Inspiring Thai women
In today’s world, it’s clear that lots of outstanding women don’t get as much praise as they deserve, even though they’ve done so much for society. We really need to give them props and celebrate their accomplishments.
Since March is the month of International Women’s Day, it’s worth mentioning these admirable women who are brave, strong, and have brought change to the nation.
Like anywhere in the world, Thailand takes pride in our courageous and accomplished women who have shown leadership and performed noble acts for the betterment of our country. So, take a look at these 7 inspiring Thai women who have played significant roles in Thailand.
1. Paveena Hongsakul (ปวีณา หงสกุล) — the founder of Pavena Foundation for Children and Women
Many Thai people have heard her name mentioned numerous times on TV programs. Paveena Hongsakul is a compassionate woman who works tirelessly as a social worker, providing assistance to women and children in Thailand. She is the founder of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women and has dedicated many years to aiding victims, whether they are women who have experienced sexual abuse or children who have suffered mistreatment.
For her education, she attained two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and two honorary degrees. Additionally, she has held diverse positions, including roles in politics.
Thanks to her dedication, hard work, and goodness, she was listed in many political polls, such as Most Liked Female Politicians and Most Honest Politicians. She also earned many honours. The most noteworthy ones are the Royal Thai Awards of Maha Wachira Mongkut in 1999 and Maha Porama Pornchangpuek in 2000.
2. Majcha Phon-in (เจี๊ยบ มัจฉา) — an NGO worker defending human rights and supporting LGBT
Image credit: มติชนออนไลน์
Majcha Phon-in aka Jeab Majcha is an activist who made the list of the World’s Most Inspiring and Influential Women In 2023 released by BBC.
Majcha Phon-in is a human rights defender who dedicates herself to actively promoting the rights of indigenous women to access environmental resources and advocates for issues like Economic Justice and forest reclamation policies. Additionally, she leads movements to end gender-based violence in the region. Simultaneously, she works to protect land rights and environmental justice for marginalized communities and those displaced by climate change.
Growing up near the border, she experienced mistreatment as a result of not conforming to society’s traditional gender norms. In rural areas of Thailand, acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t as prevalent as in major cities like those in central Thailand. She encountered violence against women and discrimination firsthand, which motivated her to address these issues along the border through her work.
While Jeab Majcha isn’t widely known in today’s Thai society, we view this International Women’s Day as an opportune moment to introduce her to a wider audience.
3. Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul (รุ้ง ปนัสยา) — a Thai activist who fights for real democracy
Image credit: มติชนออนไลน์
From a shy kid to a brave leader who publicly demanded real democracy for Thailand, Rung Panusaya is an activist who made the list of 100 Women 2023 by BBC.
In 2020, Rung became widely known when she spoke on a stage at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus on August 10 and read a 10-point manifesto calling for monarchy reform and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Her actions sparked controversy and led to her subsequent arrest, but she was bailed at a later time. Many Thais showed her support as she displayed courage in leading the protests and trying to democratise the royal institution.
She said she had been a shy kid before until she became an exchange student in the USA where she gained more confidence and became more talkative. Her passion for politics was ignited when she entered Thammasat University, making her engage in political activities.
4. Kotchakorn Voraakhom (กชกร วรอาคม) — helps solve community problems
Image credit: PostToday
As a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Kotchakorn is a skilled architect who has numerous works focusing on utilising urban spaces to address climate change issues.
Kotchakorn’s notable works feature Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park, serving as the city’s water retention area, the largest rooftop healing garden in Thailand at Ramathibodi Hospital, and Chong Nonsi Canal Park, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
She also collaborated with volunteer designers and students globally. Using their expertise in landscape architecture and urban planning, they tackle urban challenges in communities affected by water-related issues and climate change across Thailand.
5. Cindy Sirinya Bishop (ซินดี้ บิชอพ) — supports gender equality and raises awareness of sexual harassment
Both an actress, a model, and a host, Cindy Sirinya Bishop works to promote gender equality through education and community and governmental engagement in Thailand and publicly criticises all kinds of violence towards women. Her contributions led to her being designated as the Asian-Pacific region’s first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women.
Upon the issuance of guidelines at the 2019 Songkran festival advising women to dress modestly to prevent sexual harassment, Sandy introduced the #DontTellMeHowToDress hashtag.
Sandy has written kids’ books that teach body safety, rights, and respectful relationships. She believes everyone deserves freedom and equality, inspiring young people to embrace these values.
6. Karuna Buakamsri (กรุณา บัวคำศรี) — award-winning reporter who brings attention overlooked global issues
As for the field of journalism, most of us are familiar with Karuna Buakamsri — who has worked in this field for over 20 years. She started working for Bangkok Post and later got a scholarship to further her studies in the UK. After graduating, she spent some time working for ABC Australia before moving back to Thailand and continuing her job as a reporter.
She is well well-recognised for producing documentaries about events and places in many countries all over the world on her YouTuber channel, รอบโลก by กรุณา บัวคำศรี. Her documentaries offer valuable insights as she personally explores those places, engages with locals, and captures authentic atmospheres for viewers to experience. In her videos, she delves into topics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the lives of sex workers in India, the complexities of climate change, the unique lifestyles of various tribes, and numerous other subjects that may not typically receive widespread attention.
She stated in an interview with The Cloud, a Thai online magazine, that working as a reporter often presents numerous obstacles. However, she emphasized that maintaining a positive mindset and nurturing a strong passion for her work have been invaluable tools in overcoming these challenges. Another key is problem-solving skills as a reporter will face plentiful uncontrollable situations during their work.
We admire her as a remarkably skilled and seasoned news reporter who possesses a deep understanding of global affairs and adeptly conveys knowledge through her work.
7. Dr Krisana Kraisintu (ศ.ภญ.ดร.กฤษณา ไกรสิน) — a generous doctor who invented medicine in Asia and Africa
Screenshot: อุ๋ย บุดด้าเบลส via YouTube
Prof. Dr Krisana Kraisintu deserves much respect as she is a generous doctor who went to many countries in Africa, built factories to create medicine, and taught locals to invent medicine to deal with Malaria and HIV/AIDS. Plus, she pioneered the development of various medications to address diabetes and hypertension, ensuring widespread accessibility to these essential treatments for people in need.
Also, she played a key role in creating drugs to address HIV/AIDS in Thailand, positioning Thailand as the pioneering developing country to manufacture generic HIV/AIDS medications.
With her commitments, she is named “Angel Pharmacist”, “Gypsy Pharmacist”, and “Heroine on the Field”. She was awarded with Global Scientist Award from The Letten Foundation in Norway Honorary Pharmacist from Hospital Pharmacists’ Society of Thailand, Asian of the Year 2008 in Reader’s Digest Magazine and more.
With all her contributions, her name should certainly be highlighted on every International Women’s Day.
Celebrating these inspiring Thai women this International Women’s Day
Based on what they do, there’s every reason to support these inspiring Thai women. We admire their contributions to society and the positive changes they bring. For all Thais, International Women’s Day is a good day to celebrate them and be grateful we have them in our nation. Keep supporting them!
For more similar articles to read, explore 9 Thai actors who appeared in international movies, badass historical Thai women we had in our past periods, and 8 Muay Thai legends that capture their hearts.
Cover image adapted from: Thairath and @cindysirinya via Instagram