Coconuts smuggled into Thailand from neighboring countries are hurting local farmers who now have to lower the price of each fresh coconut to between 5-7 baht, the Thai-language daily Matichon reported yesterday (Dec 13, 2018).
Most of the smuggled coconuts are from neighboring Myanmar and Malaysia, which have a surplus of coconuts in their countries, said the paper.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Governor Pirom Nintaya said he is checking a report that some Thai politicians have offered to buy each coconut from local farmers at the price of 8 baht.