Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers
The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has recently announced a comprehensive support plan to assist local fruit farmers facing a seasonal production glut.
The government is fully aware of the oversupply challenges, particularly with mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and durians, she said, adding the Ministry of Commerce would coordinate with other government agencies and private sector partners to swiftly distribute surplus fruit in the domestic market and systematically enhance export effort
The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.
So far, 27 companies have pledged to purchase 103,760 tonnes of fruit. Major contributors include the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association, as well as leading corporations such as Saha Pathanapibul and Thai Beverage, which have committed to buy 55,500 tonnes collectively. Meanwhile, retail chains are expected to purchase approximately 34,450 tonnes, and petrol stations, Thailand Post, Tao Bin vending machines, government agencies and affiliated foundations around 13,810 tonnes.
The government is also launching social media campaigns and new marketing channels, such as e-commerce featuring popular influencers and promotional events such as fruit-based recipe contests. These combined initiatives aim to help offload over 346,500 tonnes of surplus fruit, with the overall target set at 730,000 tonnes.
Combined production of longan, mango, durian and mangosteen from the northern, eastern and southern regions will reach 3.4 million tonnes this year, up 22% from 2.78 million tonnes in 2024, according to Peeraphan Korthong, director-general of the Department of Agricultural Extension.
🌸 On the export front, the government plans to ship 4.13 million tonnes of fruit, generating an estimated 8.8 billion USD in revenue./.
Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.
One of significant topics in their discussion was Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), a framework promoting low- and zero-emission vehicles. The standard is effective from January 1, with enforcement beginning on July 1.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra encouraged the acceleration of the "Thai Select" initiative, which certifies high-quality Thai products to promote exports, particularly to assist Thai restaurants abroad in using quality Thai ingredients, which benefits farmers' incomes.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
