A severe summer storm has devastated durian orchards across Thailand’s Rayong province, causing more than 43 tonnes of fruit to fall prematurely and resulting in losses exceeding 4.3 million baht (about RM560,000).
The storm, which swept through several districts including Wang Chan, Klaeng, Khao Chamao and Pluak Daeng, struck during the crucial pre-harvest period, leaving many durian farmers facing heavy financial losses. Numerous durian trees were also toppled by strong winds.
Rayong Provincial Agricultural Officer Sommai Pholmanee said agricultural extension officers, local authorities and relevant agencies immediately carried out damage assessments and visited affected farmers to coordinate emergency assistance efforts.
A preliminary survey conducted on May 9 found that four districts, 12 sub-districts and 31 villages were affected, involving 146 farmers. At least 16 durian trees were reported destroyed in Wang Chan district alone.
Officials estimated that around 18.1 tonnes of damaged durian came from Wang Chan district, affecting 77 farmers, while Pluak Daeng recorded about 2.95 tonnes of losses involving four farmers. In Khao Chamao, around 18 tonnes of durian were damaged, affecting nine farmers, while Klaeng district saw losses of about 3.95 tonnes involving 56 farmers.
Authorities are now advising farmers on recovery measures, including pruning damaged branches, securing fruit and reinforcing trees to prevent further losses. Farmers are also encouraged to process ripening durians into products such as fried durian and durian ice cream, while unripe fruit can be turned into compost to reduce waste.
At the same time, the Rayong Provincial Agricultural Office is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and durian quality control teams to prevent unripe or storm-damaged durians, commonly referred to as “floating durian”, from entering the market.
Officials said strict inspections are being carried out to protect the reputation and quality of Rayong durian while maintaining consumer confidence.
Farmers have also been urged to monitor weather forecasts closely and ensure their agricultural registration details are updated to facilitate faster access to government aid should further disasters occur.
