A cafe sparked outrage for operating what appeared to be a sick human zoo.

The Yen.CNX coffee shop runs the bizarre attraction, where factory workers harvest and separate tobacco leaves from a plantation in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.

Customers can sip coffee and tuck into delicious meals in the air-conditioned dining area as they watch impoverished villagers toiling in the heat from behind the transparent glass walls.

Others take selfies or pose for social media pictures in front of the struggling locals.

The vile display was slammed after cafe owner Suwadee Phanphanich, a former MP candidate and executive of a local hospital, posted a selfie of the 'human zoo' on her social media.

The photo showed the wealthy politician, decked in earrings, a necklace, and an expensive watch, enjoying a cold beverage and dessert as her employees slaved away behind her.

Cafe owner Suwadee defended the tone-deaf gimmick following the backlash.

She said: ‘I do not agree with the term 'Human Zoo' because it reflects the shallow thought of the speaker who saw it as a stereotype and demeans the heart of workers. They have honour and dignity, so we have to respect their way of life.

‘I would like to thank them for sharing their way of life with the younger generation because my grandfather used to work in a tobacco factory sorting leaves, which made me think of when I was a child running and playing inside.'

Suwadee said that the property was inherited from her family, who had a long history of tobacco sorting dating back to her grandfather's generation.

She claimed she hired designers to preserve the original architecture and 'tell the story of the past' of the family business.

Suwadee added: 'This cafe wasn't established for entertainment but is intended as a space for learning and sharing stories about a historically valuable occupation, always respecting the dignity of all workers.

'We sincerely confirm that we have never intended to devalue any occupation or trample on anyone's dignity. On the contrary, we believe that every profession has value and everyone has dignity that should be respected equally.

'Lastly, the shop would like to thank you for all the comments given to us. We will use the suggestions to improve and will always conduct business with respect, determination and responsibility towards society with the best of our ability.'

Despite the controversy, some locals said they would continue visiting the cafe.

One female customer said: 'I think the misunderstanding came from the angle the photo was taken. Seeing it in person, it's clear the atmosphere is very different from what people assumed. To me, it's just another selling point of the cafe. It's no different from showcasing how we make coffee.'