Latest news with #Sunanta
Bangkok Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Reports of fake Thai rice on sale in China
The Commerce Ministry is monitoring reports of Cambodian-grown rice products distributed in China, which use packaging bearing the print of a Thai flag and a certification emblem for Thai jasmine rice. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), said the reports came from Thais living in China who spotted the emblem in Chinese supermarkets that looked similar to the official Thai Hom Mali Rice Certificate Mark (an ear of rice on a green background). This logo is issued by the Department of Foreign Trade to certify genuine Thai Hom Mali rice (Thai jasmine rice). DITP offices in China have looked into both online and offline channels where the rice is sold, including e-commerce platforms like Taobao, and Pinduoduo. Some products were labelled in Chinese as "Cambodian Jasmine Rice", some brands used the term "Thai Hom Mali Rice". This can cause confusion among Chinese consumers and lead them to mistakenly believe they are buying authentic Thai Hom Mali rice. As a result, there could be harm to the image of the rice and trust in the Chinese market, said Ms Sunanta. Several measures have been implemented by the DITP offices in seven Chinese cities, including consulting with Thai Hom Mali rice importers and online platforms to prevent the sale of incorrectly presented rice, and raising awareness among Chinese consumers of the correct Thai Hom Mali Rice Certificate Mark. Other measures include coordination with the Ministry of Commerce office in Beijing to discuss stricter controls on misleading products with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). Further legal action could be taken against offenders for false advertising and infringement of consumer rights, she said. Meanwhile, the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) on Thursday approved measures with a total budget of over 50 billion baht to support in-season rice farmers by stabilising rice prices for the 2025/2026 crop year. Thailand exported 3.05 million tonnes of rice during the first five months of this year, less than half of the annual target of 7.5 million tonnes.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thai durian exports soar thanks to enhanced services at China's Youyiguan border
BANGKOK: Thailand's durian exports have seen an increase, following improved services at the Youyiguan border in China, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) said on Thursday (June 19). Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, the department's director-general, revealed that Niti Pratoomvongsa, Director of the Thai Trade Centre in Nanning, reported that Youyiguan is now one of China's key land border crossings, linking to Vietnam and other Asean countries. It is also the largest land border crossing for fruit imports and exports. The customs procedures at Youyiguan have been continually improved with the introduction of advanced technological innovations. These measures have enhanced efficiency, ensuring smooth passage for trucks entering and leaving the country. The improved services led to a smooth passage for fruit-laden trucks during the Dragon Boat Festival, which took place from May 31 to June 2. Over these three days, more than 8,800 trucks crossed the border, averaging 2,934 trucks per day, an 89% increase compared to previous periods. Despite the high volume of trucks, the border crossing remained efficient. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Regarding the export of Thai fruits to China, particularly durian, a significant number of trucks carrying Thai durians passed through Youyiguan. In May 2025, 4,540 containers of Thai durian were processed at the border, with an average of 150 containers per day. This number has increased to about 170 containers daily due to the randomised inspection procedures by customs. This process has expedited the release of imported durians. "Youyiguan is the busiest land border crossing for Thai durians in China," said Sunanta. "Despite the heavy traffic due to an increasing number of trucks, the modern management system, faster random pesticide checks, and relaxed procedures have allowed Thailand to continue to increase its durian exports to China." The DITP advises exporters to consider alternative border crossings, such as Mohan, Mohan Railway, Hekou, Tianbao, Nansha Port, Dongxin, Pingxiang Railway, Longpang, Hsinchu Port, and Wuxi International Airport, to avoid potential transport delays caused by heavy traffic at the land border crossings. These other crossings are well-equipped to handle fruit imports, helping to prevent potential damage or degradation in product quality due to traffic congestion, Sunanta added. - The Nation/ANN
