In Remembrance of the Boundless Benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra On the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Her Passing

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, led by Khunying Puangroi Diskul na Ayudhya, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Dr. Thanapong Duangmanee, Director of Environmental Policy, organized and participated in a series of commemorative activities from 17 to 18 July 2025. These activities aimed to honour Her Royal Highness’s boundless benevolence, to reaffirm loyalty, and to continue Her enduring commitment to sustainable development in both environmental conservation and the enhancement of people’s quality of life.

On 17 July, the Foundation launched a forest restoration activity under the project “Forest Rehabilitation and Enrichment: Reviving Original Forests in Continuation of the Royal Initiative” at Ban Pa Yang, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. Covering over 25 rai, the activity brought together government agencies, local communities, and network partners to plant native tree saplings as part of an effort to restore the natural ecosystem. This initiative reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to a development approach that maintains a delicate balance between nature and people.

On 18 July, the Foundation held a merit-making ceremony at Wat Phra Kaew in Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, dedicating merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra in remembrance of Her immeasurable compassion. On the same day, the Chiang Rai Provincial Office held a ceremonial floral tribute and offering at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park (Rai Mae Fah Luang). Presided over by Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, the ceremony was attended by heads of government departments, private sector representatives, local residents, and delegates from the Foundation. The event took place in a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

All three activities served as heartfelt tributes to the enduring legacy and noble compassion of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. They reflect the continued commitment to Her Royal Highness’s vision of sustainable development—giving importance to both environmental stewardship and the value of human life—for the lasting benefit and happiness of the nation.

These three events reflect the deep gratitude for the immeasurable benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra and embody the enduring continuation of Her Royal Highness’s commitment to sustainable development—prioritizing both environmental stewardship and human dignity for the long-term well-being of the nation.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Follows Up on Development Efforts in Chiang Rai

On 17 June 2025, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously proceeded to Chiang Rai Province to follow up on efforts to improve the quality of life for local communities. Upon arrival at Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, Her Royal Highness continued by royal helicopter to Baan Puna, Mae Fah Luang District, to visit the people and observe the oil tea cultivation research project. The initiative—jointly supported by the Chaipattana Foundation and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage—benefits 403 households through the cultivation of oil tea across 2,010 rai of degraded forest. It promotes sustainable livelihoods alongside agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts.

Her Royal Highness also visited the community handicraft center, where the Mae Fah Luang Foundation integrates local wisdom with skill development and employment, particularly among women, through its DoiTung social enterprise.

Later, Her Royal Highness visited Sangwan Wit 8 School, established in 1991 with support from the Princess Mother’s Charitable Fund. Her Royal Highness presented educational materials and saplings to representatives and engaged with the school and village committees.

At the Doi Tung Royal Villa, Her Royal Highness graciously presided over the 2/2025 Board Meeting of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and stayed overnight at the Villa.

On 18 June 2025, Her Royal Highness visited the Mae Fah Luang Subdistrict’s community waste separation center, a collaboration between the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, local administration, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited. The model has eliminated waste sent to landfills across 24 villages and 8 schools, while repurposing 40% of waste through circular economy innovations. This effort has reduced emissions by 973 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Her Royal Highness also visited the economic forest plantation to observe a macadamia tree planted by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother in 1989—marking the beginning of the Doi Tung reforestation effort. Operated under Navuti Co., Ltd., a social enterprise, the plantation demonstrates how economic forests have generated livelihoods, replaced narcotic crops, and restored degraded hillsides—realizing the Princess Mother’s vision to “plant forests, plant people.”

Today, the forest covers 90,000 rai and supports 10,000 people on Doi Tung. Its carbon absorption is certified at 419,000 tones CO₂ equivalent, and the Foundation’s Forest development approach has expanded to 536,169 rai across Thailand.

Mae Fah Luang Foundation Joins Forces with ONEP and BEDO to Advance Thailand’s National Biodiversity Strategy Towards Global Sustainability Goals

Amid growing global environmental challenges that have brought biodiversity to the forefront of international policy, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, recognized for its longstanding leadership in natural resource restoration and sustainable development, has been invited by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) to serve as an Implementation Partner under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This collaboration aims to support the effective implementation of Thailand’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at the local level. The MOU signing ceremony was held recently at ONEP headquarters, with the agreement formally signed by M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation; Dr. Chayanan Pakdeejit, Secretary-General of ONEP; and Ms. Suwanna Tiansuwan, Director General of BEDO. This strategic partnership focuses on bridging policy with on-the-ground action in order to achieve the targets set out in the NBSAP (2023–2027), Thailand’s fifth national plan on biodiversity. Key areas of cooperation include the development of biodiversity-related financial mechanisms, data integration, expansion of protected areas, knowledge exchange in bioeconomy and product development, community-based implementation, and youth engagement. The MOU outlines a three-year collaboration framework among the three organizations.

