Current Status of Orchid Production in Thailand

Thailand is a natural habitat for about 1,129 species and 178 genera of orchids. For about 100 years, orchid growing was considered a hobby for the rich, but the introduction of Dendrobium Pompadour proved to be a landmark that also brought popularity of orchid cultivation in Thailand. In 1966, only a small amount of orchid cut flowers were exported from Thailand to some European countries, but with a decade, the country attained the status of the world's leading producer and exporter of orchids where it continues to hold the primary orchid exporter in the world. In 2012, the total Thai growing areas of production was 7,420 acres with yields of 2,403 kilograms per acre and cut-flower exports of 2.1 billion 63.6 billion US$ to 148 countries and plant export to 160 countries (17.8 million US$) where. Also in 2012, it is estimated that 46% of the orchid production were consumed locally and 54% were exported. Newly developed technology to increase the production and reduce costs, such as greenhouses, planting materials and containers, pest control, production, plant breeding, tissue culture, postharvest and packaging technology, replaced traditional growing, which imitated natural growing. These improved practices have resulted in higher yields and quality of flowers and plants, as well as reductions in production costs. Orchids will continue to dominate other ornamental crops in Thailand due to better technology know-how, suitable climatic conditions, experienced and skillful growers and exporters, as well as their nationwide popularity and the country's pride.