Passengers will be able to check one 10kg box of fresh fruit into an aircraft hold free of charge at 20 Thai airports from 1 September 2026.

The year-long programme, running until 31 August 2027, involves Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air and EZY Airlines.

One free fruit box per passenger

The Commerce Ministry's Department of Internal Trade signed the cooperation agreement with the Transport Ministry's Department of Airports and the seven airline partners.

The scheme is intended to help farmers move seasonal produce, encourage consumption of Thai fruit and support domestic tourism. Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the commerce minister, said the government wanted more distribution channels for agricultural products reaching the market.

Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the commerce minister, said airports and airlines could help travellers take fruit home, from producing areas and tourist destinations without additional transport charges.

Each passenger can receive one standard Department of Internal Trade fruit box, with a maximum total weight of 10kg. The department will provide boxes at participating airports from the scheme's opening day and work with provincial commerce offices to bring farmers into airport sales areas.

The Department of Airports will provide collection points, help passengers use the service and set aside temporary selling space for farmers. Airlines will carry the boxes in the hold without charge, subject to the 10kg limit, and promote the initiative through their communication channels.

Airports included in the first phase

The service initially covers airports 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 aim to distribute 100,000 boxes, enough to carry about 1,000 tonnes of fruit. Passengers should contact the designated airport service point to collect a box before checking it in.

Fresh fruit only, with no durian

Only fresh fruit is accepted. It must be dry, free of moisture and packed in the official box, which must be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects or other foreign objects entering, and liquid or odours escaping.

Durian and other strongly scented fruit are barred from both cabin baggage and the aircraft hold.

"Before bringing fruit on a flight, passengers should ensure that it is packed properly," Banjongjitt said.

"Durian and other strongly scented fruit must not be carried on board or placed in the aircraft hold, so that the smell does not disturb other passengers and everyone can enjoy a convenient and smooth journey."

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

3 September 2026

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39 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

"Durian and other strongly scented fruit must not be carried on board or placed in the aircraft hold, so that the smell does not disturb other passengers and everyone can enjoy a convenient and smooth journey."

I don't get it. I love the smell of durian. Always makes me hungry for it. Hate to see airlines discriminating against one of the most beloved and unique fruits in Thailand.

4 minutes ago, John Drake said:

I don't get it. I love the smell of durian. Always makes me hungry for it. Hate to see airlines discriminating against one of the most beloved and unique fruits in Thailand.

I hated the smell of durian until I took my first bite which I thought I wouldn't like. I loved it and from then on what I thought was a bad smell turned into pure perfume. The stuff is a drug.

I think a lot of people who don't like Durian had the misfortune of trying poor quality Durian, there are huge disparities in quality.

10 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

I think a lot of people who don't like Durian had the misfortune of trying poor quality Durian, there are huge disparities in quality.

My guess is most people who say they don't like it have never tried it. I like BBQ rat (rice paddy rats) but people I ask about eating BBQ rat say no way. I ask them if they've eaten BBQ rat and the answer is (for the most part) no. Then I ask them how do they know they don't like BBQ rat. I thought I wouldn't like durian. I love it. I thought I wouldn't like BBQ rat but I do. Perception is an interesting thing.

Edited yesterday at 09:37 AM1 day by dinsdale

30 minutes ago, John Drake said:

I don't get it. I love the smell of durian. Always makes me hungry for it. Hate to see airlines discriminating against one of the most beloved and unique fruits in Thailand.

I love durian too, fantastic fruit.

Was round at a work colleague place last week, his wife was changing the <deleted>ty diaper on their new born, had to grab some durian on the way home.

6 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

I love durian too, fantastic fruit.

Was round at a work colleague place last week, his wife was changing the <deleted>ty diaper on their new born, had to grab some durian on the way home.

I simply love the smell of durian as it wafts over the aisles at Lotus. I'm being serious. You want something that smells like a toilet? Brussel sprouts. Just the tiniest whiff of them makes me gag.

Edited yesterday at 09:49 AM1 day by John Drake

I don't see where they specified that it's limited to domestic flights. Or did I miss it?

Show up at arrival in the USA or China with fresh fruit, and it's going to get confiscated at the airport. (At least, that's what the signs say.) I imagine it's the same in other countries, but I have no personal experience.

I'm afraid they may create some disappointed passengers.

31 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

I hated the smell of durian until I took my first bite which I thought I wouldn't like. I loved it and from then on what I thought was a bad smell turned into pure perfume. The stuff is a drug.

I agree. Something transformative takes place. Everybody should be required to sample durian before entering Thailand. The demand would escalate drastically.

must be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects or other foreign objects entering, and liquid or odours escaping.

You already have the special box, so then wrap it with plastic at airport. There are machines for it.

You can control the wrapping, authoricies, them selves and of course the box.

5 minutes ago, John Drake said:

I simply love the smell of durian as it wafts over the aisles at Lotus. I'm being serious. You want something that smells like a toilet? Brussel sprouts. Just the tiniest whiff of them makes me gag.

Mmmmm what a magnificent trio.

-dirty diaper.

-durian.

-brussel sprouts.

Lush.

This is actually great news! something good this gov at least can do.

ah yes, Durian, it is the best fruit in the world!