Economy
High Logistics Costs Impact Thai Food Exports to Australia
Thai celebrity Ple Nakorn reports a 1 million baht shipping fee for transporting 1,000 kilograms of curry paste to a festival in Sydney.
According to a report by Khaosod Online on September 18, 2026, Thai entertainer Ple Nakorn shared details regarding the logistical challenges of exporting food products for international events. While preparing to participate in the 'Thailand Grand Festival 2026' held at Tumbalong Park in Sydney, Australia, on September 19–20, 2026, he encountered significant shipping expenses.
Ple Nakorn revealed that the cost to transport 1,000 kilograms (1 ton) of his 'Mae June' curry paste to Australia reached 1 million baht. This high logistical overhead highlights the financial hurdles faced by small-to-medium enterprises and food vendors attempting to expand their market presence abroad.
For residents and travelers, this incident underscores the complexities involved in international food logistics and the potential impact on the pricing of imported Thai goods. While the festival aims to promote Thai culture and cuisine, the high cost of transport serves as a reminder of the economic barriers that can affect the availability and affordability of authentic products in overseas markets. It remains to be confirmed whether these costs are standard for such events or if specific regulatory or cold-chain requirements contributed to the high price tag. Further details regarding the long-term viability of such exports have not been disclosed.
