From 17–20 July 2025, the Tea and Coffee Institute of Mae Fah Luang University, in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Singha Park Chiang Rai Co., Ltd., co-hosted the prestigious international event "Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025: Shaping the Future Together" at Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort.
The event aimed to drive Chiang Rai toward becoming the “Chiang Rai Tea and Coffee Destination” — a center for cultivating and processing high-quality tea and coffee, an ASEAN trade hub, and a premier venue for national and international tea and coffee festivals.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ruttisak Rangsri, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai Province, delivered a welcome speech, followed by the opening remarks from Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University. Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun, Head of the Tea and Coffee Institute, presented the event’s objectives.
Vice Governor Ruttisak Rangsri emphasised Chiang Rai’s crucial role as a key production area of premium tea and coffee in Thailand and a model for sustainable development. He also expressed appreciation to Mae Fah Luang University and all involved stakeholders, wishing the forum success in fostering global cooperation for the future of the tea and coffee industry.
In her address, the President of Mae Fah Luang University welcomed international participants, expressing pride in the university’s role as host of this global platform. She highlighted the forum provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and sustainable industry development in the face of global challenges.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun, on behalf of the organising team, reported that the forum represented collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society, aiming to create a network of international cooperation in the tea and coffee industries. The goal was to enhance global competitiveness and position Chiang Rai as a leading hub for production, processing, and trade within Thailand and the ASEAN region.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mae Fah Luang University and the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (TRI-CAAS), China. This marked the 10th anniversary (2015–2025) of academic collaboration between MFU’s Tea and Coffee Institute and TRI-CASS.
The forum also featured expert speakers from across the globe sharing insights into various tea and coffee topics, including:
• "The Tea Industry in China" by Prof. Ming Zhe Yao, TRI-CAAS
• "Tea & Tomorrow: Building a Sustainable Thai Tea Industry with Singha Park Chiang Rai" by Mr. Chaiyapat Chaturongkul, Deputy Managing Director of Singha Park Chiang Rai
• "Trends in the Australian Tea Market and Global Tea Culture" by Ms. Sharyn Johnston, CEO and Founder of Australian Tea Master Association
In addition, representatives from tea and coffee associations in Japan, Denmark, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Myanmar joined to share knowledge and best practices.
The forum further included a roundtable discussion titled "Shaping the Future Together", a study visit to Choui Fong Tea Factory, and a Mae Fah Luang University tour, which explored a tea and coffee exhibition.
Additionally, the Chiang Rai Brewtopia (Green Season) exhibition, part of the Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025, was officially launched by Mr. Ruttisak Rangsri, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai Province, at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park. This international trade exhibition ran for three days, featuring 40 local and international vendors, attracting entrepreneurs, tourists, and the public.
Mr. Phuripan Bunnag, Deputy Director and Acting Director of TCEB, remarked that the event marked a significant milestone in positioning Chiang Rai as the "Tea and Coffee Hub of ASEAN." The exhibition provided a space for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.
Dr. Piyaporn, Head of the Tea and Coffee Institute, reiterated the event’s goal to promote Chiang Rai as a key tea and coffee destination, renowned for production, processing, and distribution. The vision is for Chiang Rai to become the national and ASEAN epicenter for tea and coffee commerce and innovation. The event also featured a "Farm Visit: A Cup to Village" activity showcasing local plantations and production processes as well as hands-on tea and coffee workshops for farmers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts.
This event underscores Chiang Rai's potential as a regional hub for tea and coffee. With its ideal climate, agricultural expertise, and institutional support, the region is well-positioned to attract global stakeholders. The event promotes a sustainable future for the industry and strengthens Chiang Rai’s global standing as a key player in the tea and coffee sector. Beyond showcasing Thai tea and coffee capabilities, the forum lays the groundwork for establishing Chiang Rai as the ASEAN center of excellence for tea and coffee, generating economic impact through business tourism and fostering international investment and collaboration.
