The story of ChaTraMue begins over a century ago, with a journey that crossed borders and generations.
In 1920, the third son of the family patriarch led his eight siblings from their hometown of Chaozhou, China, to begin a new life in Thailand.
Five years later, in 1925, the same brother — known as Sa Pae — opened a modest Chinese tea shop named Lim Meng Kee on Chalermburi, Yaowarat Road, in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Specialising in fine teas imported directly from China, this humble shop laid the foundation for what would become our family’s enduring tea business.
Founders of ChaTraMue – Pioneers of our family’s tea legacy since 1925
World War II and a New Chapter
By the time the Second World War broke out, the tea shop had been serving the community for nearly two decades and had built a loyal following.
However, the conflict brought great challenges. The shop on Chalermburi Road was damaged during an air raid, forcing the family to relocate to Soi Padungdao, still within Bangkok’s vibrant Yaowarat district.
Despite the upheaval, the business endured. The shop continued to offer its signature Chinese teas — Oolong and Green Tea — and, during this period, began importing Red Tea, marking an important step in the evolution of our tea selection.
1945 – The Birth of ChaTraMue
As Thailand’s tropical climate made hot Chinese tea less appealing to locals, the family sought to adapt. They began importing premium red tea to create Thai Milk Tea and Thai Black Tea, both served over ice to perfectly suit the Thai palate. In 1945, the name “ChaTraMue” was born, marking the official beginning of what would become Thailand’s most iconic tea brand.
1945 – 1965 – Pioneering Thai Tea Production
In the early days, tea leaves in Thailand were mainly harvested for a traditional tea leaf–wrapped appetiser. Over time, however, Thai people began crafting their own tea, giving rise to what we now know as Thai tea.
During this period, Mr. Ting, the shop’s manager, was among the first pioneers to establish a tea plantation and factory on Wawee Hill, in Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province. The factory, named “Cha Hom” (Aromatic Tea Factory), was a remarkable achievement for its time. In an era before modern infrastructure, heavy tea-processing machinery had to be painstakingly hauled up the steep hill by elephants – a testament to the dedication and determination behind the brand’s early years.
1965 – 1989 – Building the Tea Network and Establishing Siam Tea Factory
With travel and management at Wawee Hill proving increasingly challenging, the factory there was eventually closed. Instead, the shop’s management focused on developing a strong purchasing network with local tea growers, ensuring a steady supply of quality tea leaves.
As infrastructure in the region improved, the significance of Chiang Rai and its abundant tea-growing areas became undeniable. Recognising this potential, the current owner established a new facility in 1989 at Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai. This new factory was named “Siam Tea Factory”, and it now operates under the registered name Cha Thai International Company Limited.
From the Past to the Present of ChaTraMue
From its humble beginnings as Lim Meng Kee Tea Shop to becoming Cha Thai International Company Limited, ChaTraMue has cultivated more than 80 years of expertise in crafting authentic Thai tea. Our Number One Brand Thai Tea is made using unique recipes, with every stage of production carried out with meticulous care to ensure the highest quality. This dedication has made our tea beloved by generations of Thais and admired by tea lovers around the world.
While we honour our heritage, we continue to innovate — expanding our range beyond our iconic Thai tea to include green tea, milk green tea, rose tea, and many other blends, all created to meet the growing passion for tea among our customers.
To inspire confidence and guarantee quality, our factory operates to the highest international standards, including GMP Codex and Halal certification. We remain committed to delivering products that combine exceptional taste, aroma, and value — a promise that has been at the heart of ChaTraMue for decades and will continue well into the future.
