Plunging prices for drinkable coconuts near Bangkok have not spread to Banglamung District with farmers saying Pattaya’s tourists are protecting their income.
Samut Prakan farmers have seen prices for the green coconuts fall 70 percent due to over-production. But the Banglamung District Agricultural Extension Office said foreign tourists love drinking coconut milk from a straw and that has kept local prices stable.
Another factor is that farms in Takhiantia, Pong, Khao Maikaew, Nong Plalai, Huay Yai and Nongprue have limited exposure to the market. The agricultural office said only 40 rai of all the Banglamung coconut farms grow drinkable coconuts. Local crops are intended for cooking.
There are about 6,000 farms in the area and nearly all the farmers sell direct to markets without middlemen. That and strong local demand have prevented the kinds of price drops seen elsewhere. Banglamung coconuts still can sell for 10 baht each, versus as little as 3 baht in Samut Prakan.
