What do civil rights and coffee have to do with each other? For Po-Tao Chang, a PhD candidate in geography at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the answer is “everything.”
His journey, from beginnings in forestry to his explorations of lineage, family and indigenous movements in Thailand, exemplifies the power of heritage in shaping one’s academic path. Chang research not only sheds light on the Akha coffee industry but also highlights the broader narrative of cultural resilience and innovation. Through his work, Chang hopes to inspire others to explore their roots and contribute to the preservation and growth of indigenous communities in Thailand and across the world.
Chang has embarked on a fascinating journey of cultural discovery and academic research, centered around the coffee industry of Thailand’s Akha people. However, the scope of his academic research is much broader, encompassing the study of the country’s indigenous people and movements.
Before arriving at UW–Madison, Chang studied forestry at National Taiwan University. His academic interests were diverse, ranging from forestry and natural resources to ethnography. Despite not majoring in geography, his past studies provided a solid ground to pursue this new academic area. His choice was driven by the compelling work of his now advisor, Professor Ian Baird, whose overlapping research interests sparked Chang’s decision to apply.
“I was also inspired by another geographer, Janet Sturgeon, who conducted ethnographic research with the Akha in China and Thailand in the 1990s to the early 2000s,” Chang said. “Her research about the Akha agricultural landscape, commodities, and entrepreneurship also greatly influenced my vision of research.”
Cultural Roots: From Taiwan to Thailand
Born and raised in Taiwan, Chang’s connection to Thailand is deeply rooted in his family history, and that of the Akha people, an indigenous tribe of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and the Yunnan province of China. His grandmother, an ethnic Akha, was born in Burma (now Myanmar) and married his grandfather, a high-ranking Chinese Nationalist soldier, during the Chinese Civil War. This union set the stage for a unique family narrative that traversed borders of several southeast Asian countries.
“My grandfather moved from Yunnan province to Burma in the 1950s. Later, they moved to Laos and then northern Thailand before eventually settling in Taiwan,” Chang said.
His grandmother’s relatives remained in Burma and Thailand, and it was this connection that drew Chang back to Thailand in 2017. There, he worked to connect with his heritage, learning the language and engaging with his relatives.
Research Focus: The Akha Coffee Industry
Chang’s research centers on the Akha coffee industry in Thailand, specifically examining the production of Arabica coffee because he has “seen a generational revolution in the Akha communities in the past decade.”
He traced the origins of this industry to 1983 when King Rama IX of Thailand introduced Arabica coffee as a cash crop to replace opium cultivation. Despite initial challenges, Chang noted that the industry gained momentum in the early 2000s with the global rise of specialty coffee.
“The Akha people started to establish their own community and social enterprises, producing and selling high-quality coffee,” said Chang. These enterprises, such as Doi Chang and Akha Ama Coffee, have thrived, with numerous branches across Thailand.
Chang’s research isn’t just about coffee production, though. His work explores the broader context of the social movements and enterprises of indigenous peoples in Thailand, many of whom are not officially recognized as “Indigenous peoples” by the country.
“My research is not just about coffee as well, I look at the (agroforestry) agricultural landscape and livelihoods as a whole,” Chang said. “The coffee industry is important since it has changed the Akha lifestyle a lot. However, this topic has not been well-studied yet and I would like to introduce the story of a cup of Akha coffee to the world.”
His involvement with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UW–Madison reflects his commitment to this field. He has actively participated in student organizations and presented at forums, discussing the indigenous movement in Thailand.
“Ethnic minorities in Thailand, historically marginalized, are now advocating for recognition and rights,” Chang explained. This movement, influenced by global indigenous rights movements, seeks to address historical injustices and promote cultural preservation.
Looking Ahead: Future Research and Impact
Chang plans to spend a year continuing his research in Thailand, where he will immerse himself in the community and gather additional data. He hopes his work will contribute to academic discourse and expand practical understanding of indigenous enterprises and their socio-economic impacts.
Story by: Jaya Larsen