Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is actively addressing the issue of low prices for longan and mangosteen, crucial agricultural products in Thailand. The ministry is focusing on increasing the prices of longan in the North and mangosteen in the South, as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the market.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Commerce, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, recently visited Chiang Mai Province. During his visit, he inspected the San Pa Tong Agricultural Cooperative Limited and a longan processing company in Lamphun Province. His discussions with farmer groups and relevant agencies focused on solutions to the challenges of low prices and produce concentration. This year, longan production has surpassed 1 million tons, up from 900,000 tons. The ministry aims to manage 151,000 tons of northern longans through eight key measures. These include exporting 15,000 tons, organizing the "Thai Fruits Festival 2025," and leveraging partner networks to distribute 65,555 tons. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to purchase Grade B longans at market-leading prices and sell them in major department stores.
The ministry is also facilitating longan purchases through government and private sector channels, with 1,380 tons targeted for acquisition. Further initiatives include free shipping through Thailand Post and selling longans at fuel stations to explore new distribution channels.
Additionally, the target for purchasing Grade A longans for drying and export has been increased to 101,000 tons, supported by over 50 drying plants.
Regarding mangosteen prices in the South, the ministry has mobilized entrepreneurs to buy directly from farmers. As of July 20, 2025, measures implemented over 16 days have led to a significant rebound in mangosteen prices. Prices for mixed sizes outside the auction group range from 30-40 baht per kilogram, and mixed cassava grades are at 70-100 baht per kilogram. Within the auction group, prices for mixed sizes are 41-48 baht per kilogram, and mixed cassava grades reach 113-120 baht per kilogram.
This year, southern mangosteen production is approximately 109,697 tons, with Nakhon Si Thammarat Province contributing a substantial portion. Currently, over 80% of the production has entered the market.