Thailand's fragrant coconut industry faces its worst price crisis in years, with farmgate prices collapsing to 1-3 baht per fruit as market dominance by a major buyer has created severe supply gluts and eroded export competitiveness. Farmers report devastating income losses as the monopolistic purchasing arrangement has flooded domestic markets while foreign competitors gain ground in international trade. Government agencies are launching urgent investigations and exploring new market channels to stabilize prices and support struggling coconut growers across central Thailand. Meanwhile, farmers are proposing long-term production control measures, including selective tree removal, to manage supply and prevent future price crashes in this economically important crop sector.
