Editorial | The Art Mogul : MOCA founder Boonchai Bencharongkul on balancing business and culture

According to Buddhist teaching, change is the only constant in life. That’s certainly true for Elite+, which is celebrating our fourth anniversary as a bimonthly magazine by expanding to be a monthly publication next year. With this change, I would like to introduce my replacement as executive editor, Kamol Kamoltrakul, a former member of the board of Thai PBS and editor-in-chief of the Matichon newspaper, US edition. He has also been a columnist of many newspapers, including Bangkokbiznews, Kom Chat Luek, Prachachat Turakit and Siamrath Weekly. Joining him will be James R. Haft as an editor to assist Kamol to strengthen the contents of both the magazine and our online platforms. James has lived and worked in Thailand and the region as a journalist and creative director. He has been an editor of such magazines as Living in Thailand and the government’s Elite Club magazine, as well as written articles and books for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Together, with their help, I will be able to focus on my new role as managing director, overseeing the development of Praphansarn Co. Ltd., the holding company for Elite+ and other ventures.

As Thailand becomes even more popular, the country continues to attract more international investors, professionals and businesspeople to settle here. Therefore, our expanded issue will focus more on the expat and diplomatic community, activities and lifestyle. We plan to be a forum to introduce and share mutual interests with the local community as well as visitors to the Kingdom.

Now, in this, the last issue of 2018, we have two very interesting interviews. The first provides insight into the life and thinking of one of Bangkok’s most distinguished businessmen, Boonchai Bencharongkul, who is not only a pioneer in telecommunications in Thailand but also a philanthropist and respected art collector, investing his own money to build the country’s first private contemporary art museum, MOCA, Museum of Contemporary Art. We were also honoured to have the opportunity to talk with the very charming ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Kshenuka Senewiratne, who explains about Sri Lanka and Thailand’s close bonds through religion, international relations and economics as well as what she loves about living here.

Another feature introduces the BDMS Wellness Clinic, which is redefining the philosophy of wellness in Thailand through cutting-edge technology. In addition, we have a number of interesting pieces on wellness, art, dining and travel as well as another beautiful photo essay.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you all for your invaluable support and wish each of you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Warm regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor