COMMITTEE

Mr Jirakarn Bejrajati is honoured to serve as Minister (Commercial) at the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, London. Over the course of an illustrious career within the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, he has held a succession of senior appointments, including Director of the Office of Overseas Market Development 2 (2020–2025), Head of the International Trade Promotion Fund (2016–2020), and Deputy Director of the Office of Commercial Affairs in London (2011–2016). In these capacities, he has been instrumental in advancing Thailand’s international trade agenda and fostering commercial relations across Europe, the Americas, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Mr Bejrajati holds a Master’s degree in Multinational Commerce from Boston University, USA.

Saipin Lee is the current Chairperson of ATBUK, having previously served as Vice Chairperson, and is also an active member of the Executive Committee of the Anglo-Thai Society, where she contributes to strengthening cultural and professional relations between the UK and Thailand. She brings over 20 years of leadership experience in UK hospitality e.g. Patara management alongside two decades in Thailand’s property sector. Her career spans senior roles in property development with Six Senses Hotels & Resorts, funds management with Cargill’s Orchid Funds, and asset management with Tesco, offering a distinctive blend of operational and investment expertise. She was named as a top 100 Women in Hospitality and Leisure Industry by The Caterer magazine.

 Saipin holds an MBA from the University of Hull and an MSc in Real Estate from the University of Reading, reflecting her strong academic background combined with extensive professional practice. She brings to the Association strategic vision, cross-sectoral knowledge, and a commitment to advancing Thai business interests in the UK.

Benn Klewpatinond is the Founder and Innovation Partner of Inond, a product realisation company helping innovators, start-ups and established organisations take ideas from concept through to launch.

With a background in product design, engineering and entrepreneurship, Benn works across sectors including health and wellness, sports, construction, environment and wildlife. Through Inond, he supports clients with product strategy, design development, prototyping, manufacturing preparation and commercialisation.

Benn has strong connections between the UK, Thailand and South East Asia, and is actively involved in building opportunities for trade, collaboration and innovation between British and Thai businesses. As Vice-Chair of ATBUK, he is focused on strengthening member value, improving engagement, and supporting practical routes for business, cultural and professional connection between the UK and Thailand

Nopporn Wong-Anan serves as Vice Chair of the Association of Thai Businesses in the UK (ATBUK), where he plays a leading role in strengthening networks, fostering collaboration, and advancing the interests of Thai entrepreneurs and professionals across the country. With a background spanning both media and business, he brings communication expertise and commercial insight to his leadership role. He is also the proprietor of Boon Sappaya Thai Massage, a wellness venture in London that reflects his commitment to health, wellbeing, and community development. His work combines entrepreneurial initiative with a dedication to promoting Thai culture and values within the UK business landscape. Through ATBUK, Nopporn is committed to supporting sustainable growth, enhancing visibility, and ensuring that Thai businesses continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Ian started his career as an engineer before founding a successful management consultancy that went on to be listed in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Most Visionary Companies. This intense and diverse experience proved foundational for his current, 15-year leadership role at Thai Leisure Group (TLG). He has been instrumental in building and scaling two national restaurant brands: CHAOPHRAYA a leading premium Thai dining experience with 6 sites and THAIKHUN an authentic street-food concept with 10 sites.

James Rittiwong is an international lawyer running Warus & James Raydar Inter Law, a boutique cross-border practice advising Thai and UK businesses on achieving growth despite the challenges of differing jurisdictions. Beyond his legal practice, James is also an event producer, bringing a different kind of contribution to landmark Thaibusinesses in the UK. James joins ATBUK’s Legal Executive Committee to help strengthen the legal support available to the Thai business community in the UK

Marni Xuto is the founder of Luma House, a retreat and wellbeing concept specialising in preventative health and wellbeing With over fifteen years of experience across the UK public sector and local government, her work is rooted in empowering people to improve their health, independence, and quality of life. A member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, she is currently advancing her academic training through UK government-funded study

Rachani Ratanakul holds an MSc in Finance from the University of Central England, Birmingham (1998), and currently serves as Senior General Accounting Supervisor at Thai Airways International PCL. With a distinguished career in international finance and corporate management, Rachani brings extensive expertise to the committee. An active Middlesex county badminton player, Rachani actively promotes excellence, wellbeing, and community engagement through sport.

Suttichai Se-Upara is the founder, chef, and proprietor of 101 Thai Kitchen, established in London in 2004, and later of Anissa in Lyndhurst, New Forest. With over two decades of experience in the Thai restaurant sector, his career spans culinary, managerial, and front-of-house roles across London’s dining scene. Beyond his professional achievements, he serves as Vice Chair of Lyndhurst Parish Council, where he contributes to community development and wellbeing. Passionate about promoting Thai culture, he regularly engages with schools, colleges, and community groups in London and the New Forest to share Thai cuisine and heritage. He brings to the Association a unique blend of culinary expertise, cultural advocacy, and community leadership.

Manta Maythachatchaval is the proprietor of Pad Thai Restaurant in West Malling, Kent, and serves with distinction as the ATBUK representative for the Southeast of England. Drawing upon a professional background in Thailand’s esteemed media sector and the success of her culinary platform, which has inspired numerous restaurants and diners, she contributes a unique combination of cultural expertise and industry acumen to her role.

Anonglak “Mim” Somsrimee is Co-Founder of Buxton Coffee Roasters and Peang Thai Coffee, and Director of Simply Thai in Buxton. Through her leadership, she champions authentic Thai cuisine and speciality coffee, fostering sustainability and community while creating spaces that celebrate cultural heritage and connection. Her work reflects a distinguished blend of entrepreneurship, cultural stewardship, and dedication to excellence.

Metta Chooseang is an accomplished hospitality professional with extensive expertise in international market expansion, strategic partnerships, and client experience across diverse Asian regions. She is appointed as Business Development (Asia & China) at Royal Lancaster London and is also an entrepreneur and owner of Siam Niyom. She is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural exchange and advancing sustainable business growth through innovation and hospitality.

Chutiton Pryde is the Marketing Manager at Monsoon Valley Wine, bringing a unique blend of strategic insight and creative vision to the role. She leads brand strategy and communications of Thailand’s most awarded wine brand. With a passion for storytelling and innovation, she promotes Thai wine on the global stage, highlighting its unique of the products. Chutiton’s work reflects a commitment to excellence, cultural representation, and expanding the reach of Thai products.

Other Committee and Affiliated Thai Businesses

• AM Thai Newspaper
• AngloThai
• Bangkok Bank London
• Carabao Energy Drink
• Central Group Europe
• CPF (Charoen Pokphand Foods)
• Farang London
• Manning Impex
• Patara Group (S&P Syndicates, Bangkok)
• Singha Beer
• Thai Airways
• Thai Tana
• ThaiBev (Chang Beer)
• Thairama Limited