Kratom Strains

Thai Kratom Strains & Their Effects

Kratom strains are typically named after the color — with white, green, and red being the most common — and the origin. For example, Green Thai kratom describes a green vein strain originating from Thailand. Like all other strains, Thai kratom has a unique blend of alkaloids that produce an effect profile, unlike any other strain.

This article serves as a general guide for using Thai kratom, including the effects expected from the different colors of Thai kratom. It also discusses the recommended dosage for Thai strains and some of the best places to buy them.

Written by Wade Paul
Last Updated 2 years ago

Wade Paul

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Wade Paul is the founder and editor-in-chief at Kratom.org.

What Is Thai Kratom?

Thai kratom comes from Mitragyna speciosa, also called the kratom tree, and is harvested exclusively in Thailand. While all kratom leaves are harvested from this species, the origin of the leaves can make a difference in the effects. Specifically, the climate and soil conditions — and even the natural harvesting process used — in a particular region can affect the alkaloid levels.

Once the leaves are harvested from the kratom trees in Thailand, they are dried out and crushed into a fine powder. That powder is what users consume directly or in kratom capsules.

What Does Thai Kratom Do?

Thai kratom can have wildly different effects based on when the leaves are harvested. White Thai kratom is made from leaves plucked early on in the tree’s maturation process when the levels of the alkaloid mitragynine are highest. Green Thai kratom is harvested at peak maturity, and Red Thai kratom is harvested after the leaves mature and begin to turn red.

The effects you’ll experience depend heavily on the color of Thai kratom you consume, each of which is discussed separately below.

Also see: How Is Kratom Harvested?

White Thai Kratom Effects

White Thai kratom has high levels of the alkaloid mitragynine, which is best known for its stimulative properties. Most users report feeling a sudden and intense surge of energy, akin to drinking several cups of strong coffee. One notable difference about the stimulation is that most people describe it as extreme but without the jitteriness that caffeine can provide.

Many users also claim that White Thai kratom can improve focus, making it a popular option for students and business professionals looking to gain an edge. The potential for improved mental performance and acuity is coupled with feelings of motivation and rejuvenation, which can add to the experience.

Some white strains can cause anxious feelings or be overwhelming, especially for new users. One benefit of White Thai kratom is that these adverse effects of other white strains don’t appear to be as common with White Thai.

Green Thai Kratom Effects

Like most other green strains, Green Thai kratom offers a relatively balanced effects profile that includes something for everyone, depending on the dosage. However, a critical difference between this and other green strains is that the intensity of the effects tends to be higher.

Most users report increased focus and a boosted mood when taking Green Thai kratom, promoting work and school performance. While the stimulation from Green Thai kratom is said to be quite potent, users also note that the strain provides some semblance of a calm mind and general relaxation. Although these effects might seem counterintuitive, this is a widely accepted effect of Green Thai kratom that is likely due to the balanced levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

In higher doses, Green Thai tends to be more relaxing and sedative in nature than stimulating. Some users take it for pain relief, and while it can be less useful for reducing pain than red strains, it also doesn’t provide the same sedation and sleepiness. As such, it’s a popular choice for daytime pain cessation.

Red Thai Kratom Effects

Red Thai kratom is quite the opposite of the white vein variety. It can provide minor stimulation in smaller doses, but most users take it for relaxation and sedation. Red Thai kratom is often cited as one of the best strains for unwinding after a long, stressful day and can make a great sleep aid when taken before bed.

Like most other red vein kratom strains, Red Thai kratom is highest in levels of the alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is the anxiolytic and pain-relieving component in kratom. As such, this strain can provide decent pain relief, although it’s more commonly used to induce a sense of inner peace and calmness.

Some other commonly reported but less intense effects of Red Thai kratom include a mild boost to energy in smaller doses and a mood boost.

Thai Kratom Recommended Dosage

There is no ideal dose of kratom, and what’s right for you might not be right for most other people. The dosage you should take will depend on the effects you’re looking for, your experience with and tolerance to kratom, and the strain you’ve selected. Below are some general guidelines for Thai kratom dosage based on the effect you’re after.

Best Dose for Stimulation & Enhanced Focus

A standard dose of Thai kratom for stimulation and nootropic benefits is between 1 and 3 grams. For most people, White Thai kratom will be the best for these effects, although Green Thai kratom can also provide these benefits.

Best Dose for Balanced Effects

As you might expect, a moderate dose is best for balanced effects. Consider taking between 2 and 5 grams of kratom powder if you’re looking for a sense of calmness while remaining focused and alert. For most users, Green Thai kratom will be the best option for these effects.

