How did you become the advisor of the property?
I designed landscapes for the Siam Square 1 project which is under construction, so I had the chance to meet the management team, who invited me to become their landscape advisor to oversee the Siam Square area.

What’s the most exciting thing about Siam Square 1?
We want to make public spaces as useful as possible. Siam doesn’t really have much green space. It’s all concrete. So I decided to incorporate green space into the building; there will be a lot of open space as well as a rooftop that’s all green with grass. I hope it will open later this year, as scheduled.

What’s next for Siam?
Siam is really old now. It was built 50 years ago without any idea that it would become so popular, filled with hundreds of thousands of people coming to visit the big malls every day. So now we plan to transform Siam under the three pillars of Urban Space, Green and Social Art to better facilitate the flow of people. Siam has no public space where people can gather for a purpose other than shopping or parking their cars, so we aim to make Siam an open art museum by inviting artists to show their works and encouraging people to express themselves. We want to make Siam dynamic 24/7.

What do you think about the criticism that Chulalongkorn is developing the area purely for money?
I think it’s quite unfair. I oversee the Siam area, and I can say it’s really old, both in terms of design and construction. The structures of some shophouses are built from wood that has deteriorated, and Bangkok is sinking every year. Is it to safe to let things stay like that? With the development, we aim to best meet the urban needs of people. The Siam Square 1 project, with its green roof and low maintenance, won’t be cheap at all, but we decided to do it because people desperately need more green spaces here. As for Uthentawai, I’m not sure what’s next for them.

What about conservation in the future?
I’m not sure I’m in the position to comment as I’m just an advisor. But as someone who spent tons of time here as a teenager, I see Siam as a box of memories for everyone. There are all the good times and the bad, like when it was burnt down three years ago, but it’s still there. A theater like Scala is beautiful architecturally, but not so much a place like Lido. This is something we need to examine closely: couldn’t we just create a place that offers cheap screenings but is more appealing to look at?

I am 71 but feel 50. The older people get, the younger they feel ... relatively, of course.

A misconception about aging is that you won’t be happy, but research has shown that people are most anxious in their 40s and after that, from their 50s, they are happier.

You have more control of your destiny when you are older. When you are young, genes determine how healthy you are but when you get older, it is more about your lifestyle.

A younger man will benefit from an older woman, so we need to take away stereotypes. Besides, women live longer lives than men do and people now feel and look a lot younger.

I’m not the best mother, wife, surgeon or activist in the world, but all these roles together are very fulfilling.

I don’t believe in perfection, because if you try to be perfect, you cannot be multifaceted and satisfy all aspects of your interests. That doesn’t mean you mustn’t be good at your career, but it shouldn’t cause too much angst and worry.

We owe a duty to ourselves to be self reliant and find our own happiness.

Feminism is for both women and men. I define it as equal respect and consideration for the other sex, so it encompasses humanism and social justice and is much broader than just women’s rights.

In the last few decades, there’s been less social cohesion.

When I was growing up, everybody spoke in broken Malay, Tamil and Chinese, but there was a sense that we were all Singaporean. There was less talk about ethnicity.

On Orchard Road, 75 percent of the people you see are foreigners. At shopping malls, the cashier asks you what country you are from. So as a Singaporean, I’m sometimes made to feel I am not Singaporean. That’s an awful feeling.

Singapore has changed too quickly and it’s not only dislocated us physically but psychologically. Yes, we are punching above our weight economically but we are doing so at quite a high cost.

To relax, I meet my friends, drink wine and grumble about Singapore.

If I weren’t interested in Singapore, I wouldn’t grumble about it. Most of us who have enough money and a good job would love to be busy doing other things—like trying a new restaurant or going to fashion shows—but if I take the time and trouble to grumble, it means I care about the society. 

Authority doesn’t intimidate me because I look at all human beings as equals.
I was a little afraid of heights so one day, about 10 years ago, I decided to go bungee jumping. I was scared but once I did it, it was so beautiful, just like flying. Many fears are irrational and you can recondition your thinking.

Getting married is the most important decision a woman can make. In many ways, it’s more important than even a career. You’re going into the unknown.

A woman and a man —or woman, depending on which way you swing—should live together before marriage, to see if they want to opt out before children come along.

I’m a little “havoc”. Now people use the words “cool” or “awesome”. But in my day, I was “havoc” in the sense that I don’t like the status quo and like to liven things up with change.

Being alive is in itself a great motivation to me.

What’s the story behind The Good Beer Company?
I’d often wondered why you couldn’t find good beers in Singapore except at pricey bars and restaurants. They certainly couldn’t be found at local hawker centers, where you can drink them as you enjoy local food. When I got retrenched in 2011, I took the plunge.

Why a hawker stall?
There’s far less financial risk in setting up a hawker stall as compared to a full-service bar. The other reason is the sheer novelty factor—bars that sell beer are a dime a dozen, but a hawker stall selling some 60 beers and ciders? We’re pretty much the first. In fact, we’re still the only one, though some kopitiams offer a wider variety of beers now.

Any unusual patrons so far?
Interestingly, we attract a lot of people who work in technology start-ups (otherwise known as geeks, which I say in the most affectionate manner). We’ve hosted a casual party for Microsoft and a regular hangout for Googlers, and even had folks from Evernote drop by when they’re in town. Singapore Redditors meet here often as well.

Do the “boutique prices” of some of your beers deter patrons?
Not everyone would pay for premium beer and we accept that. We’d rather go for a demographic who’d be happy to find a Stone IPA or Rochefort 6 going for $10, which is reasonable considering the prices out there.

What does the local beer industry lack?
Beer knowledge. Many bars and bistros have begun to sell craft beer, but they don’t know enough about it to support so many specialty beer premises.

If you could invent your own beer, what would it be like?
I love my beers, but I’m not interested in being a brewer. If I really had to do one myself though, it’d be a golden ale that incorporates chrysanthemum flowers and dried winter melon sugar. It would be a session beer—something very drinkable so you can have a few each time—with flavors the local palate is familiar with. I’d call it Yellow Gold (黄金), a play on the color and style of the beer.

Who did you look up to growing up?
My father was a very important person in my life. He was my best friend, my rock. I loved him very much. I was lucky to have great parents, who have always supported me.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have always admired Frank Sinatra. I had the chance to meet him and to record with him and he was not only an amazing artist—with an historic voice—but also a wonderful person, very generous and kind. I feel lucky having had the opportunity to perform duets with many other incredible artists, like Simon and Garfunkel, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Plácido Domingo, Willie Nelson, Sting, Paul Anka, Stevie Wonder...I learnt a lot from all of them.

Are there younger musicians who you mentor today?
Well, I wouldn´t say I am a mentor for the young musicians. There are many young talented artists nowadays and I admire their determination and everything they have achieved. It is very important to be focused on what you want and to work hard. It’s not easy to reach the top, and it’s even harder to remain there.

What’s the most difficult part about growing older?
Having little time left.

Do you see yourself ever retiring?
Life has been generous with me. I hope to have the chance to perform for many years—if the audience wants me to. I love music and simply couldn’t live without it.

What’s one tip you’d give younger performers?
Enjoy each second on stage, work hard and be generous.

What would you have done if you’d never gone into music?
It’s difficult to say, because I cannot imagine my life without music. When I was young, I played for the Real Madrid Junior team, as a goalkeeper. I might have become a football player, but after a car accident when I was 20, I couldn’t do it anymore. Doctors thought I would never be able to walk again, but life gave me a second chance. During the recovery, I discovered music, started to write songs and the tragic accident turned into an opportunity. It completely changed my life.

Julio Iglesias 1 World Tour is on April 27 at the Compass Ballroom.

Sansanee Thoesomboon,

founder/design director of Sane of Molly

How did your brand start?
In Shoreditch, East London, where my inspiration grew. I cherished the freedom with which people there are exposed to culture and sub-culture.
How would you describe your design style?
People say it’s quirky; I guess that’s the stubborn, rock n’ roll side of me playing a role in my design. I’d say my design is "romantic rock," as it combines romance and a raw vintage style with chic touches.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a futuristic look back at the 80s. It features some graphics that came to me in a vivid dream. The next morning I sketched and created the collection. I like the silhouettes of the 80s. It’s a challenge combining vintage and futuristic touches.
What’s the next big thing?
I think fashion is going back to simplicity. Technology is going to play an important role in it—one day you might just click a remote to change your clothes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion business?
How you direct your brand identity with the utmost freedom without giving into market demands.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was overdressed at a New Year's Eve countdown house party. My friends told me the dress code was "celebrity" so I went as Marilyn Monroe, but in fact there was no dress code and everyone was very casual. They got me!
What more does our fashion scene need?
I want more designs that stand out and in a variety of styles. Fashion is not only about following… wear fashion rather than let it wear you.
Order online at www.saneofmolly.com

