WORLD DURIAN FESTIVAL IN CHANTHABURI PROVINCE
Recognized as the “king of tropical fruits,” durian features prominently at a major fruit fair, “Amazing Thailand World Durian Festival Chanthaburi 2009.” The durian festival takes place at Thung Na Choei Lagoon and Chanthaburi Stadium in Chanthaburi province from 23 to 31 May 2009
It includes contests of fruits, fruit decorations, and food preparation from fruits, a durian-eating competition, a demonstration of making durian jam, a bazaar of local products under the One Tambon, One Product program, and cultural shows. Visitors will have a chance to buy fruits, seafood, and other agricultural products of high quality directly from farmers. The fruit contest focuses on five varieties of fruit, namely durian, rambutan, mangosteen, longgong, and zalacca.
A fruit unique to Southeast Asia, durian has a heavy, spiked husk and full-bodied. Thai durian varieties have been noted for their relatively subtle flavor and smooth texture. Three of the most popular varieties are Chani, Kan Yao, and Mon Thong. Durian is a cash crop in eastern Thailand and a favorite fruit in Asian countries, especially China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia. This kind of fruit is high in vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. Because of its pungent smell, however, durian is usually banned from being carried on public transport.
Apart from fresh durian, other forms of durian, such as chips and jam, are also available at various markets in Thailand. Durian chips, in particular, may be suitable for those who cannot stand the pungent odor of fresh durian. The peak season for durian and other tropical fruits, such as rambutan, mangosteen, longgong, and lychee, is between May and July,

Durian is grown in abundance in Chanthaburi and other eastern and southern provinces. Chanthaburi is known as the only province in Thailand, and in the world, where the majority of farmers are engaged in durian production. The planting area for durian in this province is more than 279,000 rai, or 131,600 acres.
The full cycle of the durian business, ranging from growing to exporting, takes place in Chanthaburi, which holds the fruit fair each year to promote its fruit production and sales.

About 245 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, Chanthaburi, on the Gulf of Thailand, is rich in not only fruit resources but also gemstones. It has become Thailand’s gemstone trade center and one of the world’s most important ruby-producing areas. Many gem-cutting craftsmen in this province are of international caliber.
Like other eastern provinces, Chanthaburi boasts many natural attractions, such as splendid beaches and waterfalls. It is a popular area for agro-tourism, taking visitors to fruit orchards where they may consume an unlimited amount of fresh fruits and have an impressive experience in touch with nature. Quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches are not far from town. Chanthaburi takes this occasion of the world durian festival to introduce its tourist attractions and local products that make a name for the province.
Pattaya Daily News
Someone eating Durian in Malaysia Video