In search of what underpins the temporal manifestations of some of Thailand’s most prominent, successful and socially conscious figures, Duangporn Choktippattana digs deep to find out what are their core values
SINCE DISCOVERING THE WAYS OF DHARMA, WONGVIPHA’S DAYS of hard partying are just distant memories. “Nowadays I value moderation in my lifestyle, a way of living in line with HM the King’s sufficiency economy theory. Extravagance, including my excessive drinking and spending habits brought me misery, though I never realised it at the time,” she elaborates. “Understanding what is essential or superfluous in life helps me to attain an inner peace.” From attending meditation retreats she has turned to organising one. It is an endeavour so popular and successful that the busy dame, who has lost neither her style nor grace, decided to put on hold her plan to publish a home-décor book.
THE CHAIRWOMAN OF TOSHIBA THAILAND LITERALLY LIVES BY her company’s slogan, “bringing good things to life”. “Helping people doesn’t necessarily involve giving away money,” she says. Toshiba being her instrument, Kobkarn steps up her eco-friendly initiatives by investing 80 million baht in green light bulbs. “In this case profit is not our priority since the bulbs won’t sell if they are priced too expensively.” The discerning businesswoman is also an advocate of nuclear power and heads the energy committee at the Thai Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to promoting the building of nuclear plants, we collaborate with the government in holding camps to educate children and teachers about the benefits of this alternative energy source.”
IT WAS NOT UNTIL FIVE YEARS AGO THAT KORAKOT TOOK UP meditation seriously. Practising it daily rids her mind of ego as well as guides her on life’s philosophies. “It’s about forward thinking and gratitude, for example being appreciative of one’s fortune,” says the director of Gaysorn Group, adding, “It reminds me that an action must be committed responsibly. In a way, it points out the need to do something constructive for society.” Preserving urban greenery is a cause Korakot strongly upholds, whether through her developments or personal contributions. Thus it is not surprising to find that the affable lady supports the restoration of gardens at the National Museum Bangkok, which upon completion thrives with rare and historical botanicals.
WHENEVER A BATON IS ENTRUSTED TO BUNDIT, HE MAKES A
commitment to “lead the orchestra and inspire the audience”. Both aspirations are combined in his new activity, Project Unity, which assembles 124 youths nationwide to play in an orchestra. Their story now airs on television as a reality show with Bundit acting as their mentor. “It brings a new dimension to local classical music. My goal is for Thais not to underestimate themselves but instead develop their potential,” the maestro says, echoing the thoughts he espouses in his three self-help books. Personally, the acclaimed conductor cherishes honesty. “I build my reputation on it and will not jeopardise my name by becoming involved in anything sleazy.”
THE MAN BEHIND AN ARRAY OF THAILAND’S COOLEST RESORTS IS perfectly content that 90 percent of his life revolves around his job. “I like this line from a song, it goes, ‘I love the life I live, and I live the life I love’. That’s very important,” reveals the celebrated architect and furniture shop co-owner. “Each project I take is a new milestone which keeps me on my toes. It gives my life an objective.” Recently embarked on a challenging stint in China, where he and eight other architects from Asia are to design houses set in a deep valley, Duangrit also has resorts underway in Cambodia and Laos. Disliking the notion of “style”, he says, “I like to work out something that’s simple, normal and new.”