Ekrada Phunatphattharasin,

co-owner of Nisa and Friends

How would you describe your design style?
Colorful imagination yet realistic. Our customers love bright and unique colors.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Flowers, nature and having a crush on someone.
What’s the next big thing?
Something combining lots of materials with futuristic shapes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trends change so rapidly, whether due to celebrities or magazines.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Donatella Versace.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
Huge headbands.
What do you want more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Awesome minimal designs, both patterns and textiles.
Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Rd., 081-705-0555. BTS Siam.

Rudi Jotikasthira,

owner of Rudimentary and Rudi Joti

How did your brand start?
After graduating from the London College of Fashion, I came to a crossroads in my life; call it a quarter-life crisis. The situation was not so great in Europe, with all the talk about recession, so I thought maybe I should start my own label. In the end I packed up my life and moved back to Bangkok.
How would you describe your style?
Rudimentary is all about youthfulness and fun; I want to create objects that are timeless but also feel contemporary, with just a twist of edginess.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The latest collection is all about Americana; think That 70s Show! Just imagine a bunch of friends going on a camping trip. They have a picnic, listen to music on their portable record player and relax on the beach. I selected a group of prints that tell a story: kilim-style prints with some Navajo-inspired tribal patterns.
What’s the next big thing?
I think Asia is going to be big, what with fast-growing economies like China. We are also seeing some oriental trends returning to runways for next season.
What’s the most difficult thing about the fashion industry?
The prospect of starting my own label and being my own boss was quite daunting. Creatively speaking, I know I can do it, but I have less experience with business, PR and marketing, and all the other aspects that come with being a business owner. I am learning as I go along.
Who’s your favorite designer?
I dread this question because for me it varies all the time! At the moment, I am loving what Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are doing at Kenzo. I am a huge fan of Opening Ceremony, anyway, so to see them revive an iconic brand like Kenzo is very inspiring. However, one of my all-time favorites is Alexander McQueen. I had the opportunity to intern there when I was still in university. It was fashion at its most creative.
Silliest fashion trend?
Ugg Boots and Crocs.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I used to cruise down the 'sold as seen' rack at Selfridges in London, looking for bargains on faulty items which I could maybe fix up later myself. I bought a pair of trousers from Vivienne Westwood thinking I had bagged a pair of Westwood trousers for a fraction of the price. I wore it to a formal party the following week and as I sat down, the seam at the crotch just came apart—the more I tried to rescue it the worse it got, to the point where I could put my whole hand in my trousers. I spent the whole evening trying to find the right moment to leave without losing what was left of my dignity!  
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
I don’t actually know the fashion scene here as well as others, as I have always lived abroad, but I think it has grown so much in the last few years. I hope to see Thai designers receive more recognition overseas; I want buyers to see that there are a lot of undiscovered talents here with great potential.

