Piriya Vachajitpan

CEO and Co-Founder, Art Auction Centre

Industry : Business

Piriya’s role in the world of art began as a collector–of fossils and antiques, no less. Since childhood, his parents would take him to visit museums, and gift him with fossils, starting his collection. After graduating in marketing, he gained experience at various companies, taking up any challenges that were thrown at him as opportunities to learn and grow. During his stint as managing director of the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Company he merged his love for art with tourism by featuring the iconic 3-eyed kid by street artist Alex Face on his boats, making them instantly recognisable. He also co-founded Thai Art Collectors Association and more recently River City Bangkok’s Art Auction Centre, which sources quality artworks for domestic and international collectors. Meanwhile, his collection has grown from fossils to rare pieces ranging from the mid 19th century Thai artist Khrua In Khong, Galileo Chini, Misiem Yipinsoi, Thawan Duchanee,Tang Chang and Chakrabhand Posayakrit to contemporary names such as Natee Utarit, Gongkan, Molly and NFT artists, many of which he sourced from other private collectors. His collection of over 500 pieces now fills his 7-storey home space, and he aspires to create a proper museum for public viewing one day.