The event also featured presentations by youth participants from BEDO’s Community BioBank and Biogang projects, as well as the Biodiversity Camp organized by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation—highlighting the vital role of young people in biodiversity conservation and their commitment to participating in this national initiative.

M.L. Dispanadda Diskul emphasized that the Foundation’s work is deeply rooted in the development philosophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, affectionately known as “Somdej Ya”, who championed the principle of “people living in harmony with forests, and forests sustaining the lives of people.” For nearly four decades, the Foundation’s Doi Tung Development Project has embodied this principle through its “Reforest People, Rebuild Forests” approach, which integrates environmental, economic, and social development in a sustainable model. The Foundation continues to monitor and study biodiversity in the area to ensure that its approach yields measurable, positive outcomes for local ecosystems.

With extensive experience in implementing community development in real-world settings—ranging from Doi Tung and replication sites nationwide and abroad, to initiatives like community forest carbon credit management and social enterprises under the DoiTung brand—the Foundation also incorporates nature-related risk assessments to improve resource management, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and deliver sustainable economic returns to communities.

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation is honored to contribute its participatory natural resource management expertise, field-tested knowledge, and continuously documented ecological data to support the national implementation of the NBSAP. This commitment aligns with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Thailand’s 30×30 target, which aims to conserve 30% of the country’s land and marine areas by 2030.

As an Implementation Partner, the Foundation firmly believes that meaningful biodiversity conservation must be grounded in real action at the community level, with local stakeholders as custodians of their natural resources. Through collaboration, capacity building, and shared responsibility, the Foundation remains dedicated to helping Thailand achieve its biodiversity goals in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Brewing Change SUSTAINABILITY JOURNAL Thailand’s most famous coffee brand, DoiTung, is a model of sustainable development

Every cup of DoiTung coffee represents more than just a beverage. It supports the hill tribe communities in Doi Tung, Chiang Rai, helping local farmers preserve forests, combat deforestation, and introduce Thai coffee to the global market.

Behind the deep, smooth taste of Doi Tung coffee lies hope and sustainability. Click to read more.  Join us on a journey through the story of Thai coffee.

Mae Fah Luang Foundation Participates in the Earthna Summit 2025 Global Conference

The Royal Thai Embassy in Doha, led by H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar (5th from right), in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, represented by Visit-orn Rajatanarvin Director of Knowledge and Learning Centre (KLC) (2nd from right), participated in the Earthna Summit 2025. At the summit, they shared the concept of “People-Centered Development”, inspired by the Doi Tung Development Project — a practical and sustainable development model. The delegation also showcased Doi Tung products that exemplify an integrated approach connecting people, forest, and market in a systematic and sustainable way. The event took place recently in Doha, Qatar.

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage donates 1.5 million baht to the United Nations World Food Programme to contribute to the earthquake response in Myanmar.

M.L. Dispanadda Diskul (right), Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, represented the Foundation in handing over a donation of THB 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand baht) to Mr. Samir Wanmali (left), Regional Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for Asia and the Pacific. The donation, mobilized through the Foundation’s extensive network of partners and individuals, will contribute to WFP’s earthquake response in Myanmar—providing life-saving assistance to affected populations and supporting the second phase of operations, which focuses on targeted support, livelihood recovery, and strengthening the resilience of the hardest-hit communities. The handover ceremony was held recently at the WFP Asia and the Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok.

The Coffee House by DoiTung: The Pinnacle of Thai Specialty Coffee From the Highland Plantations of DoiTung to the Nation’s Landmark Project, One Bangkok

Rooted in a sustainable development initiative that uplifts highland communities, DoiTung coffee has transcended boundaries from plantation to cup, reaching the heart of Bangkok as an integral part of One Bangkok, a national landmark project. Through The Coffee House by DoiTung, a specialty café crafted by Thai artisans, the brand solidifies its success in elevating Thai coffee onto the global stage.

