Page 40 - #54 English

People

Story by Coffee t&i Thailand
Photos by Wang Nam Khiao Roaster

Pakorn Taechasitworrachot

Wang Nam Khiao Roaster

Wang Nam Khiao, a resort district in Nakhon Ratcha- to farm coffee. When Pakorn came to Wang Nam Khiao around
sima, is one of the top 7 ozone rich attractions in the world. Un- 3 years ago, there were almost 1,000 rai of coffee farm, but since
doubtedly, this “Switzerland of Esan” (northeastern Thailand) most of them were neglected, only 200 – 300 rai were producing
has become a popular destination for Thai and foreign travel- commercially. That got his mind racing with ideas to turn coffee
ers. However, many of them don’t know that Wang Nam Khiao into a valuable produce for the community as coffee produced
also produces unique coffees and there lies a popular roaster here has a unique flavour and sweetness, and it contains low caf-
where you can experience the charm of Wang Nam Khiao and feine content. “We focus on the unique character of Wang Nam
its coffee. Khiao coffee and market it under the brand ‘Wang Nam Khiao
Roaster’. The coffee is manufactured into two lines of products
Pakorn Taechasitworrachote, the chairman of Wang – edible products and coffee-related consumer products. The
Nam Khiao Roaster Career Promotion Project, has pioneered edible products helps treat the body physically and mentally and
the development of Wang Nam Khiao coffee. With 30 members focuses on enjoyment while the consumer goods are products
and a roasting facility, the group covers all of the process in the like body cleansers and treatments. Wang Nam Khiao roaster
supply chain, from coffee growing, to processing and retailing, sits on 5 rai of thoughtfully planned land. The land is carefully
and extended its business to other products such as coffee soap, zoned into a manufacturing zone, farmstay and accommodation
shampoo, and body scrub. zone, café zone, and variety of vegetable and fruit farming zone,
and the coffee farming zone. The roaster opens for every day
Adding Value from 8.00 – 18.00, and it’s a great place to learn about sustainable
Wang Nam Khiao Roaster was born from a group of farming or just bring your family here to relax.”
coffee lovers 4 - 5 years ago. The area was already promoted as
a coffee growing region with government and private agencies Pakorn worked in the computer part import business
giving away Arabica sapling to the interested farmers. However, before the economic crisis and natural disaster strike his busi-
the promotion did not succeed and only a few farmers continue ness down. After losing his business, the idea of starting a new
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