Kamphol’s life offers lessons which all Thais can learn from

The following is an excerpt of a speech prepared by prominent social thinker Prawase Wasi which will be delivered today at an event marking the centenary of the birth of Kamphol Vacharaphol, the late founder of Thai Rath, at the newspaper’s head office.

Kamphol was born into a poor family, with little formal education. However, he was able to achieve success and become the owner of the country’s largest newspaper and make substantial contributions to society until he was recognised as a Unesco world-famous figure.

He is the perfect example of a life full of tremendous creative powers which befit his name. Kamphol means one who holds power.

His rich experience is a treasure trove of knowledge for Thais to learn from and it offers examples which can be applied to their lives and work.

I would like to point out how the life and work of Kamphol can guide Thailand into the future in three main issues.

First, it serves to remind people of their human dignity and the potential which they can reach. Despite being born into a poor family and receiving little education, Kamphol tried to make the most of his potential until he became a success and was recognised as world eminent figure.

Kamphol’s example should provide moral support and inspiration for the common man with humble backgrounds so they can realise that they have the potential to succeed in life.

Secondly, his life and work give guidance on education reform. Even though he received little education, he still learned outside school.

Focusing on the so-called workbased learning approach, Kamphol gained real-life experience learning on the job.

His approach should be a valuable lesson on how to think, manage, coexist, and earn money to overcome poverty. This will help Thais achieve competency like Kamphol.

Kamphol had to fend for himself when he was a boy, doing various kinds of work, be it a samlor pedallar, a conductor collecting fares on a ferry, a news reporter, or delivery man which gave him the chance to get in touch with real people.

Making the right decision is crucial to organisations and the country. A wise decision will lead to prosperity but if you make a wrong decision, you’ll fail. The right decision comes from knowledge and this explains why Kamphol was talented.

Under the formal education system, emphasis is placed on rote learning and memorisation and the curriculum comprises subjects which are out of touch with real life.

Thirdly, Kamphol’s life offers a lesson for “business for development”. While he had what it takes to be a shrewd entrepreneur, Kamphol had a heart of gold as he was kind and generous to other fellow humans.

Now, a well-established company, Thai Rath has also been involved in relief operations to help flood-stricken people. Its operations are faster than those of the government which is stuck behind rules and regulations.

Kamphol knew that he had little education so he built more than 100 Thairath Vithaya schools in all regions of the country.

Therefore, Kamphol serves as an example of a businessman with a heart for fellow humans and a model for business for development.

This kind of business is not the sort that only enriches itself, but also one that supports the empowerment of others.