Thai Arabica Story
Royal Roots of Thai Arabica
The story of Thai Arabica coffee begins in the misty highlands of Northern Thailand, where fertile mountains and cool air nurture some of the world’s most exquisite coffee beans.
Coffee was first introduced to Thailand as early as 1849, but true Arabica cultivation only flourished in the 1970s, during a time when opium farming was widespread in the northern region.
Through the Royal Project initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) — and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — local hilltribe communities were encouraged to replace opium with sustainable crops such as Arabica coffee.
This royal initiative transformed lives, creating new livelihoods while preserving the beauty and balance of the mountain ecosystem.
Highland Heritage
Situated near the Coffee Belt— the tropical zone surrounding the equator where the world’s finest coffee grows — Thailand’s northern highlands offer ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica coffee.
The provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, rising between 800–1,200 meters above sea level, provide the perfect mix of altitude, temperature, and rich soil to produce beans of remarkable quality.
Over time, Thai growers have refined their craft through continuous learning and experimentation.
Modern Thai coffee producers now develop unique fermentation and processing methods — from natural and honey processes to carbonic maceration and yeast inoculation — giving rise to an impressive variety of flavor profiles.
This evolution blends traditional wisdom with modern innovation, reflecting the creative spirit of Thailand’s new generation of coffee artisans.
Though Arabica represents a smaller share of Thailand’s total coffee production compared to Robusta, its exceptional quality has brought global recognition and national prideto Thai coffee culture.
A King’s Inspiration
King Rama IX’s vision was never just about agriculture — it was about dignity, compassion, and sustainable progress.
His Royal Project not only offered an alternative to opium farming but also inspired a mindset of perseverance, integrity, and harmony with nature.
Today, every cup of Thai Arabica carries that same royal spirit — a reminder that prosperity begins with care for both people and the planet.
