Phundanai Sathavonmanee

Coro Field (a play on chlorophyll) aims to “turn farming into an experience and a lifestyle,” says Phundanai Sathavonmanee or “Peat”. Along with his brother “Port”, they co-founded Thailand’s first ever Japanese-style agro-tourist destination, spanning over 104 rai of land in 2015. It is an extension of their family's well-established organic fertilizer business, SV Winners. With imported seeds, expert advice and advanced technology, they have grown five zones for visitors. Peat, who is in charge of the concept, strategy and marketing, hopes that modern farming will provide an escape from the hectic metropolitan life that he himself used to experience when working for a Silicon Valley company. Helped in part by social media, they have 1,000-5,000 visitors daily during high season. They have various activities including workshops, farm and cycling tours, and their annual Harvest Festival. They also advise local farmers, and hold monthly farmer’s markets where farmers can set up for free. Moreover, they have opened CoroHarvest restaurant, a café in Esplanade Ratchada, and a dessert shop CentralWorld. He wants to expand the chain of cafes and sell organic products online. In 2016, he won Monash University’s dwp Alumni Entrepreneurial Award.