This research sought to determine the lasting consequences of climate change on tropical crop cultivation in Eastern Thailand, mainly the Chanthaburi province. This region grows many crops, but durian, a cash crop, has significant market demand domestically and internationally. During June-July 2024, the research team conducted structured interviews with fifty-two farmers in Eastern Thailand. Furthermore, they conducted ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in government offices related to agriculture, experts from crop-specific trade associations, and researchers focused on agricultural economics. Through these methods, they found that climate change fundamentally altered agricultural practices in Eastern Thailand.

Findings reveal that climate change has fundamentally altered agricultural practices in the region, with water-related challenges—such as drought, flooding, and rain variability—emerging as the most significant drivers of impact. Farmers consistently cited water shortages, access limitations, and management difficulties as major concerns. Additional climate factors, such as temperature fluctuations, heat, wind, and seasonality further threaten crops.

These weather patterns have led to increased crop stress, diminished yields, and lowered produce quality, particularly for water-intensive crops like durian. Shifting seasonality and shortened growth cycles further disrupt agricultural operations, leading to unpredictable harvest times and increased input costs.

Despite limited government support, farmers have demonstrated resilience by adopting adaptive strategies such as intercropping, improving water management infrastructure, and diversifying crop types. However, these measures often require significant financial investment, limiting access for smaller farms and exacerbating economic inequalities. Farmers also expressed concerns about the sustainability of certain adaptation practices, which may inadvertently contribute to long-term environmental degradation. Yet, despite these crises and difficulties adapting in the long run, market demand for durian continues to drive decision-making.