Khao Yai Resorts Developing Organic Project

Set in 800 acres of lush greenery bordering an UNESCO World Heritage National Park, rainforest and mountain range in Khao Yai, Thailand, are the two 64 room resorts - Kirimaya and Muthi Maya.

The properties - which feature their own private Jack Nicklaus-designed 18 hole golf course - are developing an organic project, in which a five acre farm of organic produce was established in 2012 that will eventually supply 100% of the resorts’ vegetable and herb requirements.

The farm consists of 160 blocks of plants, and uses a “drip irrigation” system that controls the moisture content of the soil and limits weed growth, without using chemicals.

A two hour-drive northeast of Bangkok, Khao Yai’s rich fertile soil and temperate climate make it ideal for the organic farm. A team of 10 staff work full time on the farm, where the ‘seed to harvest’ period ranges from 45 to 60 days depending on the crop.

David Bedinghaus, Kirimaya’s hands-on Culinary Director and a passionate foodie, recently introduced several new organic initiatives in order to build a foundation on which the organic farm can become permanently self-sustaining.

A worm farm (using African Red Worms) provides natural fertilizers with rich mineral content that regenerates the soil, making crop yields more efficient.

Also, fruit and vegetable peelings from the resorts’ kitchens are mixed with dry leaves and stems from the landscape to create a high mineral-rich compost, reducing organic waste dumped into the city landfill and creating a free recyclable product to enhance sustainability.

New seed stocks have been sourced to support the cuisine served at Kirimaya and Muthi Maya: Italian vegetables and herbs; Thai vegetables, fruits and herbs and Japanese vegetables and herbs.

The first harvest will take place in November-December during the cool season.