Economy
Phatthalung Bird’s Nest Concession Auction Fails to Attract Bidders
A 500-million-baht government auction for bird’s nest concessions in Phatthalung province saw no interest from private firms, prompting calls for regulatory reform.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on September 9, 2026, the initial auction for the Phatthalung swiftlet bird’s nest concession failed to attract any private bidders. The Phatthalung Bird’s Nest Committee had set the reserve price for the concession at 500 million baht.
Industry analysts suggest that the lack of interest is linked to a significant downturn in the market price for house-grown bird’s nests, which has fallen to between 6,000 and 7,000 baht per kilogram. This decline follows China’s decision to suspend imports of bird’s nests from Indonesia, which has led to an oversupply in the regional market. In response to the failed auction, stakeholders are urging the Ministry of Interior to amend existing laws to better facilitate exports to China and stabilize the industry.
For residents and those involved in the local economy, this situation highlights the volatility of the bird’s nest trade, which remains a significant economic pillar for the region. While the auction failure does not directly impact tourism, it underscores the current economic challenges facing local agricultural exports. It remains to be confirmed how the Ministry of Interior will respond to the request for regulatory changes and whether a new auction will be scheduled with adjusted terms to reflect current market conditions.
