Thai Durian Exports Under Fire Amid Allegations of Vietnamese Mix-In Scheme
Thailand’s prized durian export industry is facing a major scandal following allegations that cheaper Vietnamese durians were illegally blended with Thai produce destined for the Chinese market.
The investigation, spearheaded by Rayong MP Pongsathorn Sornphetnarin, has rocked the agricultural sector and raised serious concerns over potential damage to Thailand’s international reputation for high-quality durians.
The controversy unfolded after MP Pongsathorn led a multi-agency raid on a warehouse in Rayong’s Klaeng District, acting on intelligence reports of illicit fruit mixing operations. Inside, authorities discovered two container vans—one packed with de-shelled durians allegedly imported from Vietnam, and another empty but ready for loading.
A Chinese national identified as the consignment’s owner failed to provide proper import or transport documentation, claiming they were kept at a factory in Chanthaburi. Police later confirmed that three containers had been present at the site on the night of May 22—two sealed with frozen durians and a third empty and unsealed.
A truck driver involved in the operation initially resisted cooperation but later admitted he had been instructed by his employer in Laem Chabang to collect durians using the empty container.
The scheme is suspected to be an attempt to bypass strict Chinese import regulations, particularly targeting concerns over chemical residues like cadmium found in some Vietnamese durians. China, Thailand’s biggest durian export market, has recently tightened inspections, making such illicit blending operations potentially lucrative but highly damaging to legitimate Thai producers.
The incident comes amid falling durian prices and declining Chinese orders, deepening anxiety among Thai farmers who rely heavily on the export market.
Industry leaders and lawmakers are now calling for swift action to protect Thailand’s durian brand and ensure accountability for any individuals or businesses involved in the scandal. Investigations are ongoing.
