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🇸🇬 Singapore /Energy & Infrastructure

Seven airlines to offer free 10kg fruit check-in at 20 Thai airports

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Seven airlines will carry one box of fresh Thai fruit weighing up to 10kg free of charge for passengers at 20 airports under a programme running from Sept. 1, 2026, to Aug. 31, 2027.
  • The initiative aims to help farmers distribute seasonal produce, promote Thai fruit consumption and support domestic tourism.
  • Authorities initially plan to distribute 100,000 boxes, with durian and other strongly scented fruit excluded.

Passengers flying from 20 Thai airports will be able to check one box of fresh fruit weighing up to 10kg without paying an extra transport charge, under a new year-long programme involving seven airlines.

The Commerce Ministry’s Department of Internal Trade signed the cooperation agreement with the Transport Ministry’s Department of Airports and Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air and EZY Airlines. The programme will run from Sept. 1, 2026, to Aug. 31, 2027.

Officials said the scheme is designed to open more distribution channels for seasonal agricultural produce, encourage people to consume Thai fruit and support domestic tourism. Provincial commerce offices will bring farmers into airport sales areas so they can sell directly to travellers from producing regions and tourist destinations.

Each passenger can receive one standard box, supplied by the Department of Internal Trade, at a designated airport service point before checking it into the aircraft hold. The Department of Airports will provide collection points, assist passengers and allocate temporary areas for farmers at airports under its supervision. The airlines will carry the boxes free of charge, subject to the 10kg limit, and promote the scheme through their own communications.

The participating airports are located in Nan, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang and Narathiwat. Authorities initially aim to distribute 100,000 boxes, representing capacity for about 1,000 tonnes of fruit.

Only fresh, dry fruit will be accepted. Passengers must use the official box and seal it with tape or straps to prevent insects and foreign objects from entering and to stop liquid or odours from escaping. Durian and other strongly scented fruit will not be accepted.

The government was seeking a wider range of distribution channels for agricultural produce entering the market.

— Banjongjitt AngsusinghThe Commerce Ministry adviser explained the government’s aim in supporting the fruit transport programme.
About this summary

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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