Royal Project Tea House & Coffee Opens in Chiang Mai as a Comprehensive Learning Center
Privy Councillor officially opens Royal Project Tea House & Coffee, transforming a model café into a comprehensive learning center that connects research and development with efforts to improve the livelihoods of highland farmers.
The opening ceremony was held on October 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Royal Project Royal Project Agricultural Research and Development Center in Chiang Mai. General Kampanat Ruddit, Privy Councillor and Chairman of the Royal Project Foundation, presided over the ceremony. Attendees included Chiang Mai Governor Thotsaphon Phuean-udom, Chiang Rai Governor Chuchip Phongchai, Lampang Governor Wiwat Inthraiwong, representatives from the foundation, media, members of the public, and other relevant organizations.
Established under the Royal Project Foundation’s Learning Institute, the tea house serves as both a model café and a learning center. It shares research-based knowledge across the entire production chain, from cultivation and harvesting to processing, quality control, product development, and marketing. Farmers, students, and the general public can learn about tea and coffee production from start to finish.
The Royal Project Foundation has conducted tea research and promoted cultivation since 1996, initially focusing on Chinese tea varieties suited to highland areas before expanding to Assam tea, which is closely tied to the traditional knowledge and way of life of highland communities. Today, more than 200 farmers participate in the program, cultivating tea across over 751 rai at 10 centers and stations. The initiative focuses on improving quality and adding value while conserving natural resources and preserving the distinctive characteristics of tea from each area.
For coffee, the foundation promotes Arabica production throughout the value chain, covering research, cultivation, crop management, processing, quality control, product development, and marketing. In 2026, total production of parchment coffee was reported at 1,500 tonnes. The foundation also encourages compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and organic farming standards to improve quality and safety, increase product value, and build consumer confidence.
The tea house features a warm, welcoming atmosphere and displays the story of Royal Project tea and coffee, from their places of origin and processing methods to product development. A prototype coffee roaster serves as an educational exhibit, demonstrating how roasting affects coffee quality, aroma, and flavor. Visitors can enjoy both an educational experience and high-quality products from the Royal Project Foundation.
More than just a place to purchase products, the Royal Project Tea House & Coffee connects research, farmers, processing, products, and consumers. It aims to encourage learning and knowledge exchange, add value to highland agricultural products, create livelihood opportunities, and sustainably improve the quality of life of highland farmers.
The Royal Project Tea House & Coffee is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Royal Project Chanakathibesra Agricultural Research and Development Center in Chiang Mai. Visitors can enjoy specialty tea and coffee alongside snacks made with Royal Project produce, explore tea and coffee production processes, and purchase quality products sourced from various Royal Project growing areas.
