On the island of Koh Samui, coconut growers have been suffering heavy losses for several months due to the sharp drop in prices, and are calling on the authorities to intervene urgently.
Coconut farmers and collectors on the island of Koh Samui, in Surat Thani province, are facing a persistent crisis. For the past two to three months, the price of the fruit has fallen continuously, down to just 3 or 4 baht per piece. Many growers are abandoning the maintenance of their plantations, which they consider too costly.
Some owners now limit themselves to collecting nuts that have fallen naturally in order to reduce labour costs. Although less profitable, this solution helps to minimise immediate losses.
Manas, a coconut collector for some twenty years, describes a critical situation: “Large coconuts are bought for 4 baht, medium ones for 2 baht, and small ones find no buyers. After deducting picking and transport costs, we are working at a loss.”
For his part, Somchok, owner of a collection centre, confirms the difficulties faced by the entire sector. Despite his efforts to quickly sell the coconuts to processing factories, the margins remain negative due to labour and transport costs.
Industry professionals point to massive imports of foreign coconuts, which reduce local demand and exacerbate the current overproduction. They are calling for swift intervention by the authorities to support prices and prevent the definitive collapse of many farms.