Ms. Thanphicha Theraratchanon, Director of the Office of Agricultural Economics Region 2, Phitsanulok (OAE2), Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), revealed that Tak Province boasts a unique natural landscape and is ideal for agriculture. In particular, "Phop Phra durian," also known as "Phop Phra Mineral Water Durian," is a signature product of Tak Province. It is grown in Phop Phra District, a major durian production area on the western side of Thailand, bordering Myanmar. The distinctive feature of Phop Phra Mineral Water Durian is that it is produced after the durian season in other provinces, both in the North and East. This allows for a continuous supply of Phop Phra durian during the late Thai durian season, offering both domestic and international consumers a chance to savor its delicious taste. A key factor driving farmers to expand Phop Phra durian planting areas is the rising demand from both domestic and Chinese markets. This has resulted in a continuous rise in durian prices over the past 5-6 years, encouraging some farmers to cultivate and expand their planting areas. However, Phop Phra mineral water durian is grown on mountainous and hillside areas, making orchard management more difficult throughout the life of the tree than on flat land. Unpredictable weather conditions or the outbreak of disease or pests can immediately impact the quality and quantity of the produce. Field visits by the Office of Agricultural Extension Region 2 also revealed that a high-quality Phop Phra durian orchard, recognized as a model plot, is Wanna Durian Orchard in Chong Khaep Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province. This high-quality orchard meets GAP standards and is also an agricultural tourism orchard owned by Mrs. Wanna Rujasiri. The orchard has been in operation for over 20 years, covering approximately 10 rai (approximately 300 trees). The orchard emphasizes safe durian production using fertilizers and biological agents to reduce production costs. The orchard also caters to consumers and tourists visiting Tak Province's natural attractions, eager to sample the flavors of Phop Phra mineral water durian.

The Director of Phop Phra Mineral Water Durian Region 2 added that this project aims to elevate the standards of Phop Phra mineral water durian. Relevant agencies should integrate efforts to develop quality durian production and management to meet standards to support nature-based tourism, particularly during the mid- to late-rainy season when production is plentiful. Key approaches include: Accelerating farmer development to produce quality durian by inviting experts to provide knowledge or conducting study visits to model areas; Enhancement of government officials' skills in production, orchard management, disease and pest prevention, and proper harvesting; Establishing development projects using technology and innovation; Creating smart durian farm models for expansion to other orchards; Publicizing quality durian production to reduce the risk of order cancellations; Promoting Phop Phra durian as a GI product; Maintaining product standards to create repeat purchase opportunities; and Promoting durian production and marketing networks within the country to expand export opportunities in the future.

For the production situation of mineral water durian in Phop Phra, Tak Province in 2025 (information as of 27 Oct. 2025), it is expected that there will be a perennial durian planting area of ??4,678 rai, representing 72.97 percent of the total planting area in the province (6,411 rai), and there will be a fruiting area of ??2,710 rai, representing 71.88 percent of the total fruiting area in the province (3,770 rai). Total production is 2,141 tons (production June - October), representing 69.60 percent of the total production in the province (3,076 tons). There are 177 farmers in Phop Phra District who have registered for planting (information from the Phop Phra District Agricultural Office, Tak Province). Farmers prefer to plant the Monthong variety, which will be planted in May. And harvested when they are about 5-7 years old. The average price in 2025 is divided by grade as follows: Grade A is 90-100 baht/kilogram, Grade B is 40-60 baht/kilogram, and poor grade, such as fallen or fully ripe, is sold at a price of 10-20 baht/kilogram. The poor grade products will have soft, mushy flesh and a strong smell, but they are popular with Myanmar people. As for the distribution channels, it was found that 70% of the products are sold to regular customers who are merchants from Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province, 20% are sold to Myanmar people who work or live in that area, and the remaining 10% are farmers who set up stalls selling their products along the road. In addition, it was found that some farmers bring their products to process into durian paste, selling at a price of 350 baht/kilogram and fried durian at a price of 600 baht/kilogram. Anyone who is interested in agriculture, especially for more information, can inquire at OAE Zone 2, call 0 5532 2650 and 0 5532 2658 or email zone2@oae.go.th

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