Celebrating Thai women creating international impact

On International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8^th, Thai PBS World has compiled a list of eight Thai women who are making an international impact.

1. Nualphan Lamsam

A fifth-generation scion of the Lamsam family, Nualphan, aka “Madame Pang”, is best known as the CEO of Muang Thai Insurance and the sole distributor of Hermes luxury goods in Thailand. Nualphan also plays a huge role in Thai sports, having previously led Thailand’s women’s national football team, before assuming the role as the president of the Football Association of Thailand, the very first female to do so in its 103-year history.

2. Ariya Jutanugarn

Of the many female golfers in Thailand, Ariya stands out with a long-list of outstanding achievements and for being first Thai golfer to win an LPGA championship. Her older sister, Moriya, is also a professional golfer. The Jutanugarn sisters were chosen by the Thailand Foundation as dual recipients of the Public Diplomacy Award 2023, for their continuous contributions in promoting Thailand through their achievements in the international ladies’ golf arena.

3. Fawn Veerasunthorn

The Thai film director and storyboard artist, was behind the success of the Walt Disney animated features “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Wish”. Born in Thailand’s Chonburi province, Fawn initially studied medicine at Mahidol University, but later decided to move to the United States to study fine arts, on the recommendation of her friend. Since then, Fawn has worked on several animated films which have enjoyed global success, including Despicable Me 2, Frozen, Moana and Zootopia.

4. Saiphin Moore

A Thai chef and businesswoman who has achieved prominent success away from her hometown, establishing Thai cuisine in the UK. Born into a family of farmers, in Thailand’s Phetchabun province, her culinary journey began when she was 14, when she opened her own noodle stall. Later, she moved to Hong Kong to work as a nanny and opened her first restaurant, Tuk Tuk Thai. Saiphin founded Rosa’s Thai Cafe in 2008 after moving to London, which now boasts 40 branches across the UK.

5. Alice Bhandhukravi

Alice Bhandhukravi is a reporter and TV presenter for the BBC in London. She can be seen anchoring the evening news, as well as out on location covering all the stories affecting the capital city, from crime and politics, to human interest stories and the arts. Alice has been at the BBC since 2006, after moving from finance to journalism.

She was born in Bangkok, to a Thai father and British mother and she is very proud of her Thai heritage. “Growing up in Britain, Thai or South East Asian faces on TV were a rare sight. Now, with diversity filling on our screens, I hope it encourages South East Asian children to dream big” she told Thai PBS World

6. Adulaya Hoontrakul

Adulaya ‘Kim’ Hoontrakul is the director of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). A graduate of SOAS and Lasalle College of the Arts, she is now spearheading one of the top art institutes in Thailand. With over one and a half million visitors per year, the BACC plays an important role in bringing Thai artists to an international audience.

7. Pannabha Chandraramya

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pannabha, who is Thailand’s Ambassador to Israel, has had a major role in negotiating with the Thai and Israeli governments to tracking down Thai nationals who were taken hostage by Hamas militants. She also leads efforts on the ground to help Thai workers who have been affected by the war, especially those working in the construction and agricultural sectors.

8. Krisana Kraisintu

Widely dubbed the “Gypsy Pharmacist”, Krisana is best known for inventing modern and herbal medicines to treat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other deadly diseases, both in Thailand and abroad. She has recently been named medical scientist of the year by the Medical Sciences Foundation and Department of Medical Sciences for her dedication to improving and ensuring access to medical care for all.