Chiangdao 2009: Bees, Poppies & Purpose 🐝

Back in 2009, I was invited by a missionary organization to Chiangdao, Thailand — not for a holiday, but for a mission. The goal? To share beekeeping knowledge with poppy farmers.

In this remote highland community, poppy cultivation was the main source of income. But during the non-poppy season, many families struggled. Some, out of desperation, even sent their daughters to Bangkok for work in the flesh trade. It was heartbreaking. But that’s where beekeeping came in.

We introduced beekeeping as a sustainable, supplementary income—turning honey into hope. 🐝🍯 The farmers were curious, open-minded, and willing to learn. Slowly, a culture of resilience began to grow.

But this trip wasn’t all work.

While staying at a hotel in Chiang Mai, I had an up-close and unforgettable encounter—a wild Apis dorsata colony had built its comb right outside my hotel room window!

Yes. A giant honeybee colony dangling above the city view. Nature had its own way of saying “Welcome, beekeeper.”

Coincidentally, Professor Michael Burgett from Oregon State University (USA) was in Chiang Mai for an academic visit. I immediately contacted him and a local bee professor from Chiang Mai University — and guess what? Both ended up in my hotel room that evening, buzzing with excitement as we observed the majestic dorsata colony together. 🐝📚✨

Looking back, that moment reminded me that when purpose meets passion, the universe shows up in wild, wonderful ways.

#Chiangdao #BeekeepingForChange #SustainableFarming #ApisDorsata #HoneyHope #SocialEntrepreneurship #BeekeepingThailand #Chiangmai2009 #LessterLeowStories #ChiangMaiUniversity