our story, charcoal barbeque bangkok, thailand + ratchaburi
"My supplier is a local community from Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi. The area is mountainous, and they don’t have a website."
-S. Po
well, they do now.
our story
Welcome to our site, and thank you for visiting! We’re delighted to have you here as we share the story of our unique charcoal supply and the incredible community behind it.
Here, you can shop from locals from the mountainous Pak Tho district in Ratchaburi process coconut shells into eco-friendly charcoal. By supporting this community-led initiative, we help them generate income while providing high-quality, compressed charcoal briquettes, made using a blend of coconut shell charcoal & natural materials.
Our community is from the picturesque Pak Tho district in Ratchaburi, an area known for its lush mountains and close-knit people. The community itself is made up of [redacted] families who have lived in the mountains for generations, deeply connected to the land and its natural resources. They may not have a website or online presence, but their work speaks volumes through the high-quality products they create.
"First, we buy coconut shell scraps from local coconut farmers and processes them into compressed coconut charcoal. Most of the workers are [redacted] people who live in the mountains."
"We started selling this charcoal because we wanted to help them generate more income and distribute the charcoal from the factory, so they can buy more coconut shells from the farmers, thus improving the entire local economy."
why we started
Our journey with this charcoal started out of a desire to make a positive impact on this community. By helping them generate more income and distribute their product beyond the local region, we can ensure that they continue to thrive and improve their livelihoods. Every purchase you make helps us support these families and the local farmers who rely on the coconut trade. You’re not just buying charcoal—you’re supporting a community, preserving an eco-friendly production process, and contributing to a sustainable future.
At the heart of this community is their leader, who has organized the purchase of coconut shell scraps from nearby farmers. By using what would otherwise be waste, they transform these coconut shells into compressed charcoal, a product that is both eco-friendly and efficient for a wide variety of uses, from barbecues to heating stoves. The process they’ve developed is simple yet innovative, ensuring that the materials are used to their fullest potential while supporting both the farmers and the workers.
how we make charcoal
step 1. source the materials
The journey begins with the purchase of coconut shells from local farmers. These farmers harvest the coconuts for food and drink, and the shells, which would typically be discarded, are sold to the factory for charcoal production. By doing this, the farmers generate extra income, and the waste is given a new life as a valuable resource.
step 2. turn shells & husks into charcoal
The coconut shells are burned in a controlled environment to create charcoal. This process, while age-old, requires expertise to ensure the right temperature and timing. The result is a high-quality, dense charcoal that burns hotter and longer than regular wood charcoal.
step 3. mix & compress with natural components
Once the coconut shells are transformed into charcoal, they are ground into a fine powder. The powder is then mixed with tapioca starch, water, and sometimes other types of charcoal to achieve the desired blend. For example, if the customer requests 50% coconut shell charcoal, the remaining 50% could be made up of other natural charcoal sources. This blend is then compressed into briquettes, carefully tailored to fit the customer’s needs. Whether small, short, thin, or long, we can adjust the size of the briquettes based on the type of stove or purpose they’ll be used for.
step 4. baking the briquettes
After compression, the briquettes are placed in large ovens, where they are slowly baked for 5 days to a week. The drying time can vary depending on the humidity levels, as the rainy season tends to increase the drying period. This slow baking ensures that the briquettes are thoroughly dried, preventing any excess moisture from causing smoke or uneven burning.
step 5. Packaging & distribution
Finally, the finished charcoal briquettes are carefully packed into 20-kilogram sacks, ready for storage or distribution. These sacks are durable and designed to protect the charcoal from the elements during transport, ensuring that customers receive a top-quality product every time.
shop here.
why choose our charcoal?
sustainable and eco-friendly
Made from coconut shells that would otherwise go to waste, our charcoal is a renewable resource that reduces deforestation. Unlike wood charcoal, no trees are cut down to produce it, making it a cleaner, more sustainable choice for both the environment and your home.
high-quality performance
Our charcoal briquettes burn hotter and longer than standard wood charcoal, giving you consistent heat for cooking, grilling, or heating. They also produce less ash, making cleanup easier and more convenient.
customized to your needs
We understand that no two stoves or grills are the same, which is why we offer customizable briquette sizes. Whether you need small briquettes for a compact stove or larger ones for industrial use, we can tailor our product to fit your exact requirements.
supporting local communities
Every time you purchase from us, you’re directly helping the Karen people of Pak Tho. Your support helps them continue their work, improve their facilities, and provide for their families. It’s a partnership that creates lasting positive change.
looking ahead
We’re excited about the future of this project and the many opportunities it brings to the community. As we grow, we hope to expand our production capabilities, helping even more farmers and workers. With your support, we believe we can make this a thriving enterprise that benefits everyone involved—from the farmers to the factory workers to you, our valued customer.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our story. We hope that when you use our charcoal, you feel a connection to the hands that made it and the mountains that provided the raw materials. It’s more than just charcoal—it’s a story of sustainability, community, and hope for a brighter future.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always here to help and share more about our journey. Let’s make a difference together!
Warm regards,
The Team at Charcoal BBQ BKK
