Mr. Sit

Over two decades ago, agricultural shifts began in the forest area of Ban Karikee, Santi Khiri Subdistrict, Mae Lan Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. At that time, traditional shifting cultivation [a slash-and-burn farming method] was the primary way of life for the villagers. Recognizing the need to protect the forest ecosystem, Mr. Radu and Mrs. Norathomae Niyomphrom pioneered the planting of organic Arabica coffee around the village. The local environment, nestled beneath the canopy of native oak trees, proved highly suitable for shade-grown coffee farming, allowing agriculture and the forest to thrive together.

Gradually, the concept of replacing shifting cultivation with coffee took root in the community. What started with Mr. Radu and Mrs. Norathomae laid the foundation for the village's environmental transformation. As the coffee trees matured, the community began to harvest a unique crop characterized by its complex aroma and rich, full-bodied flavor, proving the viability of this new agricultural path.

Today, this sustainable tradition has been proudly inherited by the second generation. They have fully committed to maintaining the organic Arabica plants interspersed within the village's forest. Their ongoing effort is focused on refining the quality of the coffee while ensuring the absolute sustainability of the forest ecosystem, protecting their homeland forever.

Despite this progress, the village faces significant socioeconomic challenges. Limited by local job opportunities, there has been a noticeable trend of the younger generation moving out of the community to find work in the cities. Families often struggle to remain together while earning a sufficient living. However, the community leaders have a clear vision for their people. Recognizing that the new generation is the future of the Church and the village, they are actively encouraging young people to return home. By framing coffee farming as a viable and profitable career choice, they dream of building a self-sufficient community where young farmers can earn a dignified income, keep their families intact, and support their neighbors.