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This Asian country is prominent in the cheese-producing industry.
Cheese is believed to have existed for approximately 8,000 to 10,000 years. According to the National Historic Cheesemaking Center in the United States, there is no specific date marking the origin of cheese, but traces of it appear in ancient Greek literature and Egyptian murals. Over the millennia, cheese has become an integral part of the cuisine of many Western civilizations.
Over the millennia, cheese has become an integral part of the cuisine of many Western civilizations.
However, to this day, there is still much debate about which country has the most passionate love for cheese. While it might seem like this discussion would be confined to Western countries – where this food originated and flourished most, with familiar names like Italy, the United States, France, and Belgium – a country from the other side of the globe has jumped into the fray. Thailand is gradually making its mark on the world culinary map thanks to its impressive production of handcrafted cheeses.
The truth is, according to a 2023 study published in the journal Plos One, 98.6% of the Thai population is found to be deficient in the enzyme lactase (an enzyme that helps break down lactose – a sugar found in milk and dairy products), making it difficult or even impossible for them to digest lactose. Hearing this, it might seem like cheese wouldn't be a suitable food for the people of this country, but for Jarutat Snidwongse Na Ayuthaya – the founder of the Jartisann cheese brand in Chiang Mai – this was a destined opportunity.
The solution to the lactose intolerance problem.
Due to these biological characteristics, Thailand is not a major consumer of milk. According to a 2021 report by the Brazilian Embassy in Bangkok, the average Thai person consumes only about 18 liters of milk per year, while the figure in the US in 2023 was 56.78 liters. But that's not the only factor.
Thailand's hot, humid climate and heavy rainfall are unsuitable for large-scale livestock farming – a necessary condition for the development of a dairy industry. Furthermore, traditional Thai cuisine, influenced by Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Malay cultures, favors ingredients like coconut milk and fish sauce for richness and flavor rather than dairy. Historically, rural communities in Thailand have primarily raised livestock for meat or agricultural purposes rather than for milk production.
Thailand's hot, humid climate and heavy rainfall are not suitable for large-scale livestock farming.
However, since the mid-2000s, Thailand has undergone significant changes in its livestock and dairy industry. Over the past 15 years, the number of dairy animals in the country has increased dramatically, largely due to government policies aimed at encouraging milk consumption to improve children's nutritional standards. In addition, growing demand from the expatriate community has also contributed to the market's growth.
On the other hand, lactose intolerance doesn't mean Thais have to completely give up dairy products. For cheese, many traditional varieties with low lactose content due to natural fermentation, such as cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese, are suitable choices. During the production of these cheeses, beneficial enzymes and bacteria help break down most of the lactose, and after a long aging period, the remaining lactose content is almost negligible.
Based on the above reasoning, Jarutat Snidwongse Na Ayuthaya concludes that the core issue is not whether or not one can eat cheese, but rather choosing the right type of cheese that suits each person's taste and digestive capabilities. Therefore, his solution to this problem is Jartisann's blue cheese.
Jartisann produces cheeses that are suitable for the physical constitution of Thai people.
Beyond Jartisann, an increasing number of artisanal cheesemakers in Thailand are experimenting with different types of milk, unique bacterial strains, and traditional cheesemaking methods, aiming to create cheeses that suit the characteristics of the Thai people. As a result, Thailand has become a unique highlight in the world of cheese, attracting discerning diners from all over to experience it firsthand.
Tourism demand and international influence
With millions of tourists from Europe, the US, and Australia flocking to Thailand each year, it is one of the world's most attractive tourist destinations. In 2025, Thailand aims to welcome between 36 and 39 million international visitors, surpassing the record 35 million visitors in 2024. This goal becomes even more achievable as Thailand continues to rise on the global tourism map thanks to major events such as the third season of the television series "The White Lotus," MotoGP races, the SEA Games, and a host of famous festivals like the Songkran New Year water festival.
Despite experiencing Thailand's diverse culinary scene, many Western tourists still seek out familiar dishes like pizzas topped with cheese. Currently, many international hotels and upscale restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui are continuously collaborating with local cheese producers, offering diners Western dishes with a unique Thai culinary flavor.
Many restaurants in Thailand partner with cheese producers to create traditional dishes that incorporate cheese.
Thai cheese producers worth trying
If you're looking to explore Thai cheese, here are some standout brands offering a blend of familiar flavors and unique innovations:
Jarselann
Dubbed the "king of cheese" in Thailand, Jartisann produces a wide variety of cheeses that cheese enthusiasts can easily recognize. However, the brightest star in their collection is San Paquanburie, a soft, creamy cow's cheese reminiscent of Brie, with a subtle floral aftertaste.
Little Goat Farm
In addition to popular cheese varieties, this brand also offers unique creations such as Pyea – a soft cheese topped with a blend of rum leaves, floral tea, lotus pollen, and lavender, creating a truly exceptional taste experience.
DoFann Cheese
This is the perfect choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as their goat cheese has a much lower lactose content than cow cheese. In particular, DoFann's crumbled goat cheese is ideal for sprinkling on salads, pasta, or even Asian dishes.
Murrah Farm
Buffalo cheese – a lesser-known but unmissable type of cheese. Murrah Farm has been producing cheese from organic buffalo milk since 2003. Their highlight is Mozzarella, which is not only perfect with pizza but can also be fried with wonton wrappers, creating a rich, flavorful snack.
Diners can visit the markets to find and buy handcrafted cheeses in Thailand.
If you visit Thailand, it's easy to find opportunities to enjoy the country's authentic cheeses. To experience famous Thai cheeses, diners can visit night markets, supermarkets, hotels, and upscale restaurants throughout the country. With a combination of rich culinary culture, growing tourism, and the continuous development of the artisanal cheese industry, Thailand is gradually asserting its position on the world cheese map – something few could have predicted before.
