Seven Thai airlines are allowing domestic passengers to check in up to 10 kilogrammes of fresh fruit at no additional cost under a new initiative aimed at supporting local farmers and promoting tourism.
Launched on Tuesday, the campaign is a joint project between the Transport and Commerce ministries and will continue until August 31 next year.
Banjongjitt Angsusingh, an adviser to the commerce minister, said the scheme would help farmers distribute their produce during peak harvest seasons while encouraging travellers to buy Thai fruit and take it home without facing additional transport costs.
The participating carriers are Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines.
Designated retail areas will be set up at airports across the country, allowing farmers to sell seasonal produce directly to travellers. Each passenger may receive one official box with a capacity of up to 10kg, which can be checked in as aircraft cargo free of charge.
Only boxes provided at participating airports may be used under the programme.
The project initially aims to distribute 100,000 boxes, representing approximately 1,000 tonnes of fresh fruit, Ms Banjongjitt said.
To meet transportation requirements, the fruit must be fresh and packed without excess moisture. Each box must also be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects, contamination, leaks and strong odours.
The scheme 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.
Ms Banjongjitt said the partnership would create an additional sales channel for farmers, broaden the distribution of seasonal produce and strengthen consumer confidence in Thai fruit.
The initiative is also expected to encourage travellers to purchase fruit while visiting different parts of the country, generating more income for farming communities and supporting local tourism.
