stringent measures to ensure exported durians are residue-free. The ministry is also actively engaging with the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, proposing collaborative on-site inspections in Chanthaburi to further demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to food safety. Minister Pichai has engaged directly with Minister Counsellor Wu Zhiwu of the Chinese Embassy, emphasizing the rigorous inspections conducted before export. He further requested that China adopt a more streamlined import inspection process, shifting from full inspections to random checks to mitigate potential delays and spoilage of durian shipments. These diplomatic efforts appear to be yielding results, with reports indicating that China has already begun easing its inspection procedures on Thai durians, and no contamination issues have been reported in the past month. To further solidify this progress, Minister Pichai has invited Mr. Zhiwu and other Chinese officials to visit Chanthaburi to observe firsthand the meticulous quality control processes.
The Thai government’s comprehensive approach extends beyond addressing immediate concerns. With durian production projected to surge by 37% to 1.76 million tonnes by May, the Commerce Ministry is actively pursuing both domestic and international market expansion, including enhanced supply chain management and stricter regulatory enforcement. Beyond its established markets, Thailand is also targeting the United States, the European Union, and India as promising destinations for its durian exports. An upcoming visit by the Indian Prime Minister in April will include discussions on increasing Thai fruit imports. Finally, the ministry is pursuing Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Thai durians, a move designed to bolster its international reputation and protect the unique identity of its product. This combination of immediate action to address safety concerns, coupled with a long-term strategy for market expansion and quality control, underscores Thailand’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global durian supplier.
