Pid Sinthao’s 300,000 Baht Floating Durian: A Spectacle at Thong Pha Phum Festival 2025

On a radiant day in the heart of Thailand, whispers of a unique spectacle spread far and wide through the lush province of Kanchanaburi. It was during the Thong Pha Phum Fruit Festival 2025 when an 81-year-old Thai man named Pid Sinthao etched his name in the annals of agricultural history. Under the curious eyes of fruit enthusiasts and eager bidders, Pid’s homegrown durian—a glorious floating marvel—went under the hammer. In a flurry of bids, it fetched a staggering 300,000 baht, setting a monumental precedent as Thailand’s first floating durian.

Pid Sinthao isn’t just known for his pricey fruit but also for his innovative floating homestay, Phae Malai. Perched on the gentle waters of the Thong Pha Phum district, this unique abode is where he nurtured his elusive dream—a durian tree on a raft! Yes, you read that right. Durians are notorious for their picky growing conditions; they demand nothing short of the perfect soil, unwavering tropical temperatures, and amiable weather throughout the year. Yet, here was Pid, defying nature’s odds with his ‘floating durian.’ The story of his remarkable success story captivated the hearts of both fruit lovers and the green-thumbed enthusiasts.

How did this earthy saga come to light? It was none other than Suppawat Murin, the owner of a leading durian plantation, who stumbled upon this floating glory. Visiting the quaint Phae Malai for dinner, Suppawat’s attention was drawn to the sight of a durian tree casually defying nature on a raft. Receiving advice from Suppawat to elevate the tree slightly and enrich its soil, Pid’s tree finally began to blossom, much to everyone’s delight. Yet nature, ever capricious, had one more surprise. Fierce rains struck, causing a vexing mishap; from its blossoms, only two durians survived.

As the festival loomed, anticipation climaxed with the enduring durians growing in size and allure. Weighing a choice 3 kilograms each, these fruits engendered immense excitement. When they finally greeted festival attendees, it was clear the floating durian was the event’s undisputed star. The auction became an electrifying affair, culminating in a riveting bidding frenzy where the Kanchanaburi Provincial Durian Association emerged victorious with a bid teetering at the noteworthy 300,000 baht mark.

As the buzz lingered, Pid expressed something that uplifted the spirit of the community. He declared all proceeds would go to the Thong Pha Phum District Office for community welfare, cementing his legacy as a humble farmer with a generous heart. Yet, the allure of Pid’s floating garden doesn’t end with durian. Among his aquatic collection stands a tenacious mango tree, together with a symphony of other flora, all thriving in his unique floating ecosystem.

Visitors from near and far are invited not just to savor the floating delicacies but also to stay a night at Phae Malai, where serene waters cradle dreams woven anew. Where else could one taste a durian that danced upon water before thriving unto storied legend? As the ageless tides lap against Pid’s floating wonderland, it leaves a timeless promise—an invitation to return and once again marvel at the fruit that defied odds and floated its way into history.

For anyone eager to witness this marvel and perhaps bask in its aromas during the next harvest, the answer lies in the quaint waters of Phae Malai, where tradition meets innovation in the most delightful way.