Starbucks Thailand has opened a new store amidst the mountains of Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province, at The Kad Farang Village. This Starbucks location is the brand’s third “Community Store” in Thailand, reflecting its commitment to positively impacting local communities. The design of Starbucks The Kad Farang, Mae Rim, is inspired by the local coffee growing traditions and cultural heritage of Northern Thailand. Local farmers, who have long collaborated with Starbucks, have played a key role in creating the ‘Muan Jai™ Blend,’ a special coffee blend available exclusively in Thailand.
Since the launch of Muan Jai™ Blend coffee in 2003 and Thailand’s first Community Store in 2013 in the Langsuan neighborhood of Bangkok, Starbucks Thailand has contributed over 27 million baht (approximately $790,000 USD) to support coffee farming communities in Northern Thailand. These contributions enabled The Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF), a local nonprofit organization, to implement various social and environmental development projects in Northern Thailand, including the Mountain Waterworks Project and a health clinic in Bann Huay Som Poi, which serves coffee farmers in Bann Huay Som Poi and nine neighboring communities, benefiting over 1,600 people. Additionally, the company supports the establishment of schools in the Chiang Mai area, including Ban Mae Khee Muk Noi-Gong Gai Child Centre and Ban Song Tan School. Starbucks also offers the Livelihood Equipping, Training, and Nourishment Project, which has empowered over 900 hill tribe villagers by providing knowledge in various fields.
A Coffee Store Reflecting Local Identity
Starbucks at The Kad Farang, Mae Rim, is decorated with warm-toned wooden lattices, evoking a rustic charm that blends with the surrounding interior space. Earthy tones in the furniture reflect the community’s deep connection to nature, while warm hues highlight their enduring bond with the heritage of coffee cultivation and the land.
To pay homage to the coffee farmer community, the store features custom artwork that incorporates handwoven textile panels created by local weavers and craftsmen. The panels celebrate the diverse hill tribe communities and traditional crafts, representing the vibrant farming communities of Northern Thailand.
Strengthening Thai Coffee Farmers and Communities Through Continued Support
For every Starbucks beverage purchased at this store, 10 baht will be donated to ITDF to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers in Northern Thailand. Additionally, this branch offers an exclusive drink menu featuring the “Muan Jai™ White Chocolate Affogato-Style Frappuccino® Blended Beverage.” A special collection of merchandise is also available, including Benjarong mugs (traditional Thai five-colored porcelain), drinkware, keychains, bags, and coasters made with coffee grounds. Inspired by coffee plants and the Northern Thai coffee farming communities, the collection features vibrant designs and will be available for purchase at this location first.
Furthermore, The Starbucks Foundation has awarded a new $35,000 USD Global Community Impact Grant, approximately 1.2 million baht, to ITDF to support a development project for coffee-growing communities in northern Thailand. ITDF will lead training workshops on livelihood skills, support initiatives to promote improved water, sanitation, and hygiene as well a nutrition and provide resources to connect 600 members of hill tribe communities to opportunity. This contribution highlights Starbucks dedication to contributing positively to communities worldwide, especially in regions where the company operates.
Starbucks The Kad Farang, Mae Rim, surrounded by beautiful mountain views and nature, welcomes customers to experience their favorite coffee along with a variety of food and pastries, starting today. For more information, please visit www.starbucks.co.th
