Sasinapa Nong Thangsaksathit

Nong is Thai and currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand. She has over 10-year experience in international organizations dealing with humanitarian aid and development projects in various countries in South East Asia. Nong graduated in Economics and started her career in the banking/financial sector as most economists (should) do, but she didn’t find the job fulfilling. Her personal breakthrough was when life had brought her to work as project assistant to advisers in the Department for International Development (DFID) – the UK government department leading UK’s work to end extreme poverty, where she assisted on advising and managing various UK aid projects in underdeveloped and developing countries and travelled to various places, mostly remote areas where people lived in dire conditions. Working closely with them was an eye opening experience to international communities working together to make a difference in the world. During these times, she worked full time at DFID Headquarter in London and gained her MBA. After 7 years with DFID, Nong pursued her career with the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (EU-ECHO) for almost 8 years, where she managed the organizations’ funds and portfolios in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, with a focus on Myanmar refugees along Thai-Myanmar border and irregular migrants in Thailand. Her most rewarding part of the work was when she went for field visits and met with beneficiaries. Their stories, faith, hope and resilience became great enriching and respected to her.

Nong is currently on career break to spend her full time with her loving son, Ray. She still works as a consultant for development work on part-time basis and continues her passion by giving back to communities through various voluntary services. When she has time for herself, she chooses to read books – any kind of books (yes, from the Alchemist to Japanese manga!). Her wanderlust also inspires her to explore a new place each year.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you? “The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal and go for it.”

Quote to live by: “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”

Sign: Aquarius/Monkey

Passionate about: Travel to new places and meet people

Favorite food: I can’t name one – but I think I can have sushi every day.

Can’t live without: My family (oh, and morning coffee)

Color personality: True Blue

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