Last year, Thammasat University caused a stir when it employed transgender lecturer Kath Khangpiboon, 28. The ensuing social media storm fired up opinion on whether it’s appropriate for transgender people to work in education. A graduate of Thammasat herself (with both a bachelor’s and master’s from the Faculty of Social Administration), Kath was drawn back to the university from a career as an NGO worker for organizations including the Thai Transgender Alliance. Here, she discusses Thailand’s attitude to sex and education.

After working as head chef of Mandarin Oriental’s renowned Sala Rim Naam for nearly three decades, Vichit Mukura recently quit at the age of 52 to start Khao, a single table where he cooks Thai food for up to 12 guests. BK talks to him about his career as a chef and a farmer, and the future of Thai fine dining.