This multi-level study investigates the economic resilience of mango farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic and their pesticide management practices under Thailand’s Q-GAP (Quality Good Agricultural Practices) certification standard. Field surveys compared the economic outcomes of 104 certified and 151 non-certified farmers from 2019 to 2023, together with pesticide use practices during the year preceding the 2024 survey. The sample was drawn from three provinces in northern Thailand: Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Phichit. The statistical analysis of the collected information produced several key findings. Certified farms achieved significantly higher production and sales than non-certified farms over the five-year period, mainly due to larger farm size and higher prices obtained from premium export market sales. Certified farmers also adopted a wider range of coping strategies during the pandemic, whereas non-certified farmers mainly reduced mango investments related to mango cultivation. Certified farmers reported significantly higher rates of insecticide and fungicide adoption, as well as significantly higher annual pesticide application frequencies across all three pesticide categories. Residue analysis showed no significant difference in organophosphate (OP) residues between the two groups; however, pyrethroid (PY) residues were significantly higher among certified farms. This pattern suggests that certified farmers may apply pesticides more intensively to satisfy the aesthetic requirements of premium export markets. Regression results further showed that herbicide application frequency was the only factor marginally associated with PY-type residue levels among certified farmers, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously because of the weak model fit.

Honey is renowned for its natural antioxidant properties, which help mitigate oxidative stress and lower the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, chronic inflammation, and immune dysfunction. This study investigated the antioxidant potential and bioactive compound profiles of 38 Apis cerana L. honey samples from Thailand and 2 Manuka honey samples using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, along with the evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antioxidant activities measured showed a wide range of IC₅₀ values, such as the DPPH assay, ranging from 1.59 ± 0.134 mg/L to 824.30 ± 0.64 mg/mL. Manuka honey exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. However, Apis cerana L. honey samples, such as sample no. 14, no. 16, and no. 20, showed comparable performance in the ABTS and FRAP. In addition, several samples of Apis cerana L. honey, such as no. 12, no. 14, and no. 21, also contain high levels of antioxidants, indicating that Apis cerana L. honey has potential as a health food. The results of this study indicate that Thai honey exhibits notable antioxidant capacity and contains significant levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, suggesting its potential as a natural dietary source for supporting oxidative stress management. These results indicate that some Apis cerana L. honey samples from Thailand have antioxidant properties comparable to Manuka honey. Although differences in floral origin, geographic origin, and bee species should be taken into account, Thai Apis cerana L. shows good potential as a natural source of beneficial bioactive compounds. This highlights its potential for use in functional foods and nutritional interventions targeting oxidative stress-related diseases.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), particularly the ‘Nam Dok Mai’ cultivar, is an economically important fruit crop in Thailand and is widely produced in the Lower Northern Region for domestic consumption and export. However, pesticide residues in mango remain a major food safety concern because of their potential effects on consumer health and compliance with national and international maximum residue limits (MRLs). This study investigated pesticide residue contamination and assessed the dietary health risks associated with mango consumption among different age groups. A total of 255 composite mango samples were collected from production areas in Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces, Thailand. Pesticide residues were analyzed using a validated modified QuEChERS extraction method combined with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Multiple pesticide residues were frequently detected in the samples analyzed. Of the detected residues, 22 pesticides exceeded Thai MRL standards and 14 exceeded Codex Alimentarius MRLs. Dietary exposure was evaluated using acute and chronic hazard quotients (HQa and HQc) and cumulative hazard indices (HIa and HIc). The results showed that acute exposure to several insecticides, particularly carbofuran, lambda-cyhalothrin, and fenpropathrin, exceeded acceptable risk thresholds in all age groups. At the pesticide-class level, cumulative acute exposure to organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids showed HIa values greater than 1 in several age groups, suggesting potential short-term health concerns, especially among children. In contrast, chronic exposure to individual pesticides and cumulative pesticide groups remained below the level of concern for all age groups, with HQc and HIc values below 1. These findings indicate that although long-term dietary risk from mango consumption is within acceptable levels, acute exposure to certain pesticide residues may pose non-negligible health risks. Continuous residue monitoring, stricter enforcement of good agricultural practices, and evidence-based risk management are essential to ensure mango safety and protect consumers.