Pitchaya Srirapong,

designer/co-founder of Pitch

How did your brand start?
I was a freelance designer for a Thai and international jewelry brand for five years. After creating my own watch collection, I got to know Ann Kositchana from Front Row Studio Singapore. She asked me to join her and her partners, Jurikarn and Sornkrit, and together we established jewelry brand Pitch in 2010.
How would you describe your design?
Simple and chic, but with hidden details. We don't like luxurious things but prefer things that have character or contain a surprise.
What’s the inspiration behind your latest collection?
It's called Hello, I Miss You, and is all about jewelry which serves as a promise of love, affection, and returning back to each other. During wars, soldiers send mementos home to their loved ones. This collection is inspired by wartime trinkets and mementos of bittersweet departures. We use military emblems and play around with the meaning of love.
What’s the hardest part about working in the fashion industry?
People get information from shows like Project Runway fast, so it’s easy to find knock-offs. The negative effects on the fashion industry are profound, because people can find similar products for cheaper prices. Decreased sales mean that the motivation to create new designs has been diminished.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Maison Martin Margiela, because its design is simple yet chic, and still implies great ideas. It expresses creativity through recycling, transformation and reinterpretation.
What trend must go?
Wearing counterfeit products. If you are a fashion lover, you should show your respect to the designers by only buying and wearing the originals.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was a kid, I was looking for my own style. Many questions popped up in my head, like why can’t girls wear boys' shirts to create their own style and still look pretty? I experimented with this for years and the result is some people think I am a tomboy or weird. What I am today was formed from years of mockery and people not understanding my style.     
What’s the next big thing?
The current generation has more confidence to dress up. I think the hot trend from now on will be people to showing their personality through more mixing and matching of outfits.
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
Thailand has not only got more talented designers but also more quality materials for in-house production. Still, Thai young designers lack connections with big investors to support them in the international market. We will produce more well-known designers if we get more support from the public and private sectors.

Nantiya Saengwichit,

29, managing director/ design director of Hectorr

Describe your style.
Anti-trend. Hectorr’s pieces are for those who are not fashion victims and don’t alter their looks too much from season to season. On the other hand, Hectorr’s girls know themselves well and express their style subconsciously and instinctually.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Veronica Decides to Exist is our latest collection, inspired by a novel called Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. It blends fully nude and dark tones with simple sleek designs to express the “perfect imperfection" concept.
What’s the next big thing?
Minimal and simple designs with hidden details. A large number of people are now getting more interested in philosophy, so superficiality will become nonsense.
What’s the most difficult part about working in the fashion industry?
Some people prefer having many items in their closet rather than just one of a good quality that you can wear for many years. Some of my products go through many processes in the design production stage, so some people might not understand the pricing.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Damir Doma.
Silliest fashion trend?
Scrunchies. There’s no reason to ruin your personal style by putting strange things in your hair.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Girls with a masculine style.

Toolapar Wadkhien,

35, designer/owner of Fresh Meat

How did your brand start?
I love bags and was thinking one day, why don’t I make one for myself. I just sketched it and found someone to help me with the cutting and sewing of the leather. After it was done, my friends asked me where I got it. They then asked me if I could design bags for them.  
How would you describe your design style ?
Basics with a twist. They are made for everyday use, but with add-ons like zips, buckles, fringes and studs.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Traveling to the countryside in a convertible car on the weekend. I saw an old movie where a couple do just this with a pile of bags on the backseat. The collection is mostly made up of quite big bags which are suitable for a few nights away from home. The curves reflect the form of a vintage car and there’s even a nod to the car’s headlights.
What’s the next big thing?
Style will be more individualized, more personalized and more customized. Now, due to globalization, online and new technologies, people can see everything from everywhere, so there are no boundaries, especially in the fashion world.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trying to stand out with your unique identity: to stay true to yourself and still answer the needs of your target audience. Nowadays, there are many brands that are hungry for fame, and will try every way to be distinct. Some do it through strange-looking designs that simply scream that they're just trying to survive in this industry—they forget who they are and who their customers are.
Who are your favorite designers?
Alexander McQueen, Nicolas Ghesquière and Phoebe Philo.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
I’m more concerned that people wear the right attire on the right occasion.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I went to a masquerade party by accident and I was wearing a short jumpsuit.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
People who appreciate original ideas and don’t just support copycats.
 

Studying a summer arts course at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design opened me up to the world of fashion. I was lucky to realize what I loved when I was in the 11th grade.

Take your opportunities. I wasn’t the best student but I believe I was more diligent than most Western kids. My English couldn’t compare, but I put all my effort into creating a portfolio which landed me the chance to study fashion print design at Saint Martins.

Studying abroad doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone else, but it does help you explore the world at large. There’s so much to be learned and it also teaches you to be tougher as you have to be on your own.

If you start building a brand, you won’t have time for yourself. Or so I was told when I graduated. So I decided to come back and work as a fashion writer at Sudsupda Magazine. I really enjoyed that job.

If you don’t constantly use your skills, they will disappear. I found that I wasn’t able to design or be as creative as I was when studying. So I packed my bags to go learn more about marketing as an intern with [designer] Jill Stuart, who I still admire greatly today. It’s incredible how she made her New York-based brand so popular in Japan. So cool!

