Alangkarn Farm | Adenium Champion’s Unexpected New Role
Foundation of Success: From “Big Oui Adenium Garden” to National Champion
Around 2011, Big began his plant-growing journey, fueled by an existing love for greenery—but it was the adenium that truly captured his heart. “A friend introduced me to adeniums, orchids, and cacti,” he shares. “But I found adeniums far more captivating—their beauty, the root styling, the shaping of the canopy—it all depends on the grower’s skill. Unlike cacti or orchids, which often rely more on parent genetics, adeniums reflect the grower’s craftsmanship.”What began as a personal interest led Big to grow adeniums as a hobby for 5–6 years, with no intention of selling. But driven by passion and determination, he launched a Facebook page called “Suan Chuan Chom Big Oui.” The name “Big Oui” came from his family’s former business, “Big Oui Catfish Farm.” This blend of past and present passions became the foundation for a brand that would later take shape.
Big’s passion for adeniums extended far beyond cultivation.
With a love for photography, Big began capturing photos and videos at adenium competitions, sharing their beauty and insights online. His content quickly gained a following, drawing in plant enthusiasts from across the country. Eventually, his growing involvement in the scene sparked a desire to compete. “I started as an event organizer for adenium contests in Phichit,” he says. “After seeing so many competitions, I wanted to try entering my own plants.” The results were beyond expectations—his meticulously nurtured “Rachini Pandok” (Queen of a Thousand Blooms), grown for 5–6 years and over a decade old, won first place in its debut. That victory marked the beginning of a journey filled with accolades from Chiang Mai to Phuket, firmly establishing Big as a true adenium master.
But more valuable than any trophy was the recognition he earned from his family.
Big shares with pride, “At first, my family didn’t understand. They even asked, ‘Can you really sell plants?’ But once I succeeded—both in sales and competitions—their perspective changed, and they became truly proud of me.”
“That recognition from my family is the greatest reward,” Big says. What began as a side hobby during his studies and while running a contact lens shop eventually blossomed into a thriving business. He made the bold decision to dedicate himself fully to adeniums. His farm grew from a one-man operation to a team of five, built on a strong foundation of plant knowledge, attentive care, and patience—qualities nurtured through years in the adenium world. These became the essential groundwork for stepping into a new chapter of his life.
Stepping Into a New Green World: From Adeniums to Cannabis
After the legalization of cannabis in Thailand around June 9, Big’s brother-in-law—who had connections in the cannabis community—sparked his interest in this new economic crop. “At the time, I knew almost nothing about cannabis,” Big admits. “All I was familiar with was local strains like ‘Hang Krarok (Thai Stick).’ I had no idea what OG, Indica, Sativa, or any foreign varieties were.”
The beginning wasn’t easy. Big invested in building an evaporative cooling greenhouse, known as an “EVAP” system, and hired staff to manage it—since he was still lacking hands-on experience with cannabis cultivation.
“In the beginning, there were no returns,” Big recalls. “I had already invested 300,000–400,000 baht and was close to giving up and going back to focusing solely on adeniums—especially since they were generating good profit at the time.”
Then came a turning point. The greenhouse manager suggested trying indoor cultivation using grow lights and air conditioning, which typically yields higher-quality, higher-value harvests. Big decided to invest in a small indoor grow room, with a budget of around 80,000 baht—and soon, the results began to show. “Friends who used cannabis tried our indoor harvest and loved it,” he says. “They told me the quality was great and wanted to buy more. That was the beginning of selling wholesale to friends.”
Founding “Alangkarn Farm”: A Bold Philosophy That Follows No One
As the cannabis business began to take shape, Big established a new brand under the name “Alangkarn Farm.” The word “Alangkarn” wasn’t just a name—it reflected his personal work philosophy and was also the name he once gave to his champion adenium. “I chose a new name partly because cannabis still isn’t widely accepted among older generations, and I wanted to create a clear, distinct identity,” he explains.
Big’s “Alangkarn” philosophy is to do everything with boldness, style, fun—and most importantly,
with “quality” that truly lives up to the name “Alangkarn.”
“I like to make things impressive—using big pots, growing plants into bold shapes, even making marketing fun, like dressing up as a superhero to take photos with my plants,” he says with a smile.
The experience and knowledge from growing adeniums translated seamlessly into cannabis cultivation. “I actually used my own adenium soil mix for the first indoor cannabis batches. Plus, reading plant signals, shaping canopies—similar to topping cannabis—and having strict watering discipline, it all connects,” he explains. What began as casual sales to friends gradually expanded to shops reaching out. Today, Alangkarn Farm has scaled its indoor grow rooms from 1 tray to 2, 4, 8, and now 16 trays. Cannabis has become the core business, while adeniums remain a cherished passion on the side.
