Kokkaew Narkbua 

FOUNDER, PRUNGROSS SEA SALT; PIONEER OF PATTANI FINE SALT MOVEMENT

Industry : Food

Kokkaew Narkbua is the founder of PrungRoss, a Thai seasoning brand established in 2023 with a focus on premium, locally sourced ingredients from Southern Thailand. His professional background includes a master’s degree and experience in global consumer goods companies, notably Procter & Gamble (P&G). During his tenure managing the lower Southern region of Thailand for P&G, Kokkaew developed a strong connection to the area, particularly while based in Hat Yai. This experience led him to discover numerous underrepresented Thai ingredients, sparking his interest in community-driven business initiatives.

One such discovery was traditional sea salt production in Pattani Bay, a practice with a history spanning over 400 years. Recognising the decline in saltwork areas, now constituting just 1% of Thailand's total sea salt production, Kokkaew saw an opportunity to revitalise this heritage. He collaborated directly with local village leaders to source high-quality sea salt, characterised by its unique flavour profile. Through research and development, and with input from esteemed Thai chefs such as Chef Tan of GOAT, this sea salt was refined into flakes specifically designed for fine dining applications.

PrungRoss Sea Salt Flakes from Pattani Bay became the first product of its kind, intentionally created for Thailand’s fine dining scene. This initiative not only introduced a distinctive seasoning to upscale restaurants but also contributed to the sustainable future of Pattani's saltworks. By bridging traditional practices with modern culinary demands, Kokkaew's work has positively impacted both local communities and the broader Thai gastronomic landscape.