Best Dose for Relaxation & Anxiety Relief

If you’re looking for relaxation and relief from stress or anxiety, you will likely benefit most from Red Thai kratom or Green Thai kratom. Red Thai is more likely to provide a more profound sense of relaxation and greater relief from stress, but many people use both for these effects. The standard dosage for relaxation and anxiety relief is between 3 and 6 grams.

Best Dose for Pain Relief & Sedation

If you’re looking to relieve pain, unwind after a long day, or need help falling asleep, a higher dose of between 4 and 8 grams is likely best for you. Red Thai kratom is usually the best option for these purposes, as it contains the highest concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Best Places to Buy Thai Kratom

Thai kratom is relatively popular, so you’ll very likely find it in most sources that sell kratom. You have two options for buying kratom: in-person and online. Generally speaking, online is better because local kratom suppliers often don’t specialize in kratom and have higher prices. Local sources for kratom also rarely put their products through testing because they don’t source them themselves.

Even when buying kratom online, you need to be careful where you buy your product from. You should always choose a kratom supplier that puts its products through rigorous third-party testing to ensure quality, potency, and safety. It’s also wise to purchase from a company that provides a good return policy or, better yet, a satisfaction guarantee. Below are three of the best online kratom stores to buy your kratom.

1. Kona Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $45.00 — $115.00
Verified Vendor

Kona Kratom

4.95 / 5
Ranked 1 out of 190 vendors

Kona Kratom is an industry leader in quality and potency, but its prices are still reasonable and accommodate most users. Kona puts its kratom through third-party lab testing and posts the results online for users to see before committing to a purchase.

This company sells a nice variety of kratom strains in powder and capsule form. It provides a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, so you can always shop with confidence, knowing that you’ll get a potent and premium product.

2. VIP Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $40.00 — $125.00
Verified Vendor

VIP Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 4 out of 190 vendors

VIP Kratom is the go-to vendor for countless kratom users who want the most potent and fast-acting kratom available. There are plenty of shops that sell diluted kratom or even substitutes, and VIP is where customers turn to get away from similar shady business practices.

VIP Kratom comes at a higher price than many other vendors, but you get what you pay for. The company offers a satisfaction guarantee and posts its lab tests online, so you will always know what you’re getting when you order from the site.

VIP Kratom has a great selection of kratom strains, many of which are available in both powder and capsule form.

3. Star Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $35 — $95
Verified Vendor

Star Kratom

4.9 / 5
Ranked 2 out of 190 vendors

Star Kratom is best-known in the kratom industry for its super-fast shipping speeds, with most orders arriving a mere two days after the order is placed. Star Kratom is about average in price, but it still sells high-quality kratom that is well worth the investment.

All of Star Kratom’s products are lab-tested, and the results are available on the company’s website. Your order will always be backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and a great return policy, so you can order with confidence.

Star Kratom has a smaller selection of kratom than many other vendors. However, it stocks both powders and capsules, and it usually has common strains like Thai kratom.

Similar Kratom Strains

Thai kratom is popular enough that it shouldn’t be difficult to find. However, some users find joy in sampling different strains. If that sounds like you, and you want something similar to the potent Thai kratom strains, the below options should appeal to you:

Maeng Da Kratom

Maeng Da kratom is one of the most prevalent and widely-loved kratom strains. It is known to be relatively high in alkaloid levels, and it has a relatively quick onset of effects, much like Thai kratom. Maeng Da is typically a bit less potent than Thai, but the effects are similar enough that proponents of one should like the other.

Bali Kratom

Bali kratom comes from the island of Bali, which is in Indonesia. The levels of the primary alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — in Bali kratom are similar to those in Thai kratom. However, the other minor alkaloids provide a slightly different experience that will satisfy anyone who loves Thai kratom.

Borneo Kratom

As the name suggests, Borneo kratom hails from the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It’s another high-potency option that provides a similar experience to Thai kratom. Some users find Borneo equally as overwhelming as Thai kratom, making both of them best for experienced users.

Kratom leaf and flower.

Final Thoughts: Which Thai Kratom Is Right for You?

Thai kratom, which comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Thailand, is a very popular strain that provides kratom users with high potency and an intense kratom experience. It has a high alkaloid content, which can mean that it’s overwhelming for some users, so you should keep your initial dose low if you’re a beginner to kratom.

White Thai kratom is considered one of the best strains for potent stimulation and nootropic effects. Green Thai kratom is great for inducing mild relaxation and relieving some stress. Many users looking for pain relief, sedation, or help sleeping turn to Red Thai for help.