Thailand Uses AI to Boost Durian Quality
Jakarta – CNBC Indonesia: Thailand is beginning to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to raise the quality of exported durian. The technology is used to check ripeness and to sort durian by weight more accurately.
This step is being undertaken by the Thai government through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). The Land of the White Elephant is now pushing the use of advanced science and technology to strengthen the national durian industry, from export standards to post-harvest processing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI Yodchanan Wongsawat said that durian should no longer be viewed just as a fruit, but as a high-value agricultural product with great growth potential. “Looking at the full cycle of durian—from upstream varietal management to advanced processing—has reinforced his belief that science and innovation are no longer confined to laboratories, but are now used directly in farmers’ fields,” Yodchanan told The Straits Times, on Saturday (23 May 2026).
During a visit to Chanthaburi Province, a durian production hub in Thailand, Yodchanan personally observed the application of technology in plantation and fruit processing to strengthen export supply chains. In this development project, Thailand focuses on five main strategies to boost the durian industry’s competitiveness.
First, the use of AI in modern fruit packaging houses. Private operators in Thailand have begun using AI to detect durian ripeness and sort fruits by weight groups with greater precision.
In addition, Thailand is employing internationally standard processing facilities such as freeze-drying and vacuum frying to enhance the quality of processed durian products.
Second, Thailand is leveraging nuclear technology to support fruit exports. X-ray with controlled doses is used to extend shelf life, slow ripening, and eradicate quarantinable pests to ensure durian meets tight export market standards such as the United States and China.
The Thai government is also developing gamma-ray technology to sterilise fruit flies. This program, trialled in Chanthaburi for over 20 years, is said to reduce chemical use while also lowering farmers’ costs.
Third, Thailand is developing non-destructive quality-checking methods. Frequency-based technology is used to detect ripeness or youth and to measure water content and flesh weight more accurately. This method gradually replaces the traditional tapping the durian shell with a stick. Thailand hopes this scientific method can be internationally accepted as a new quality standard.
Fourth, Thailand is developing the concept of a circular economy from durian shell waste. A network of research institutes and universities has managed to extract high-quality fibre and cellulose from discarded shell, which can be processed into premium pulp, environmentally friendly packaging, and sustainable furniture panels to help reduce the carbon footprint.
Fifth, Thailand has begun developing durian-based beverage products, such as ready-to-drink durian juice and durian powder for drinks, while preserving the fruit’s distinctive aroma.
“Combining science with the resources we already have will not only increase the value of durian but also improve farmers’ livelihoods and help Thailand become a hub for sustainable fruit innovation,” Yodchanan said.