This article focuses on Thai kratom, a plant in the genus Mitragyna speciosa that grows in Thailand and is known for its medicinal effects and stimulant properties. Thai kratom has long been used by the local population to relieve pain, increase energy, and for relaxation.
Kratom has historically been a part of Thai culture and was known as a natural remedy among the indigenous tribes. Compared to Indonesian kratom, Thai kratom differs in several key ways. (1)
Thai kratom contains a different spectrum of alkaloids than Indonesian kratom. The geographical conditions, soil type, and climatic factors of Thailand provide special conditions for the growth and development of kratom trees. Like Indonesian kratom, Thai kratom is available in several varieties: green, white, and red, which have similar effects to the green, white, and red kratoms from Indonesia. (1)
Kratom trees growing in the warm and humid climate of Thailand are mostly young, with an average age of 3–4 years when the leaves reach their optimal effects. Some Thai kratom trees can be over 100 years old, but most of these older trees were cut down or not used for kratom production when kratom was illegal in Thailand. (2)
In recent years, interest in Thai kratom has expanded beyond Southeast Asia, leading to the modernization of processing facilities in Thailand. These newer facilities, which emerged after kratom was legalized in 2021, are more gentle with the leaves and emphasize maintaining high standards when drying and processing kratom leaves, which is important for preserving their natural potency and chemical composition. Modern centers in Thailand have modern machinery and equipment, which sets them apart from older facilities in Indonesia, which use more traditional, not-so-advanced drying and processing methods to ensure higher quality. (3)
Current research on Thai kratom focuses on its pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic effects. Studies show that the alkaloids in kratom may have analgesic and anti-anxiety effects, offering potential for new therapeutic applications. However, more research is needed to better understand the safety and effectiveness of the method for treating various health issues.
Dr. Michael White, a specialist in pharmacology at the University of London, points out: "Kratom contains unique alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine, which have a wide range of pharmacological effects. It is important to investigate their potential so that we can assess their safety and efficacy." (4)
Differences in geographical conditions, soil type and tree age have a significant impact on the chemical composition of Thai kratom and its effects. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, traditional use and modern trends of Thai kratom processing. As part of our Thailand trip, we visited several farms and were able to select high-quality Thai kratom, so we are now happy to offer green, white and red Thai kratom to our customers.
Thank you for reading,
Your Kratom World.
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