Local farmers need helpThe Ministry of Commerce has finally taken steps to protect local fragrant coconut growers from foreign-backed companies that suppress farmers' prices. While this is a welcome move, solutions that rely solely on law enforcement to arrest proxy companies will not end any market monopolies. Yesterday, the 10 state agencies responsible met to discuss directions and solutions for tackling a number of proxy companies believed to be funded by Chinese investors. Farmers often follow market trends, growing popular export products such as durians, longans, and recently fragrant coconuts. Without tackling over-cultivation, local farmers and food growers will continue to face price uncertainty indefinitely.

Source: Bangkok Post March 10, 2026 02:05 UTC