A Heartfelt Miracle for Health and Wellness
In 2024, the Chaipattana Foundation, under the esteemed patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is delighted to announce the 9th Annual PatPat Camellia Seed Oil Festival. This vibrant event will take place from October 17 to 27 at EM Glass on the G Floor of EmSphere, Bangkok, and it promises to celebrate the remarkable health benefits of PatPat Camellia Seed Oil, a product often hailed as the “olive oil of the East.”
The festival serves as an exceptional platform to educate the public about the myriad benefits of this extraordinary oil, which has gained recognition for its high nutritional value and versatility in culinary applications. Ticy City is honored to participate in the press conference leading up to the event, where Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, shared insights into the royal initiative that brought this oil to the forefront of Thai cuisine.
Dr. Sumet recounted how, in 2004, Her Royal Highness initiated a project aimed at studying and cultivating Camellia oleifera, an oil tea tree imported from China. This initiative not only paved the way for the production of Camellia seed oil in Thailand but also supported sustainable agricultural practices in highland regions. The first festival, held in 2015, marked a significant milestone in promoting this unique oil, and it has continued to grow in popularity ever since.
In her remarks, Ms. Ploychompu Umphuj, Group General Manager of Merchandising Supermarket at The Mall Group, emphasized the importance of their nine-year partnership with the Chaipattana Foundation. She highlighted their commitment to making PatPat Camellia Seed Oil accessible to consumers across all Gourmet Market branches. “Our aim is to introduce the health benefits of Camellia seed oil to a wider audience,” she stated. “It’s not just a cooking oil; it’s a health-enhancing product that we believe can contribute positively to people’s lives.”
At the festival, attendees can expect a delightful array of activities and tastings. Renowned chef Ian Pongtawat Chalermkittichai will showcase the versatility of Camellia seed oil through a series of live cooking demonstrations, preparing exquisite dishes inspired by royal recipes. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample nine signature dishes, including crispy pork belly with chili and salt, soft-shell crab Pad Thai, and lobster soup—each crafted to highlight the oil’s rich flavor and health benefits.
In addition to culinary delights, the festival will feature a special exhibition titled “9 Stories: The Wonders of Camellia Seed Oil.” This exhibit will provide an in-depth look at the oil’s journey, its role in reforesting highland areas, and its incredible health benefits. Attendees will learn how the cultivation of Camellia oleifera not only enriches the lives of consumers but also supports local farmers and contributes to sustainable forestry practices in northern Thailand.
This year’s festival is more than just a celebration of an extraordinary oil; it is a tribute to the royal vision that made it a staple in Thai kitchens. The PatPat Camellia Seed Oil Festival aims to inspire individuals to embrace healthier cooking habits while creating a positive impact on the environment and the livelihoods of farmers. Join us in this celebration of health, wellness, and community at the 9th Annual PatPat Camellia Seed Oil Festival!
