A huge jackfruit sold for a whopping 10,000 THB (roughly 232 GBP) at an auction in Thailand.

The spiky fruit was of the Thong Prasert variety, and was bought by the highest bidder Dr. Yollada Wangsupakijkosol during the Jackfruit Festival held in Nakhon Ratchasima on May 21.

It weighed 29 kilograms and would normally sell for only 58 THB (1.35 GBP) according to the jackfruit's current market value.

Delighted Dr. Yollada said: 'This is my favourite fruit. I'll enjoy eating it. I don't mind paying the high price as it is all to help the farmers.'

The Sa Wan Phaya Subdistrict Administrative Organization arranged the event reportedly to boost jackfruit prices, which had plunged to just 2 THB per kilo, down from its peak value of 40 THB per kilo.

Visitors attending the festival were taught to process the fruit into other products such as ice cream and crisps to increase its value. There was also an eating contest where participants raced to stuff themselves with jackfruit.

Wichian Chantranothai, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial governor, said the Covid-19 pandemic had stalled Thailand's jackfruit exports, causing its price to drop dramatically. As a way to help farmers' income, authorities decided to hold the festival to renew interest in the fruit.

He said: 'There thousands of acres of land for cultivating jackfruit in Khon Buri District in Nakhon Ratchasima province. I believe the jackfruits’ price will increase once the Covid-19 pandemic is over and the exports have normalised.'