Thai durian operators in a prickly spot as the authorities urge industry to grow

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1 min ago

Thailand Correspondent

BANGKOK/CHANTHABURI - It literally rains durian this time of year at the Petmunee Orchard in Chanthaburi as workers collect the spoils of harvest - one man flinging the weighty fruit from his perch amid the canopy of a 15m high tree, his partner below deftly catching the thorny-shelled projectile with a gunny sack.

Workers have been busy harvesting the king of fruits from the 32ha orchard in the north-eastern Thai province as the durian season reaches its peak in May and June.

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Ms Tucksymone Petmunee, 29, said the orchard is expected to yield some 200 tonnes of the monthong variety of durian this season.

"Business has been getting better each year. But will this last? Honestly, I don't think so," said Ms Tucksymone, who oversees one of two family-owned durian orchards.

Durian grower Tucksymone Petmunee says her 32ha orchard is expected to yield some 200 tonnes of the monthong variety of durian this season. ST PHOTO: TAN TAM MEI