Damien Masselis
Co-Founder, President and Projects Manager
After graduating from business and management school (Reims, France, 2007) Damien travelled in Asia for a year in search of inspiration and meaning, which he found in Thailand. His determination, enthusiasm and entrepreneur mindset have led him to different positions (manager of a restaurant, chef, teacher, farmer, project manager…) which enriched the diversity of his holistic approach to resilience and Transition.
He is passionate about the traditional cultures of his host country and has always been inspired by its living tradition and its unique art de vivre. His love of good food and the philosophy of the Dao have led him to study and experiment with permaculture, agro-forestry, regenerative agriculture and soil micro-biology.
His dream for Pai Seedlings Foundation is now to give the adventure a collective dimension, generating development projects that foster social, economical and environmental resilience, as well as wider participation of everyone in society. As he likes to remind us, “if eating food is one of your daily habits, then you can be part of the solution”.
He is the author of the Manifeste d’Ecologie Intérieure (available only in french at the moment here) where he explores the intimate relationship between our inner transformations and the socio-economical-ecological transition of the world today.
Education & Expertise: project design & management (RMS Business School), ecosystem restoration (Ecosystem Restoration Design School, John D.Liu), soil micro-biology (Soil Food Web School, Dr. Elain Ingham), sustainable design (PunPun Self Reliance center, Thamturakit Social Enterprise, Ajarn Jon Jandai)
Lyse Kong
Co-Founder, Vice-President, Projet Manager and Communication
Director
After leaving city life in Paris, a master in chemistry plus 10 years working in corporate business, Lyse decides to reconnect with who she wants to bring into the world. Reconnecting with Nature becomes a passion and she decides to graduate and perform her PDC (Permaculture Design Course) in 2014.
Her passion for growing easily led her to create her own permaculture gardens. She creates substainibility in all areas of her life as the holistic appproach to well-being and resilience becomes essentials in creating a life of abundance and wisdom.
In 2018, she also build her own house with Damien and starts teaching natural building during workshops at Pai Seedlings Foundation
At the same time, she becomes life coach and support women entrepreneures to thrive in all area of their by developping resilient online activities.
What she brings to Pai Seedlings Foundation is a relentless dedication to her dreams of a sustainable world.
Phatchanat Maneepakorn
board of directors
Pi Gung is a long term friend whose love and dedication for natural lifestyles was born in the same place as Damien and Lyse: in Pun Pun Self Reliant Center, an inspiring project lead by Ajarn Jon Jandai near Chaing Mai.
Not nly did she build her own natural house, she also runs a small farm to table restaurant and is one of the most acclaimed chefs in Pai dueto her creativity, love of traditional flavors and relentless efforts to bring the best ingredients into her kitchen.
Methaporn Chotchatbovon
Administrative assistant and projects coordinator
Hello, my name is Boom. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the Pai Seedlings Foundation.
My mission is to coordinate projects to run smoothly, aiming for success with meaningful social impact. I am 47 years old, and I chose to work here because it is not just a job; it is a meaningful way of life. Waking up and engaging in activities with energy and joy is a dedication to alleviating the suffering of others.
I particularly enjoy working on the regenerative agriculture project in Ban Muang Noi. I relish being in nature, in a small village, working with the Karen people. Witnessing their love, purity, and simplicity, I have learned so much from this project.
“The world changes when our hearts change.”
When our hearts are calm, we can better understand the problems of people and nature, and we can use our experiences to help and share with everyone. This is my love and happiness. Thank you.
“I’m just tap in and let it flow”
Methaporn Chotichatbaworn
Project Coordinator
Pratchawin Somsak
Business developer
Accomplished professional with a proven track record in business development at both local and international levels. Successfully founded and managed a startup focused on social enterprise and organic farming, showcasing entrepreneurial acumen. Possess over a decade of experience as a sustainability and corporate social responsibility executive, driven by unwavering integrity and robust ethical principles.
Aspiring to bring extensive expertise to the Business Development Manager position at Pai Seedlings Foundation, I am deeply passionate about optimizing business processes. My commitment to sustainability is evident in a consistent track record of integrating environmental and social impacts for enhanced growth and profitability.
Known for clear communication and adeptly reframing complex issues, I leverage a systems thinking approach to orchestrate effective change.
A dynamic team player and leader, I have a history of inspiring and challenging others to reach their full potential. Ready to contribute my strategic vision and hands-on experience to drive success in the Agriculture Supply Chain change at the hold system.
Areas of Expertise:
● Sustainability
● Strategic Planning and Integration
● SupplyChainManagement
● Communications/SocialMedia
● StakeholderEngagement
● Board and Team Leadership
● CorporateSocialResponsibility(CSR)
● BusinessEthics
● SystemsThinking
Saengchan Ekyotanasakul
Farm manager
I am passionate about self-reliance, love living in harmony with nature, learning and respecting various cultural ways, believing in the value of humanity and living life based on factors. 4. What is needed is food, shelter, clothing and medicine. adequate self-reliance Therefore it has important meaning. It is enough that if a human being were to live a normal life and be a part of nature. So you have to learn and practice. So I started learning to know that tiny seeds How it does wonders for the land as it sprout and grows after receiving water, organic nutrients, and warm sunlight to grow the seedlings that are necessary and important for the food that humans will use to sustain life. My passion therefore focuses on producing raw materials, ingredients or food components that are clean, safe, with love and compassion for the soil, water, insects and plants, leading to a correct cooking process and health care. My happiness is working in the garden, growing vegetables and fruits to bring to the table. This is my important role and duty here in the Tonkla Pai community and I will do it everywhere. that I can create opportunities to do it With thanks.
Khampan Kamphaengkaeo
Farm manager
Lung Khampan (Uncle Khampan) brings his invaluable knowledge and experience in local traditional agriculture. Non of what we do at the farm would be possible without him.