In a recent interview with GDToday, governor Monsit Paisarnthanawat of Chanthaburi emphasized Thailand's commitment to advancing logistics between China and Thailand. He underscored the completion of the China-Thai railway as a pivotal factor expected to hasten the transportation of durians from Thailand to China.
China stands as Thailand's primary durian export market and Chanthaburi is economically important in terms of agriculture, especially durian. The King of Fruits in Chanthaburi has the number one production in the country.
"The new Thai government is determined to continue advancing logistics between China and Thailand. The completion of the China-Thai railway will expedite the transport of durians produced in Chanthaburi to China," said Monsit Paisarnthanawat, governor of Chanthaburi Province.
According to data from the Thai Ministry of Commerce in 2022, China stood as Thailand's largest durian export market, representing a substantial 96% of total exports valued at $3.09 billion.
Chanthaburi durian, the King of kings
Located in the eastern part of Thailand, Chanthaburi, holds a prominent position in the country's agricultural landscape, especially concerning durian cultivation. This province boasts a conducive climate and fertile soil, creating optimal conditions for durian trees to flourish and yield high-quality fruits, contributing approximately 70% of the total durian production in the country. There are about 700 durian sorting factories in the region, exclusively serving the Chinese market.
"From a quality standpoint, I consider Thai durians to be the best in the world. And here in Chanthaburi, we continue to uphold this standard,"shared the governor. He added that Chanthaburi is committed to ensuring the quality of exported durians by maintaining excellence in various aspects such as cultivation, nurturing, harvesting, and transportation.
Transform trade with international transport infrastructure
On April 19th this year, Thai durians made a speedy journey to China via the Laos-China Railway, setting a new record for transportation time. A refrigerated cargo train loaded with 25 containers left Thailand's Map Ta Phut station and arrived in Guangzhou in just four and a half days.
Shortly after, on April 28th, another fruit train carrying 27 containers and 500 tons of Chanthaburi durians departed from Mohan Port, distributing to various cities in China.
By enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and paving the way for further economic collaboration and growth, the infrastructure improvements between China and Laos have significantly boosted the regional trade, which has also driven Thailand’s commitment in China-Thai railway construction.
Driven by the escalating demand of Thai fruit from China and the thriving dynamics of passenger and cargo transportation facilitated by the China-Laos railway, he envisioned a robust export market for Chanthaburi's durians in the near future. “The Thai government is actively promoting the construction of the China-Thai railway. I believe that, with the boost from high-speed rail, Chanthaburi's durian exports will continue to flourish."
Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and an official visit.
During the meeting Srettha Thavisin expressed his hope that the two sides will deepen practical cooperation in various fields, jointly build the Thailand-China Railway, and advance the implementation of the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook.
Reporter: He Yixin, Eastbrook
Editor: James, Abby, Nan, Olivia
