King Rama IV, also known as King Mongkut, was an influential monarch who ruled the Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand) from 1851 to 1868. He had a significant role in introducing coffee to Thailand and promoting its cultivation in the country.
King Rama IV had a strong interest in science, technology, and Western knowledge. During his reign, he sought to modernize Siam and reduce its dependence on foreign powers. As part of his efforts, King Rama IV encouraged the exploration and cultivation of various crops that could be grown domestically, including coffee.
In the 19th century, Siam faced challenges related to opium addiction, which was prevalent among its population. To address this issue, King Rama IV sought alternative crops that could provide economic opportunities and help reduce the reliance on opium. Coffee was one such crop that caught his attention.
In the 1850s, King Rama IV sent a Thai diplomat named Prin Chumphon Khet Udomsak to Java, Indonesia, to learn about coffee cultivation and bring back coffee plants to Siam. Prin Chumphon successfully obtained coffee plants and introduced them to the Royal Palace in Bangkok. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in Thailand.
King Rama IV was personally involved in the cultivation and promotion of coffee. He established a coffee plantation within the palace grounds and oversaw its development. The king encouraged his subjects, including members of the royal court, to participate in the cultivation of coffee.
