Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon
Established in 1979 by the King to eliminate opium growing, the Station acts as a research centre for highland fisheries as a way to develop the livelihoods of hill tribe farmers nearby. Tourists can visit …
Business Location: chiang mai
Chiang Mai has some of Thailand’s most creative social enterprises. By focusing on responsible tourism while in Chiang Mai, travelers can do everything from sip fair-trade beans picked by villagers just a few hours away, to getting a great massage from women transitioning out of the prison system.
Why Use Social Enterprises in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai, Thailand has a diverse range of social enterprises that focus on different areas such as handicrafts, sustainable agriculture, education, eco-tourism, and health and wellness. These social enterprises provide training and employment opportunities, promote economic development, empower local communities, and create sustainable solutions to social and environmental issues. Supporting these enterprises can have a significant impact on the local community, economy, and environment. Here are key benefits:
- Addressing social and environmental issues: Chiang Mai has many social and environmental issues that need to be addressed. Supporting social enterprises in the region can help address these issues, such as poverty, inequality, access to education and healthcare, and environmental degradation.
- Promoting economic development: Social enterprises can play a significant role in promoting economic development in the region. By supporting these enterprises, you are not only helping them create jobs and generate income, but also supporting the local economy and community.
- Empowering local communities: Social enterprises are often run by local community members who have a deep understanding of the local issues and needs. By supporting these enterprises, you are empowering local communities to take charge of their own development and create solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
- Sustainable solutions: Social enterprises are often focused on creating sustainable solutions to social and environmental issues. By supporting these enterprises, you are promoting long-term solutions that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
- Unique products and services: Many social enterprises in Chiang Mai produce unique products and services that are rooted in local traditions and culture. By supporting these enterprises, you are not only promoting the preservation of local culture, but also getting access to unique and high-quality products and services.
The Best Social Enterprises in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Akha Ama Coffee
This wonderful coffee shop started as one village’s effort to grow and sell their own coffee at fair prices has become a small but growing number of coffee shops in Thailand. Buying a cup of …
Cabbages and Condoms
One of the first true social enterprises operating in Thailand, Cabbages and Condoms is a themed restaurant that uses its proceeds to fund a sexual health education and provision programs. What started as a single …
DoiTung Tourism Project
This is a social enterprise that focuses on providing economic stability to the people in Doi Tung, a rural area in Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle. By supporting the coffee shop, boutiques, and guesthouses, you support …
Women’s Education for Advancement and Empowerment (WEAVE)
WEAVE Fair Trade Social Enterprise (WFT-SE) works with displaced, disadvantaged and marginalized ethnic women from Burma and in Northern Thailand. WFT-SE facilitates access and opportunities to generate safe and fair income through handicrafts development and …
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park was established in the 1990′s to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. The park is located in the Chiang Mai province and provides a sanctuary for dozens of distressed elephants …
Freebird Cafe
Free Bird Cafe is a plant-based charity cafe established to support the work of Thai Freedom House, a language and arts community learning center for indigenous people and refugees. The cafe is open daily for …
Lila Thai Massage
The Lila Thai Massage Shop was established by the former Director of The Chiang Mai Women’s Prison to support the released inmates to earn a legal living. Mrs. Naowarat, the director, strongly believes that the …