Structural Challenges of the Eastern Thai Durian Industry: Cambodian Labor Crisis, Vietnamese Competition, and Strategic Adaptation through Precision Agriculture Technology

Abstract

This academic article provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical structural challenges currently undermining the Thai durian industry in the Eastern region. The industry operates within an increasingly volatile environment characterized by a "quadruple threat": a severe Cambodian migrant labor crisis, an over-reliance on the Chinese market, stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and aggressive competition from regional neighbors. By synthesizing a decade of multi-disciplinary literature—ranging from international agricultural labor studies to supply chain resilience and non-tariff measures (NTMs)—this analysis uncovers a fundamental paradox. The industry’s primary vulnerability is not its production capacity, but its deep-seated structural dependence on human-skilled labor for intricate quality sorting and orchard management. The research highlights that traditional reliance on human experience in quality assessment is becoming a liability as international trade demands rigorous, science-based evidence. To mitigate this, the article explores the transformative potential of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies, particularly Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging. These tools offer high precision in predicting dry matter content and internal quality without damaging the fruit. Furthermore, the integration of Smart Farming technologies—including drones, soil sensors, automated irrigation, and spatial data analytics—presents a viable solution to labor shortages by reducing repetitive manual tasks and optimizing resource allocation. Consequently, the article proposes a multi-dimensional strategic framework. This model integrates advanced quality assessment tech with smart management systems, supported by human capital development and collaborative investment models. It also flags vital, underexplored research avenues: creating a national spectral database for Thai durian, conducting real-world packinghouse trials, and performing rigorous cost-benefit analyses of technology adoption. By transitioning from traditional, experience-based operations toward a data-driven scientific ecosystem, Thailand can ensure its durian industry maintains global dominance, fostering sustainable trade confidence through verifiable quality standards in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Keywords: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Smart Farming, Durian Supply Chain, Migrant Labor