Editorial | Pilada Intanate : A New Millennial IT CEO

After the coronavirus second wave lockdown, it appears that Thailand has once again weathered the storm, allowing the Government to begin to lift restrictions. Travel is now allowed between most provinces as well as dining in restaurants. Children are attending school and many people have returned to their offices. Soon, it is hoped that vaccines will arrive and inoculations will begin, and then, after this, international tourism will begin to be restored. With all this, it seems we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.

So, for this issue of Elite+, we have compiled a collection of articles that together convey this sense of optimism. This begins with our cover story, an interview with a young and energetic, new millennial IT CEO, Pilada Intanate, who is helping to take Thailand towards the forefront in digital services. Our Marketing Mind column, written by Jackie Chulya, continues this theme, looking more closely at digital marketing and the rise of e-commerce.

In this issue, you also have an exclusive opportunity to meet HE Tshewang C Dorji, Bhutan’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, as he discusses the close relationship between Bhutan and Thailand and the importance of “Gross National Happiness”, or “GNH”, an important policy to be considered when planning national development. Just before this, Kathleen Pokrud tells of the success of the “10th Celebration of Silk: Thai Silk Road to The World 2020” achieved through the cooperation of the extensive diplomatic community in Thailand and Thai design students and their academic advisors. Then, towards the end of the magazine, she introduces us to Madame Marie Patricia Cotter, wife of Ireland’s ambassador to Thailand, who herself had an illustrious career in public service.

As the new fruit season is upon us, we take a look at the eastern fruit basket of Thailand, Chanthaburi, which also offers travellers some of the most beautiful, mountainous and coastal scenery to explore. In this issue, Pongpol Adireksarn takes us into the wilds of northwest Canada in search of bears and rare wildlife. We also take you for a healing session at the luxurious Panacee Wellness Khao Yai mountain retreat before dining at Bangkok’s “Fat Lamb” known for its gourmet Mediterranean cuisine prepared by 2019 Iron Chef champion, Chef Yakub. After this, Dr Pisuth Lertvilai writes to ease your mind about aging and how to stay feeling young and vital.

To then end this issue, Anchalee Vivathanachai tells a somewhat morose story about survival before ending on a positive note after which Ezra Kyrill Erker closes the magazine with his photo essay sharing the mesmerizing sights of Ubon Ratchathani.

To end, let me just say, I hope this issue of Elite+ will leave you with a sense of optimism as well as ideas to make your life more pleasurable in the days ahead.

Warm Regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor