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A heartfelt finale to The Future List honourees of 2024, recognising the people whose vision, kindness, and dedication are shaping a brighter tomorrow.
As the curtain falls on The Future List 2024, we come together to celebrate more than just achievements. We honour also their compassion, creativity, and determination in contributing to a better world. This closing chapter is not an ending, but a passing of the baton, sending the light forward to those who shine in the 2025 edition.
Check out the full 2025 list by visiting this link.
We have been presenting the 2024 Future Listers during the past year, and conclude with the final four, sharing their journeys, their impact, and their words to inspire others. Because when people lead with heart, tomorrow shines brighter for us all.
Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan: Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Change, and Giving Voice to Indigenous Identity
A proud member of the Pgaz k’Nyau (Karen) community, Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, or Kru Chi, is the first from his group to earn a PhD and professorship in Thailand. Currently teaching geo-cultural management at Bodhivijjalaya College, Srinakharinwirot University, he works to keep traditional knowledge alive and relevant.
“The inspiration for my work comes from witnessing inequality in society for marginalised people and minority groups. This drives me to stand up and create change, addressing the gaps in social equity caused by misconceptions about ethnic communities and minorities.”
As co-founder of the Ethnic Wisdom Foundation in Chiang Mai and founder of the Karen Ecomuseum in Tak, Kru Chi has devoted his life to preserving and revitalising indigenous art and culture. In Mae Chaem, he helped shape a school curriculum that integrates Karen traditions and values.
His work with the traditional Tenaku harp, an ancient Sgaw Karen instrument, became a living voice for peace and cultural pride. He uses this instrument to challenge stereotypes and communicate the truths of indigenous identity. By modernising the traditional, blending its cultural roots with global music styles, it has brought his work from the local stage to the world.
In 2021, Kru Chi received the Ostana Prize from Italy for his commitment as an artist who incorporates his mother tongue into songs and music. But his most meaningful legacy may be the new generation of Karen youth he’s nurturing.
Kru Chi shares some words of wisdom in his hope to inspire:
“When praised, do not become complacent. When criticised, do not feel disheartened or resentful.”
Paricha Duangtaweesub: Innovating Social Justice Through Design, Youth Engagement, and Futures Thinking
As an adjunct faculty member at the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation, Paricha Duangtaweesub taught design innovation for social justice since 2019 and mentored Design for Thailand, a student club he co-founded in 2022 that partners with Thai organisations to address social challenges through design thinking. Under his guidance, students have tackled projects ranging from alternative tourism in Northern Thailand to feminine healthcare in underserved communities, and waste management initiatives on campus.
“I am motivated by the opportunity to help others become better versions of themselves and to create better ways of doing good for the world through processes and tools.”
Currently, Paricha serves as a Consultant and Youth Engagement Strategist at the Thailand Institute of Justice. In this position, he develops and implements tools, curricula, and evaluation methods to scale human-centred design and foresight approaches on social justice topics across higher education.
“I take pride in always striving to make positive changes wherever I am.”
At the 5th World Congress for Justice with Children in 2025, he co-facilitated a futures workshop with the JWC Youth Advisory Committee, using the Arcadia: Futures Drawn in Crayon toolkit to design child-centred justice solutions. The outcomes included AI-enabled animal guides, a spa-like relaxation room, a narrative photobook on trauma, and a virtual safe space.
Paricha’s approach combines futures thinking, participatory learning, and playful creativity to reimagine systems and inspire positive change. He shares his best advice with us resonating beyond work:
“My dad taught me that if I’m not getting an answer that makes sense, I’m probably asking the wrong question. His approach to business is rooted in personal accountability: we should take responsibility for our actions and be the change we want to see. When faced with uncertainties or disagreements, I first adjust my approach, asking different questions or changing methods to find common ground before expecting others to adapt.”
Khemupsorn “Cherry” Sirisukha: Bringing Joy, Care, and Sustainability to Every Life She Touches
A renowned Thai actress, Khemupsorn “Cherry” Sirisukha has turned her public platform into a force for environmental and social change. Witnessing the devastating drought in Nan Province–a consequence of deforestation–motivated her to establish Little Forest, an initiative dedicated to reforestation, building check dams, and preserving local traditions and ways of life.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cherry recognised the challenges faced by small farmers in selling their organic produce. In response, she founded SiriThai, a social enterprise supporting rural communities. Starting with organic rice from Ban Khok Sa-at in Sakon Nakhon, SiriThai later expanded into handcrafted, made-to-order soaps using high-quality rice bran oil from local organic farms in Yasothon. Every product is produced with sustainability, fair trade, and minimal waste in mind, reflecting Cherry’s commitment to ethical and eco-conscious practices.
She further amplifies her mission through Little Big Green, a social media platform encouraging environmentally friendly lifestyles while creating value for community-made products. Her work blends creativity, care, and enterprise, showing that business and social responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
Cherry reflects,
“Through every tree we plant, every product we craft, and every community we uplift, we take a step towards a healthier, more joyful world. I hope my actions inspire others to embrace care and intention in their own lives, because even small efforts can create meaningful change.”
Apichat Aphaiwong, DPhil: Cultivating Knowledge, Empathy, and Opportunity in Thailand’s Innovation Landscape
Apichat “Alex” Aphaiwong, a DPhil graduate from St. John’s College, Oxford, served as a Policy Specialist at Thailand’s Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO). Transitioning from a background in synthetic organic chemistry to policy research, Alex rotated across divisions to gain a holistic understanding of Thailand’s innovation and research priorities. He led research in technology foresight and international partnerships, collaborating with organisations such as APEC and UN ESCAP.
As a chemist, Alex earned a gold medal at the 35th International Chemistry Olympiad in Athens in 2003. Beyond academia, he contributed to the Generation initiative implemented as the GenNX Model by Generation Thailand, offering intensive boot camps for aspiring software developers.
He explained,
“The programme also serves as a platform to bridge the gap between employers and job-seekers, especially those who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He also plays a key role in Thailand’s OECD accession efforts through the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP).
Known for his strategic foresight and international collaboration skills, Alex combines technical expertise with a commitment to human-centred approaches. Recently, he began serving in the Working Group of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, further helping to shape Thailand’s innovation landscape.
Alex reflects on a source of inspiration:
“One of my favourite works is The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Its storytelling, grounded in the theory of natural selection, constantly reminds me that adaptability is key to thriving in a disruptive world.”
