Somchai Awalai

Tribal Group: Akha

Village: Doi Chang 

Region: Chiang Rai

Altitude: 1400 meters

Q: How long have you been a coffee farmer?

A: I have been a coffee farmer for 9 years.

Q: What were you doing before growing coffee, and why did you switch?

A: I have always been growing coffee. My father was a coffee farmer, and in his old age, I have helped him carry on the family business.  

Q: How has growing coffee affected your life?

A: Coffee is a very special crop. With so many opium fields in the area, coffee is giving farmers an opportunity to grow something that is safe, as well as profitable. I know of many opium farmers that have switched to growing coffee, and are now much happier.

Q: Is there anything that you would like to say to the customers that will be drinking your coffee?

A: Thank you for thinking about us here in Thailand. The opportunities that coffee is providing in this area are tremendous, and I would like to thank you for supporting us, even though we are so far away.