Si Sa Ket offers up delicious lava durian to woo tourists

Si Sa Ket governor Wattana Phutthachat said the lava durian has a unique taste, because it is grown in volcanic soil that is not found anywhere else.
“The lava durian comes in three varieties, namely Monthong, Chanee and Kanyao,” he said. “The volcanic soil in Si Sa Ket is full of minerals, which make it perfect for growing fruit such as lava durian, langsat, rambutan, longan, plums and beans.”

Sawang Kalaphat, a local farmer, said six districts specialise in lava durian, though the ones grown in Kantharalak, Khun Han and Si Rattana districts are the best.
“Approximately 8,552 rai has been devoted to lava durian, and 3,095 rai has yielded a harvest this year,” he said. “The farms should produce about 4,203 tonnes of durian, which can be sold for Bt150 to Bt180 per kilogram.”

Sarid Nakwarin, chairperson of the Si Sa Ket Chamber of Commerce, said provincial authorities are cooperating with related agencies to sell lava durian in both retail and wholesale quantities.
“We have teamed up with Kerry Express Thailand to deliver the fruit, which can be ordered via www.lavadurian.com until the end of August,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thamonwan Charoenwongphisit, director of TAT Surin Office, suggested that people wanting to taste the best lava durian can visit Ban Sam Tarom and Ban Maharat in Khantharalak district and Ban Sam Khilek in Khun Han district.
“TAT also wants to introduce Si Sa Ket’s other attractions like the Khao Phra Wihan National Park, the Phrai Phattana temple, the Phaya Kopri viewpoint, the Samrong Kiat waterfall as well as Pa Si Mongkhon Rattanaram, Maha Phuttharam and Sra Kamphaeng Yai temples.”
Call (044) 514 447-8 or visit the TAT Surin Facebook page for more information.