Lampang's Mon Thong Durian Emerges as Quality Crop
Lampang's Mon Thong durian orchard in Mae Tha has emerged as a quality producer comparable to major durian regions, with the family-owned operation expanding from one rai to 19 rai since 2018. The second-generation smart farmer is now diver
Lampang is known for more than just longan. In August, Lamphun Governor Peerapong Chuawongsa visited the Mon Thong Durian Orchard in Mae Tha and ceremonially harvested quality durians to promote the location to customers, receiving strong feedback. The durians from this orchard are comparable to major durian-growing regions elsewhere in Thailand.
The orchard, located in Ta Sai Sao Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province, is owned by 61-year-old Sutin Chanwarn and covers 19 rai of durian cultivation operated as a family business. Alongside Sutin and his wife Theeraporn, their 30-year-old son Chutipon Chanwarn, a young smart farmer, represents the second generation set to continue the legacy.
Chutipon explains that his father's main business was heavy-truck repair under Chai Pattana Vehicle company in Muang District, Lamphun. In his spare time, his father enjoyed growing trees around the repair shop. He eventually purchased one rai of former longan and banana orchard land to expand his farming.
In 2018, his father experimented with planting Mon Thong durians sourced from Chumphon Province, initially planting 200 saplings. As the trees grew well, he progressively expanded from one rai to 15 rai, with later seedlings sourced from Chanthaburi Province.
By the fifth year, the durians produced their first substantial harvest, boosting family confidence that northern Thailand could successfully grow durians, contrary to widespread skepticism. They began selling at markets and opening the orchard to customers. After the first harvest sold out, the father expanded further to 19 rai and experimented with other durian varieties including Musang King and long-stem types. However, Mon Thong proved best suited to the soil and climate, now numbering 740 trees with other varieties declining.
When yields became satisfactory, the orchard joined the Young Smart Farmer program, receiving state support for irrigation equipment and expert guidance. The family also grows cacao, since durian spacing of 8-10 meters allowed intercropping. They planted 450 cacao trees, processing some into cacao nibs and cacao mass.
