For this week’s Friday Future Listers, we celebrate diverse journeys of success.
Success looks different for everyone. It’s about courage, community, innovation, and legacy–values that go far beyond traditional measures. Koktail gathers five stories that have been shaping various definitions of success through passion, resilience, and impact. Together, their stories remind us that true achievement is about creating meaningful change, standing with others, and building a better future for all.
Take your time to delve into each story–these inspiring journeys might offer a little encouragement for your daily life and help you redefine success on your own terms.
Standing with the Silenced: Sirikan Charoensiri’s Pursuit of Meaningful Success
Sirikan “June” Charoensiri is a lawyer and human rights defender. As the co-founder of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) and founder of ENGAGE Thailand, June has spent over a decade standing alongside those whose voices are often silenced–from student activists to political prisoners.
Her journey into human rights law is more than about legal battles; it’s about people. In defending the 14 student activists from the New Democracy Movement, she took a stand for free expression and peaceful protest. The risks were real. She became the first Thai lawyer to be charged with sedition by the military junta, yet she never backed down.
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June’s courage and commitment led to her being named an International Woman of Courage in 2018. More recently, she shared TLHR’s experience at the Oslo Freedom Forum, joining global voices working to free political prisoners. She spoke about using UN mechanisms to push for justice in Thailand, while also learning from fellow defenders from countries like Russia, Guatemala, and the Philippines.
For her, success isn’t measured by recognition, but by the ability to stand with those whose rights are at risk, and to help move the needle even slightly toward fairness and freedom. In a landscape where many remain silent, her continued commitment offers a sense of purpose and quiet encouragement.
Success That Gives Back: Manoon and Jaruwan’s Commitment to People and Planet
Manoon Thanawang once worked in the energy sector along Thailand’s eastern seaboard before deciding to return to a quieter, more meaningful life in his hometown in Nan province. With roots in farming through his family, he was drawn back to the land to create something with long-term value. Looking for a sustainable crop that could benefit both people and the environment, he saw promise in cocoa: a chemical-free, year-round plant with growing demand.
With support from his wife, Jaruwan Jinasen, Manoon developed and registered a local cocoa strain, Nan 133, and together they founded Cocoa Valley, a cocoa farm, resort, and learning center. Blending traditional knowledge with modern tools, they promote eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture. By sourcing from local farmers, sharing expertise, and using digital platforms, they’ve helped reforest hillsides, boost rural incomes, and bring new value to their community.
Manoon and Jaruwan measure achievement by the positive changes they bring to their community and environment. Their journey shows how dedication and care can turn a simple crop into a source of pride and lasting benefit for many.
Driving Success in Crisis: Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi’s Impact on Thai Hospitality
The voice you just heard belongs to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a name that resonates in the world of music, and also in Thai hospitality. While many know her for her moving rendition of the soundtrack from the film First Love (2010), Marisa is also a prominent figure in Thailand’s hotel industry.
She is a respected leader in Thailand’s hospitality sector and past president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), where she has played a role in helping the industry through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Executive Vice President of the family-owned Sukosol Hotels, Marisa oversees operations across five properties in Bangkok and Chon Buri, including The Sukosol Bangkok and Siam Bayshore Pattaya.
Taking on the THA presidency in August 2020, just as the pandemic was reshaping global tourism, Marisa became a voice advocating for hoteliers of all sizes. She helped lead the industry’s reopening efforts, including initiatives like the Test & Go scheme, which made travel safer and more accessible. Her leadership emphasised collaboration, bringing together over 1,000 hotel members, and ensuring no one whether local operators or international brands was left behind. Before becoming president, Marisa chaired THA’s Environment Committee, reflecting her commitment to sustainability. All Sukosol Hotels are certified Green Hotels. Beyond the hospitality sector, she is also known for her civic engagement, notably founding the We Love Chao Phraya Community to protect Bangkok’s riverfront from overdevelopment.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating Thailand’s hotel industry through one of its most turbulent periods. Her success lies in turning crisis into coordinated action, advancing both recovery and long-term resilience within the hospitality sector.
Preserving Heritage, Building a Future: The Success of Thainchai Pisitwuttinan and Muay Thai
Thainchai “Bank” Pisitwuttinan is a passionate visionary who has dedicated himself to preserving and uplifting the spirit of Muay Thai, Thailand’s treasured martial art. As CEO of Global Sports Ventures (GSV), Bank has breathed new life into Rajadamnern Stadium, turning it into a world-class entertainment venue. Through the Rajadamnern World Series (RWS), which reaches audiences in over 200 countries, he has created a platform that celebrates the courage and dedication of fighters, bringing their stories and talents to the world stage.
Originally a management consultant, Bank’s deep love for Muay Thai inspired him to lead its revival when the pandemic threatened the future of the sport. His commitment goes beyond business; it is about creating a strong, sustainable community where fighters, trainers, promoters, and fans all thrive together. His vision is to make Muay Thai a global sport and a symbol of Thailand’s culture.
Bank’s leadership is seen in every aspect of his work, from modernising the stadium with world-class facilities to breaking new ground by welcoming female fighters for the first time at Rajadamnern. With every step, he honours the sport’s proud traditions while opening doors to a brighter future.
His success is reflected in the growing global recognition of Muay Thai, the modernisation of Rajadamnern Stadium, and the renewed pride among Thai people for their national sport–reimagined, respected, and ready to inspire future generations.
From Startup to Success: Win Vareekasem’s Impact on Southeast Asia’s Fastest-Growing Checkout Platform
Win Vareekasem is the co-founder of Beam, Southeast Asia’s first one-click checkout platform. Frustrated by clunky online payments, Win launched Beam in 2019 to simplify e-commerce, reducing checkout time to just 20 seconds. Under his leadership, Beam raised $5.2 million from top investors including Sequoia Capital’s Surge, surpassed $3 million in revenue, and partnered with over 1,000 merchants within 18 months.
Before founding Beam, Win studied aerospace engineering in the UK and worked as an aerodynamics researcher at Airbus. He later joined Roland Berger as a strategy consultant, becoming one of the firm’s youngest senior consultants at age 26. There, he led a joint venture with WeWork and helped launch Asia’s first Google Academy. These diverse experiences equipped Win with a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, shaping him into the visionary entrepreneur he is today.
Beyond Beam, Win is driving The Cashless Movement, a vision for a 90% cashless Thailand by 2030. He believes a faster, simpler checkout isn’t just about convenience–it’s the key to a more inclusive digital economy. Win combines technical expertise with strategic vision. His success reflects his ability to scale ideas, making him one of Thailand’s most promising young entrepreneurs.