Affronts always add fire to my desire. They push me to prove myself.

My acquaintances warned me I shouldn’t start a fashion brand as the economy was so bad. They said I should just help out with my family businesses. But I told my family that I had already planned out what I wanted to do.

I didn’t know anything about running a fashion house four years ago. I didn’t even know how to make barcodes! Luckily I had great support from my friends in the fashion industry who were always there to help me.

An artist must be unique, but not a businessperson. If you make the most fabulous clothes but they don’t sell, that’s a failure. I try to balance the art and business sides of me.

Studying fashion is so trendy now. I’m happy that a new generation wants to learn more about it, but as I occasionally lecture at universities, I find that many of them just study fashion because they want to follow the trends.

It’s true that rich kids have the money to launch fashion labels, but, honestly, money only goes so far. If you don’t really concentrate on your branding or people don’t like your designs, you won’t last long.

Taking care of your colleagues is just as important as marketing. It’s hard to make everyone see the same picture and love the brand as you do, but I see the people who work with me as my family members, and that’s why they stick by me.

I get excited every time a new collection of mine hits stores. It’s proof of all my efforts, whether customers like my clothes or not. It’s hard to believe I have put out nearly 10 collections already.

The government and law enforcers must be decisive in cracking down on fake products. It really upsets me that I have to spend my own money to hire a special team to track down vendors who sell counterfeit versions of my products. It’s a real headache.

Cocktails are the inspiration for my new collection, Lady to Drink. There’s no right or wrong in mixing cocktails. I love drinking vodka cranberry, which suggests that despite appearances I’m not such a sweet girl. When you look at a cocktail, it might look sweet, but hidden away are other flavors.

I’m proud when I see women inspired by my clothes. My customers are all so pretty, from teenagers to young moms who love to dress up. They often surprise me with the fabulous ways they mix and match my clothes that I don’t even think of.

Social media empowers Thai girls to express their sense of fashion. They can share their own dynamic identity with anybody in the world. Some people used to question why Thai girls all dressed the same—not anym ore.

I enjoy surfing on waves of change. I get bored with things easily and always love to explore new things.

Apart from being a designer, I’m a real shopper as well. I can’t wear my own clothes all the time. As I live with them all year long, there must come a point where I get fed up.

Being alone is freedom. I really loved living in New York. I could go anywhere, do anything and didn’t have to stress about have too many responsibilities. I know it’s hard right now but I plan to go back to New York soon, to rekindle some of those feelings.

I want to expand my creative space. My studio today is pretty small and it crushes many of my ideas. It would be nice to have access to a big studio like I used to have at Saint Martins.

Dressing up always makes you feel good. You may not be able to change the world, but you can make yourself feel better by dressing up. Just remember to stick to your budget.

How did you start dancing?
I saw a TV show that invited hip hop crews in to show their moves. They blew me away. I never knew you could dance like that. So I told my mom that I wanted to start dance classes and she sent me to learn hip hop dancing. I was eight years old. I kept practicing until one day I felt the need to share my moves with people to get their opinions, so I started uploading video clips of my dancing to YouTube. It drew attention from RS’s Kamikaze Records who later signed me up.

How did you get on Dancing with the Stars?
The producers were impressed with my dancing after randomly watching my music video for “No More,” so they asked me to audition. Honestly, I’m not as famous as the other competitors who are singers and actors, but I’m really proud that I used my skills to get into the competition and win the first season.

What was your favorite week of the competition?
I liked them all because they each featured different dance themes. I’m not a ballroom dancer; all I know is hip hop and freestyle. Of course, I felt more comfortable in those weeks when there was a faster beat for me to show my moves. The week that I loved most, though, would have to be the week that I won. I only had four days to practice and I still managed to win people’s hearts. I never thought I would win because I was the youngest in the competition, but I’m really happy that I passed the test. I feel like I’ve won approval from people all over the country.

What’s next for you?
I will continue with my dream of dancing and singing. I’m going to release a new single, “In Time,” next month. It will see me introduce a new style of dancing called “rocking.” It’s really hard work as you must be creative and it’s very physically demanding. I don’t see many people here who are capable of it. I’m trying to practice it at least three to four hours for three days a week. I’ll also be going to university, as I’m finishing my final grade at St. Gabriel College. I want to study psychology or communication arts. I’m still weighing it up.

