I buy my coffee at Foodland at the moment, and I am not happy with the prices.

I come from one of the most expensive countries in the world, Denmark, and then realize that coffee is more expensive here!? Is it the same with coffee, as with wine in Thailand? Is the government super-taxing these products, as I thought only socialistic loser countries would do? Does anyone know the reasons/background for these hostile taxes on wine and coffee here?

Anyway, I am looking for advice on where to buy coffee beans in BKK - where to make the best deal, when willing to make larger purchases.

I assume you want fresh roasted coffee beans, not green beans to roast yourself?

If fresh roasted is what you want, you will pay high prices for imports partly due to the taxes and levies.

Far better off buying Thai Arabica (100% or blended with about 10-30% import) fresh roasted coffee beans. Depending on the bean quality, roasting quality and overall attention to detail, expect to pay between 400 and 700 baht per kilo.

Here are my recommendations, and I will leave it up to you to contact the respective people to discuss roasting etc:

PNF Coffee Bangkok - www.pnfcoffee.com

Phuket Coffee Lab - www.phuketcoffeelab.com

Benjamit Coffee Pattaya - www.benjamitcoffee.com

Both Benjamit and Phuket Coffee lab IMO have superior quality beans. They post to your location at a minimal fee.

Re. taxes on wine and coffee, the excise (internal) tax is far greater than the import duty. Wine excise tax is around 300%. Can't answer all your questions as to why the taxes are so high because it is a matter of opinion. It is a known fact however, that the heavy taxes encourage a significant underground movement which is far bigger than the above ground trade. Typical short sighted government?

Good luck.

BON CAFE has several outlets in Bangkok and sell a wide variety of beans at reasonable if not bargain prices. They also have an extensive inventory of coffee makers and supplies. The staff are usually pretty knowledgeable. They have a store near Sutisan close to the MRT but I suggest you go to their website for specific directions.

www.boncafe.co.th/

I buy mine at Srarbucks