From the latest issue of "Tropical Fruit News," September 2000,
Vol. 34, #9; article titled "Thailand, Part One: Chiangmai" by
Maurice R. Kong, pp. 11, 14-15. From p. 14:

Durian...
At one time durians were seasonal, but no more. The Thais have
now mastered the technique to control flowering to make it available
throughout the year. Thailand is now the largest exporter of
fresh and frozen durian. Their Mon Tong and Chanee durians are the
preferred cultivars because they are milder in flavor [compared] to
the
stronger flavored Malaysian and Indonesian varieties. To the many
durian lovers, I have good news. At Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical
Garden,
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pramond Dharmasakti, a Phoenix palm
breeder who informed me of two other durian introductions called Long
Lablac from the Uttardid province, another named Pah Moop 1 from
Ampher Loblac. The latter, having a slightly drier pulp and longer
shelf life, is a variety that may be worth some consideration to grow
in our Florida zone 10 & 11...

"Tropical Fruit News" is published by the Rare Fruit Council Int'l.,
Miami, Florida (a not-for-profit organization). Their website
at http://www.tropicalfruit.org was "under construction" last time
I visited.

Some readers will be surprised to read of such things as named
cultivars,
shelf life, and controlled flowering in connection with durians. The
durian is a major crop in Southeast Asia, and the subject of
considerable
agricultural research to develop cultivars with qualities that address
the market--not just taste, but ability to withstand shipping/long
shelf life, and other considerations.

Tom Billings
http://www.beyondveg.com