Any dance tips you’d like to share?
For young people who love to dance, just keep practicing because it’s the only way for you to get better. I’m all for encouraging more people to get out and dance. It doesn’t have to be B-Boy or hip-hop. It can be ballroom dancing. You can dance at any age. It’s a great way to exercise, as it’s also fun. Don’t worry about your size, either. You don’t have to dance beautifully, just love to dance it off!
 

Why did you decide on an all-male cast?
When I read the play, I could just hear Oscar Wilde's voice in every character, especially in Lady Bracknell’s. So I thought that since this was my tribute to Wilde, why not cast every character as himself. Besides that, I thought it would be fun and naughty—something I think Wilde would have approved of.

Are there any specific difficulties or perks to working with an all-male cast? 
Working with a cast full of male egos can be difficult but not when the biggest ego is my own. I always tell my cast to leave their egos at home because the rehearsal room has only room for one.

Any wardrobe malfunctions?
The actors have a competition to see who can lose the most weight by opening night—pure vanity—so the poor wardrobe mistress has to constantly take in the waist on their trousers.

Why did you decide to bring the show back?
My audiences were clamoring for it so I finally acceded to their demands!

How is this staging different from the 2009 version?
Besides the inclusion of Lim Kay Siu as the Reverend Chasuble—who falls in love with Hossan Leong's Miss Prism—we are thrilled to present for the first time a young and talented brand new string quartet who have been handpicked and mentored by the Tang Quartet as the next generation to possible succeed them.

What parallels can be drawn between Victorian society and Singapore society?
The superficialities and hypocrisies of the elite and middle classes. Need I say more?

The Importance of Being Earnest is on April 10-May 4 at The Drama Centre.

Can you draw any parallels between Victorian society and Singapore society?
In one society, rules govern everything. There are rules about how you should behave in your personal life as well as your public one. Courtship is a dance of comparing bank balances and social standing. Status is derived more from appearance than fact, and people go to ridiculous lengths to portray themselves as successful, or moral, or at least more successful and moral than their neighbors. And everyone takes themselves very, very seriously. And in the other...wait, which one was I talking about?

What is it like working with an all-male cast versus a mixed group?
There are more fart jokes. But interestingly, if you make a Star Wars reference, exactly the same percentage of people will get it in both cases.

You get to eat muffins on stage and talk with your mouth full. Is all the food on stage real?
Yes it’s real! It’s cheaper to feed the actors real food than to keep hiring new actors.

What’s Algernon’s favorite food?
Algernon’s is sous vide beef cheek. It’s expensive, pretentious and delicious. 

If you weren’t Algernon in the play, which role would you choose?
Reverend Chasuble. I haven't played enough religious characters in my career.

Are you a natural comedian?
Nope! I had to watch YouTube for 10 hours just to prepare for this interview. 

The Importance of Being Earnest is on April 10-May 4 at The Drama Centre.

How did you get into doing this?
We’ve been learning about coffee for years. We met a small community of coffee lovers—from farmers to roastmasters—who are happy to work independently and on a smaller scale, and we learned a lot from them. Coffee connects us to others.

How is Thai coffee doing?
There is both good and bad quality Thai coffee. Even though farmers have been growing beans for more than ten years, there are very few who really want to improve their quality. They’re uninformed. But some roasting companies are starting to form direct relationships with the farmers or even buying farmland, as customers are beginning to care more about the quality of the beans. In some places like Chiang Rai, we’re seeing locals who really understand that this crop can be grown very naturally, unlike others.

What do you think of the baristas in Thailand?
Some baristas are starting to take their jobs more seriously. They’re not just staff, but more akin to a chef, who creates a dish from different ingredients.

Any advice for those who want to open a café?
Be crazy for coffee. Go all out. After a while, all those cafés that don’t put in the extra effort will simply fade away. It’s not easy, but do it with passion and you don’t need to worry too much about location. You’ll find the right one someday.

How should people select their beans?
See the color of the roasted ones. The most important part is the roast date. If you open the bag, it’s going to stay OK for about a month.