Thai fruits. Photo: Anirut Thailand / Shutterstock.com Seven Thai airlines are offering passengers the option to check in up to 10 kilograms of fresh fruit free of charge on domestic flights under a new government-backed initiative designed to support Thai farmers and domestic tourism.
The campaign, launched through cooperation between Thailand’s ministries of Transport and Commerce, began on Tuesday, September 1, and will run until August 31 next year.
According to Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the Minister of Commerce, the initiative is intended to help farmers distribute their produce during peak harvest periods, encourage consumers to buy and enjoy Thai fruit, and support domestic tourism.
The participating airlines are Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines.
As part of the program, designated retail areas will be established at participating airports, allowing farmers to sell seasonal fruit directly to passengers. Official 10kg boxes will be provided for travelers using the scheme.
Each passenger can receive one box, which can then be checked into the aircraft’s cargo hold without an additional transportation charge. Passengers must use the official fruit boxes supplied at the airports to qualify for the free check-in service.
The government has initially set a target of distributing 100,000 boxes, equivalent to approximately 1,000 tonnes of fruit, during the campaign.
There are also specific requirements for fruit transported under the program. Only fresh fruit is eligible, and the produce must be packed without moisture. Boxes must be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects, contaminants, leakage and unpleasant odors during transportation.
The initiative will initially operate at 20 regional airports: 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.
Banjongjitt said the cooperation provides farmers with another way to market seasonal produce, expand distribution channels and build consumer confidence in Thai fruit.
For travelers, the initiative offers a practical way to bring fruit purchased at tourist destinations back to their hometowns without paying additional transport charges for the 10kg allowance.
The program is also expected to create additional market opportunities for Thai fruit while linking agricultural sales with domestic travel. By combining airport retail opportunities with free checked transport, authorities hope to make it easier for farmers to reach consumers and for passengers to take locally grown produce home.