SUCCESSFUL WOMEN
5 Women in Thailand Who Are Dominating Their Fields
How do you view women in Thailand? Perhaps beauties with no brains? Submissive?
If so, I’m not surprised. Many think that we take the backseat in society. However, contrary to these beliefs, we are empowered.
In 1930, we were the first women on the continent to exercise our right to vote.
Today, we comprise 32% of the senior leadership positions among mid-market companies. This rate surpasses the global and Asian average rates of 27% and 26%, respectively (UN Women, n.d.).
Many capital movers in national development are also highly respected women in their fields of expertise. That said, these are a few women who are shaking things up in Thailand.
Design: Pattaraphan “Nok” Salirathavibhaga
Nok Salirathavibhaga is an internationally acclaimed jewelry designer. She describes her masterpieces as “effortlessly edgy” and “unapologetically Thai.”
Her eponymous brand name, “Pattaraphan,” which translates to “beautiful skin,” aptly describes the stunning effect of her unique jewelry, which has charmed clients worldwide, including celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Beyond design, Nok also partners with the Baan Dek Foundation and Elephant Nature Park to raise ecological awareness.
Culinary: Chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam
Chef Tam scored a double win this year, receiving the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award and becoming the first female Thai chef to lead a two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant.
She is the mastermind behind Baan Tepa’s farm-to-table concept and has been keen on strengthening links with local farmers to develop a more sustainable and Thai-rooted cuisine.
Indeed, her hard work is paying off, and she has come a long way since winning Thailand’s first Top Chef competition in 2017.
Technology: Oranuch “Mimee” Lerdsuwankij
Oranuch “Mimee” Lerdsuwankij is a pioneer of Thailand’s start-up industry. She is the CEO and co-founder of Techsauce, a national leader in innovative media and technology. She is also a member of Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center.
Aside from heading her highly successful tech business, Mimee also advocates using technology to help the marginalized in society, including refugees, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Fashion: Pipatchara “Petch” Kaeojinda
Pipatchara “Petch” Kaeojinda is one of the most prominent women in Thailand when it comes to fashion.
She is the founder and creative genius behind “Pipatchara” and its macramé-adorned leather bags.
However, before starting her fashion company, she worked with several international brands, such as Ralph Lauren in New York and Givenchy in Paris. Now, working closely with her sister, she has expanded her brand into women’s clothing.
Business: Aliza ‘Alice’ Napartivaumnuay
Alice, a woman with a passion for social innovation, is the co-founder of Social Giver, a platform that allows consumers to contribute to social causes. It offers deals and vouchers on luxury products, hotels, restaurants, and spa packages, and all its profits go toward social projects such as reforestation and education.
After spending almost a decade in the retail industry, Alice believes in the power of the public to make sustainable changes in society.
More than Beauty and Traditional Values
Although many still have an archaic view of women in Thailand, these five and numerous other women are proving public opinion wrong.
Thai women are known for their beauty and traditional values. However, their talents, intelligence, and innovation prove they offer much more than meets the eye.
Reference
UN Women. n.d. “Thailand.” UN Women Asia and The Pacific. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/countries/thailand.
