On March 19 farmers dump aromatic coconuts at the entrance of parliament in protest over a prolonged price slump. Pornprom SatrabhayaThe Ombudsman will travel to Ratchaburi on Friday to hear complaints over coconut packing houses, or "longs", and the sharp drop in coconut prices, amid concerns over possible price collusion and foreign nominee arrangements. Chief Ombudsman Songsak Saicheua said the Ombudsman's Office met last week with relevant agencies and had identified several possible solutions. Complainants have pointed to higher output last year, suspected price collusion and possible nominee arrangements that may have distorted market competition and allowed certain operators to influence prices. He noted that under current law, foreign investors of export-oriented packing houses can legally own 100% of the business, which may allow them to operate outside the usual 49:51 shareholding restrictions.

Source: Bangkok Post March 31, 2026 04:50 UTC