Thailand is known for its world-class street food, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture—but one of its best-kept secrets lies in the highlands, where exceptional coffee beans are cultivated with care. While Thai coffee has gained some international traction, it still lingers in the shadows of its more famous counterparts from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil.
Yet, Thailand boasts rich coffee-growing regions, producing unique and complex coffee varieties that deserve global recognition. With flavor profiles ranging from bright and fruity to bold and chocolatey, Thai coffee beans hold immense potential for coffee lovers worldwide.
Let’s explore some underrated Thai coffee breeds that could take the global market by storm.
Thailand’s Coffee Industry: A Rising Giant in Asia
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s leading coffee producers, with an industry worth over ฿10 billion ($290 million USD) annually. The country ranks among the top coffee exporters in ASEAN, alongside Vietnam and Indonesia, yet remains relatively underrepresented on the international specialty coffee scene.
Unlike Vietnam, which dominates the robusta market, Thailand cultivates a balanced mix of robusta and arabica beans, with specialty coffee production steadily growing. With increasing government support and sustainable farming practices, Thai coffee has the potential to rival the best in the world.
While Indonesia’s Sumatra and Japan’s Blue Bottle partnerships have gained global fame, Thai coffee is ripe for international promotion—especially with its diverse and exotic taste profiles.
The Hidden Coffee Gems of Thailand
These underrated Thai coffee breeds are waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Here’s what makes them special:
1. Doi Saket (Chiang Mai) – The OG Thai Arabica
📍 Origin: Chiang Mai Province
☕ Taste Profile: Floral, citrusy, and lightly nutty
🌿 Why It Stands Out:
Doi Saket is Thailand’s first-ever coffee-growing region, with a history dating back to the 1970s. This coffee is known for its delicate acidity, bright floral notes, and smooth, tea-like body. If you love Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Doi Saket could be your next favorite.
Despite its high quality, it remains overshadowed by mass-market blends, making it a hidden gem that specialty roasters should take notice of.
2. Doi Chang (Chiang Rai) – Thailand’s Answer to Blue Mountain Coffee
📍 Origin: Chiang Rai Province
☕ Taste Profile: Chocolatey, full-bodied, and caramel-sweet
🌿 Why It Stands Out:
Hailing from the Golden Triangle region, Doi Chang coffee has earned a reputation among connoisseurs for its rich, velvety mouthfeel and notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
Doi Chang’s altitude (1,200–1,500 meters) makes it comparable to Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee, but it is far less expensive and significantly underrated.
3. Pangkhon (Chiang Rai) – The Fruity and Winey Delight
📍 Origin: Chiang Rai Province
☕ Taste Profile: Berry-like, winey, with a hint of spice
🌿 Why It Stands Out:
If you’re looking for a Thai coffee with a vibrant, fruit-forward profile, Pangkhon is the answer. Often processed using the honey or natural method, these beans develop deep fermented berry flavors, resembling high-quality Ethiopian or Kenyan coffees.
Perfect for light roast lovers, this coffee deserves a global audience—yet remains a rare find outside Thailand.
4. Mae Suai (Chiang Rai) – Thailand’s Most Balanced Coffee
📍 Origin: Chiang Rai Province
☕ Taste Profile: Well-balanced, with hints of dark chocolate and mild fruit
🌿 Why It Stands Out:
Mae Suai offers the best of both worlds—not too acidic, not too bitter, making it an ideal entry-point for new specialty coffee drinkers. Its balance and versatility allow it to shine in espresso, pour-over, and cold brew.
Though well-regarded locally, Mae Suai coffee has yet to make its international debut.
5. Khao Kho (Phetchabun) – The Hidden Highland Treasure
📍 Origin: Phetchabun Province
☕ Taste Profile: Herbal, earthy, with cocoa undertones
🌿 Why It Stands Out:
Grown in the fog-covered hills of Phetchabun, Khao Kho coffee is one of the most overlooked varieties in Thailand. It’s smooth yet bold, making it ideal for dark-roast lovers.
Unlike mainstream arabica beans, Khao Kho has a distinct herbal-earthy profile, akin to high-quality Sumatran Mandheling.
The Future of Thai Coffee: A Global Opportunity
Thailand is home to some of the most unique coffee flavors in Asia, yet its presence in the global coffee industry is still in its infancy. The country’s altitude, climate, and skilled farmers provide the perfect conditions for world-class coffee production.
With more investment, branding, and export-driven marketing, Thai coffee could become as recognizable as Colombian, Ethiopian, or Jamaican coffee.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a Doi Chang espresso blend served in cafés across Europe? Or Pangkhon’s fruity notes featured in a Japanese pour-over menu? The potential is limitless – just like how entertainment is limitless whenever you visit 12bet thailand! Competitive odds and top-class security! An underrated site fit to satisfy you 24/7!
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s coffee deserves to step out of the shadows and onto the global stage. With distinct flavor profiles, high-altitude farms, and sustainable cultivation, these beans could become a staple for specialty coffee lovers worldwide.
As Thailand continues to elevate its coffee industry, the world should be paying closer attention—because these hidden gems won’t stay hidden for long.