Mrs. Thunphitcha Theraratchanon, Director of the 2nd Regional Office of Agricultural Economics (ROAE2, Phitsanulok), Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), revealed that the agricultural sector is a key economic pillar of Thailand. However, relying on traditional economic crops may not be sufficient for long-term stability. Therefore, promoting “new economic crops” is an important approach to enhance competitiveness and create sustainability for the agricultural sector. “Avocado,” a longevity food, is becoming a high-potential product. It not only enhances food security but also serves as a cash crop that can drive income and strengthen Thai farmers both now and in the future.
Currently, Thailand’s major avocado growing areas are in the northern region, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak, as well as some areas in the northeast. ROAE2 is monitoring avocado production in Tak Province, a GI product registered on October 12, 2023. Almost all of the province’s planting area is in Phop Phra District. Due to the terrain being a plateau between mountains about 1,765 meters above sea level, there is a lot of rain, resulting in avocados flowering and bearing fruit quickly after 2-3 years of planting. The production situation in 2025 (information from the Tak Provincial Agricultural Office as of September 2025) is expected that the area planted with all varieties of avocados in Phop Phra District, Tak Province is 8,900 rai, accounting for 86 percent of the entire planted area of the province. There are 387 farmers registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension, totaling 3,761 rai, with a productive area of 7,170 rai, classified as Buccaneer variety 55 percent, Phop Phra 08 variety 30 percent, Boot 7 variety 5 percent, and local variety 5 percent. The total production of all varieties is 21,000 tons/year, with an average production of 3,000 kilograms/rai/year (trees aged 5 years and over). The produce is available on the market for 6 months during May – October of every year. In October, Approximately 700-800 tons of produce will be available for sale. Regarding product distribution, almost all small-scale farmers sell to local and international traders who purchase directly from their orchards. However, large avocado orchards with well-managed systems sell to regular customers with pre-arranged purchase volume and price agreements. Average prices for farmers as of September 2025 are divided by variety: Buccaneer, large fruit: 55-60 baht/kg, medium fruit: 45-50 baht/kg, small fruit: 25-27 baht/kg, mixed price: 30 baht/kg; Phop Phra 08, early-season price: 70-90 baht/kg; Boot 7, mixed price: 50-60 baht/kg; local variety: large fruit: 35 baht/kg, medium fruit: 20 baht/kg, small fruit: 15 baht/kg, mixed price: 20-30 baht/kg.
Phop Phra 08 avocados are one of the most prominent varieties. It was developed from a local variety obtained by grafting avocado tops from mother trees at Ban Ruam Thai Phatthana 8, Ruam Thai Phatthana Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, onto existing native rootstocks. This results in high-quality, disease-resistant produce and has been registered with the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Worachet Wangplakorn, the owner of Wangplakorn Orchard, is highly regarded by avocado farmers in Tak Province as a provincial expert in avocado production and marketing. He is a major producer of high-quality avocados in Phop Phra District with over 1,000 avocado trees. Together with officials from the Phop Phra District Agricultural Office and the Department of Agricultural Extension, the group has joined forces to support and promote increased production of quality avocados in Phop Phra District. This has enabled the development of marketing networks outside the area, creating enormous economic value for Tak Province. The Phop Phra 08 avocado variety is ideal for growing in loose, well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant, particularly for root and stem rot. It produces high yields, with firm, dry flesh and a fragrant aroma. Ripe fruit changes color clearly. Growing the fruit for only 4-5 months reduces costs and allows for rapid tree recovery. Furthermore, it is registered as a GI product, reflecting true local quality.
“If modern farmers focus on selecting economic crops with growth potential that align with market demand and are suitable for their local environment, coupled with self-development in terms of knowledge and efficient farm management, they will be able to generate stable and sustainable income in the long term. Therefore, there should be an integrated plan to drive the development of the “Phop Phra 08 Avocado” product from all sectors throughout the value chain, encompassing all dimensions. This should be done under the BCG Model framework, which emphasizes improving product quality while creating a balance between nature and the environment. Tak Province can promote the Phop Phra 08 variety as an alternative or new economic crop that appropriately responds to the longevity trend, creating economic advantages alongside sustainable development,” said the Director of the ROAE2.
Further development of the Phop Phra 08 Avocado will focus on the following key approaches: 1) Encourage farmers to be informed about news and information impacting avocado production and marketing, and how to adapt. 2) Support knowledge on orchard care and harvesting mature produce. and product quality certification. 3) Agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives should integrate avocado development plans with all sectors in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, within the BCG Model framework, which emphasizes the “Longevity Trend.” 4) Government agencies and educational institutions should promote and support product marketing knowledge. 5) Quality avocado orchards in Tak Province should be certified with the Tak Guarantee brand to ensure quality and environmental friendliness. 6) Phop Phra avocado orchards should be traced back to their production sources (orchards) or facilitate discussions with orchard owners to build trust, leading to sustainable business connections in the future.
News: Public Relations Division / Information: ROAE2, Phitsanulok
