The Thai durian industry currently faces intense export competition and strict quality control measures from destination markets, particularly China. A major threat to the industry is the fraudulent use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certificates, which often occurs when farmers lack the technical knowledge to legitimately pass GAP assessments. In response, the Durian and Economic Fruits Management Unit (DEFU), a center of excellence at the Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University , partnered with leading national-level organizations, specifically the Thai Durian Association (TDA) and the Association of Thai Durian Producers (ATDP), to address this crisis. Fulfilling its mission as an academic service and consultancy unit, DEFU leverages scientific expertise to empower farmers. By providing proactive on-site diagnostics , DEFU aims to eradicate certification fraud at its root, ensuring farmers can genuinely maintain GAP standards and protecting the reputation of Thai durian exports.
The aims:
(1) To raise farmers’ awareness regarding the critical importance of protecting their GAP certificates as valuable professional assets.
(2) To share lessons learned from past certification fraud incidents to prevent future occurrences and systemic risks within the supply chain.
(3) To provide scientific diagnostic services for agricultural water and diseased plant samples, helping farmers accurately identify pathogens and manage orchards effectively.
(4) To educate farmers on precision agriculture, minimizing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), and preventing post-harvest diseases to meet strict export regulations.
The event was organized collaboratively among Burapha University, national-level organizations such as the Thai Durian Association (TDA) and the Association of Thai Durian Producers (ATDP), and government agencies. DEFU set up an on-site diagnostic service station to receive agricultural water and diseased plant samples directly from farmers. Experts conducted laboratory analyses to identify plant pathogens and evaluate water quality, providing tailored agricultural management advice. Concurrently, cross-sectoral panel discussions were held by academics, government officials, and experienced farmers to educate attendees on preventing GAP fraud and applying agrochemicals safely and accurately.
Farmers gained critical insights into precision agriculture, enabling targeted treatments for plant diseases and reducing excessive chemical use, which lowers chemical residue levels (MRLs). By improving water and disease management, farmers are equipped to pass GAP assessments legitimately, reducing the incentive for certificate fraud. The initiative strengthened the traceability of the durian supply chain and minimized risks of post-harvest diseases during transit. Ultimately, this collaboration fostered a resilient network of growers, sustaining Thailand’s competitive advantage in the global market.
Event Date: March 13, 2026
Project Leader: Pavinee Sutthiviriya, Ph.D. (DEFU Personnel / Researcher) and Asst. Prof. Yossapol Palapol, Ph.D. (Head of Division of Agricultural Technology, Burapha University Chanthaburi Campus and DEFU Personnel)