Doi Tung’s journey began in a region once plagued by opium cultivation. Through the initiative of the Doi Tung Development Project under the Royal Patronage of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage, the land was rehabilitated and transformed into a thriving hub for premium Arabica coffee cultivation in Chiang Rai Province. Grounded in the philosophy of “People living in harmony with the forest,” this sustainable development effort provided communities with stable employment and economic opportunities, replacing illicit activities driven by lack of knowledge and access to alternatives. The project has successfully restored the environment, cultivating 100% Arabica coffee under a canopy of towering trees, ensuring ecological balance while maintaining high-quality production. The initiative focuses on meticulous agricultural practices, purchasing only premium-grade coffee to ensure fair, sustainable income for farmers. Ultimately, the project aims to empower farmers to achieve financial independence without relying on ongoing external support—a true testament to the foundation’s success.

The hallmark of DoiTung coffee lies in its stringent quality control across the entire production process. Every coffee bean is traceable back to its origin, recording the household, date of sale, and product quality, guaranteeing that every cup served is of Grade A standard. Through dedicated research and development in coffee varietals, processing techniques, and production standards, DoiTung proudly cultivates specialty-grade varieties such as Gayo, alongside Caturra and Bourbon, all of which undergo rigorous selection and processing. This dedication to excellence has earned DoiTung recognition from professional coffee tasters and prestigious awards, including the Cup of Excellence—a global platform celebrating outstanding coffee farmers. Even DoiTung’s mass-market coffee maintains specialty-grade quality, underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond cultivating world-class coffee, DoiTung collaborates with domestic and international partners to drive sustainable coffee business development while enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. Key partnerships include Mi Cafeto, KALDI, MUJI, the University of Tokyo, Thai Airways, and Japan Airlines. These collaborations provide farmers access to new markets, cutting-edge agricultural and processing technologies, and support for environmentally sustainable practices, addressing the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products.

One of DoiTung’s latest milestones is its proud integration into One Bangkok, a landmark Thai development project, through the launch of The Coffee House by DoiTung. This premium café offers an immersive experience, sharing the journey of Thai specialty coffee from highland plantations to an exquisite cup. The selection includes an array of specialty coffee varieties cultivated through meticulous agricultural management, expertly roasted and brewed by skilled baristas. DoiTung’s specialty coffee, including award-winning varietals such as Typica (Dry/Natural Process) recognized by ICP and SEAGCC, and Gesha (Washed Process) with its distinctive taste notes, is crafted to perfection. The café also presents signature drinks like Espresso Honey Tonic, Tiramisu Latte, and Biscoff Latte, alongside a variety of standard coffee options with customizable house and seasonal blends. For non-coffee drinkers, the menu extends beyond coffee to include beverages like Pink Coconut Matcha and Chocolate, along with an exquisite selection of pastries and gourmet food, creating the perfect pairing for a refined café experience. The ambiance of The Coffee House by DoiTung exudes European café aesthetics, offering a serene environment ideal for relaxation or work. Guests can enjoy a dedicated Private Zone for informal meetings or social gatherings and a Slow Bar for interactive sessions with baristas, delving into the intricate journey of DoiTung coffee.

Experience the pinnacle of sustainable coffee excellence while supporting highland communities at The Coffee House by DoiTung, now open on the 3rd floor of the Parade Building, One Bangkok. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the café invites guests to savor an elevated coffee experience. Stay updated via Instagram: thecoffeehouse.doitung.

Mae Fah Luang Foundation, under the Doi Tung brand, shares its Zero Waste to Landfill knowledge with the entertainment industry for the first time.

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation, under the DoiTung brand, is bringing its Zero Waste to Landfill knowledge to the entertainment industry for the first time. Amidst the rapid and ongoing rise of Thai series on the international stage, this collaboration signals a powerful new direction—one where storytelling, identity, and sustainability intersect. In partnership with MOJO MUSE MANAGEMENT (MMM), a forward-thinking production company known for weaving cultural and social themes into its narratives, the Foundation is adapting its proven “Doi Tung Model”—which has supported livelihoods while eliminating landfill waste for over a decade across 24 surrounding villages—into a new scale and context. For the first time, this model will be tested in professional media production, offering clear systems for waste separation, resource circulation, and sustainable operations. If successful, it won’t just be a “mindful backstage effort” but a replicable blueprint for the entire industry. As series continue to shape the minds of younger generations—the future leaders of our society—this collaboration shows that environmental responsibility and the principles of the Mae Fah Luang legacy can be shared, scaled, and rooted in every industry. Because saving our planet should never fall on one group alone—it must become a shared mission across all sectors striving for a more livable world.