EDITOR’S LETTER
As Mother’s Day rolls around in the Kingdom on August 12 – the birthday of HRH Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand – there’s no better time to celebrate all the important women in our lives. But the world around us is also filled with other examples of formidable, empowered women who are leading by example, asserting themselves in ways that are nothing short of remarkable.
As a lover of ancient Greek mythology – an interest that was sparked when I spent a very happy year of my life in Greece, more than two decades ago – I discovered very early on that the Greek goddesses were no less important (than their male counterparts) in terms of popularity and symbolic significance.
Just like the Olympian gods, most of the ancient Greek goddesses resided in the realms of the heavens above Mount Olympus, and had special powers to control specific aspects of life. From the motherly Rhea who dared to trick her own husband to save her children, to the queen of gods, Hera, or the goddess of wisdom, Athena, who was much revered by both gods and mortals, the ancient Greek goddesses were as much of a divine force to be reckoned with as the gods were.
Modern-day goddesses are plentiful in society, but instead of being worshipped they are admired and respected for their accomplishments. A good example is our cover personality, Rarin “Tata” Thongma, who singlehandedly built up a business empire – all thanks to her enviable vision and business-savvy. We also celebrate six other women – Dr. Pimkhwan “Pim” Bunjitpimol, Jessica “Paope” Wang Yuheng, Kittarin “Mink” Limbrabreun, Pattaranun “Ize” Kittisarn, Pimpisa “Pear” Chirathivat, and Vinita “Pook” Lekhavanija – in a special ‘Empowered Women’ feature. Each of them has made their own mark in a specific discipline, earning deserving praise and respect from their peers.
Indeed, the golden thread that runs through this issue is a bunch of remarkable women that we look up to, while another underlying theme zooms in on precious lifestyle accoutrements that celebrate femininity: fashion, beauty, jewellery, timepieces, and even prominent female chefs that are bringing something different to the table.
A very happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there, young and old. You’re all really the modern goddesses that bring meaning to everyday life.