The Heart of Success: Tangible Quality Is the True Meaning of “Alangkarn”
When asked about the secret to Alangkarn Farm’s success, Big firmly emphasizes that “quality” is the core. “I don’t use cannabis myself, so customer feedback is crucial in evaluating quality,” he explains. He breaks down the key factors that influence quality into three main parts:
Genetics/Phenotype – 50% Importance:
Choosing the right and suitable strain is the starting point.
Fertilizer Quality – 30% Importance:
Big places great importance on this aspect. “This is from firsthand experience. At first, I used regular fertilizers, but when I switched to a high-quality brand (as mentioned by the interviewer, Big specifically referred to using ‘KINGWHALE’ fertilizers), the difference was clear. Yield consistency improved, and the flower quality was noticeably better—like less throat irritation. Customers could feel the change, even though my growing technique remained the same.”
“KINGWHALE fertilizers help stabilize the pH and EC levels of the nutrient solution, making daily care much easier. It significantly reduces the time spent adjusting various parameters. This stability is what clearly enhances the overall quality,” Big explains.
Grower Care – 20% Importance:
Attention to detail, hands-on care, and personal involvement are key principles Big never overlooks. Another standout feature is Alangkarn Farm’s unique soil blend, which customers often remember. “They say our soil has a distinct character, unlike any other. When combined with the right genetics and attentive care, it all works together to elevate the final result,” Big adds.
Big is well aware of the challenges that come with expansion. “I worry about market oversupply and the ability to sell, especially when I was scaling up while prices were already dropping. But I believe that if the product is truly high quality, it will still find its place,” he shares. He also expresses concern about maintaining quality control if everything were handed off to others, as his style is rooted in personally overseeing the details himself.
On the marketing front, Alangkarn Farm stands out through Big’s approachable personality and engaging content. “I believe in having a ‘real presence’—it builds customer trust and confidence,” he says. He prioritizes selecting strains that deliver great flavor and effects over simply aiming for high yields, and he constantly experiments with new genetics. Additionally, he focuses on building strong relationships with multiple regular buyers, rather than relying on a single exclusive partner.
Big’s journey in the cannabis world has offered him valuable life lessons. “It’s taught me to be more patient and calm. I’ve met great people in the community who are always willing to help and share. Most importantly, it’s shown me that cannabis isn’t the ‘villain’ many once believed it to be,” he reflects.
For those looking to enter the industry, Big offers this advice: “Even though prices may not be as high as in the early days, production inputs are now more accessible, and there’s a wealth of knowledge available. I suggest starting small—see if it’s truly the right path for you. Don’t jump in just because it looks like easy money. Genuine love and passion for growing plants is what will take you far and keep you going in the long run. If your product is truly high quality, there will always be a market.”
The Future of Thai Cannabis Through the Eyes of “Big Alangkarn Farm”
Big believes the future of Thai cannabis holds great potential, but the key lies in “responsible use and avoiding excessive visibility, to help foster better public understanding.” He sees cannabis as a healthier alternative compared to alcohol or tobacco, and emphasizes that maintaining “quality” along with ethical business practices is essential for the industry to grow strong and gain broad acceptance. “I believe that if we truly focus on quality, our products will never oversaturate the market,” he affirms.
The story of Big from Alangkarn Farm is living proof that success doesn’t come by chance—it’s built on passion, dedication, patience, and a relentless drive to learn. From a meticulous adenium master to the proud founder of a high-quality cannabis brand, every step of his journey has been marked by experimentation, adaptation, and an unwavering belief in the “Alangkarn” philosophy—not just grandeur on the outside, but true quality at the core. It’s the kind of difference that leaves a lasting impression, and the kind of care that flows sincerely from grower to consumer. Big’s journey is far from over, and there’s no doubt Alangkarn Farm will continue to contribute meaningful innovations to Thai agriculture—powered by a heart that truly loves plants, in the most Alangkarn way.
Alangkarn Farm Soil Mix Recipe!
- Fine-sieved fermented leaf mold (about 40%) – The core of soil richness, this natural source of organic matter and nutrients brings vitality and life to the soil.
- Coco coir (tannin-washed): about 40% – A vital companion that provides balanced moisture retention while improving aeration, allowing roots to spread freely and absorb nutrients efficiently.
- High-quality peat moss: about 10% – Enhances soil structure for better looseness and water retention, with a pH level ideal for healthy plant growth.
- Perlite: about 5% – White volcanic mineral granules that increase air pockets in the soil, promoting excellent aeration and drainage while reducing the risk of root rot.
- Carbonized rice husk (black husk): about 3% – Improves soil structure while serving as a source of silica and a habitat for beneficial microorganisms.
- Coarse sand: about 2% – A small but crucial component that enhances drainage, prevents soil compaction, and helps deter certain soil-dwelling insects.
