Forty internationally acclaimed Thais
Who are the world's most famous Thais? Big-name stars and politicians hit the headlines of the Thai press, but are they famous outside Thailand? Which Thais are well known to the average man on the street in, say, London, New York or Tokyo?
More often than not, the world’s most renowned Thais are not nearly that famous in Thailand. Many Thais who are well-known internationally, even household names, are relatively unknown in their native land.
For The Nation’s 40th anniversary year-end issue, we take a look at 40 internationally acclaimed Thais from different spheres of life, encompassing politics and public service to arts and the sciences, business, sports, media and more.
Our criteria in selecting the 40 are quite simple – their degree of exposure in international media, particularly in websites such as Wikipedia – the online encyclopaedia – but also in books and other publications, television and in our own newspaper, The Nation. The stories of many of these high-achieving Thais are heart-warming and inspiring, and in many cases have helped promote the cause of Thais and Asians in the international arena.
The list covers individuals from various fields, from former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, social activist Mechai Viravaidya, better known as “Mr Condom”, Fly Now founder Somchai Songwattana, national artist Thawan Duchanee, golfer Thongchai Jaidee, Krisana Kraisintu or “the gypsy pharmacist”, Unesco Prize winner for human rights education Vithit Muntarbhorn, ballet dancer Charin Yuthasastrkosol, Chumpol NaLamlieng - former president of Siam Cement, to director Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
A free copy will be distributed with your newspaper on December 28 as a token of gratitude and a New Year’s gift to all subscribers. The Web version will be launched after New Year.
