Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat have come to an understanding after a dispute over rejected durian exports. During a Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister's Secretary Prommin Lertsuridej reported that China had rejected 64 tons of Thai durian due to contamination with Basic Yellow 2, a carcinogenic dye. This prompted a call for stricter testing of durian exports.
Pichai questioned why the contaminated durians were not destroyed immediately, while Narumon emphasized the need to follow disposal procedures. The disagreement led Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to request a private discussion between the ministers, with a report to follow.
Addressing the issue, Pichai stated, "It was nothing. I was just concerned about exports and the matter has been cleared up and discussed thoroughly." He also planned to meet with durian farmers from Chanthaburi to discuss export protocols.
The contamination incident triggered an investigation into Rapeepat Chansriwong, director-general of the Agriculture Department, over allegations of bribe-taking linked to testing for BY2. Rapeepat was reassigned to an inactive post after accusations from exporters that a company he approved demanded testing fees without official department procedures.
China remains the largest market for Thai durian, with exports valued at several billion baht annually.
Source: The Nation