Meet the team
Founding and Operational Director Elysha Rei
With a background as an artist and arts manager Elysha was the driver behind the program's inception and direction. Frustrated with the lack of opportunities for artist residencies as a working mother, and with an opportunity to create an alternative local income stream for the village, Sam Rit Residency was created as a flexible alternative for those seeking the escape and exploratory challenge of a residency program. Elysha spent 3 years researching and developing the program, which included living in the village of Sam Rit for its first operational year. She now works between Australia and Thailand, assisting with the program management remotely and working as an artist and arts project coordinator.
With a background as an artist and arts manager Elysha was the driver behind the program's inception and direction. Frustrated with the lack of opportunities for artist residencies as a working mother, and with an opportunity to create an alternative local income stream for the village, Sam Rit Residency was created as a flexible alternative for those seeking the escape and exploratory challenge of a residency program. Elysha spent 3 years researching and developing the program, which included living in the village of Sam Rit for its first operational year. She now works between Australia and Thailand, assisting with the program management remotely and working as an artist and arts project coordinator.
Program Manager Aekarat (Aek) Choonuan and Assistant Gee
Aemk and Gee manage and coordinate the program, providing assistance with the facility and hosting residents. They also help to manage the family farm and raising their young daughters. This family play an important part in ensuring the operation of the program in Sam Rit, managing the business at a local level.
Aemk and Gee manage and coordinate the program, providing assistance with the facility and hosting residents. They also help to manage the family farm and raising their young daughters. This family play an important part in ensuring the operation of the program in Sam Rit, managing the business at a local level.
Lindsay Sales and
Bangon Khaikratok (On) - Business Owners and Directors
Lindsay and On are the foundation of this program. Their support has allowed the initiative to develop and take place, providing the facilities and opportunities to bring the program to fruition. Lindsay and On have also brought this team together through their marriage, with Aek, Art and Em being On's sons and Elysha being Lindsay's daughter. As a family we hope to build and develop this program, contributing back to the Sam Rit village community where our friends and relatives live.
Bangon Khaikratok (On) - Business Owners and Directors
Lindsay and On are the foundation of this program. Their support has allowed the initiative to develop and take place, providing the facilities and opportunities to bring the program to fruition. Lindsay and On have also brought this team together through their marriage, with Aek, Art and Em being On's sons and Elysha being Lindsay's daughter. As a family we hope to build and develop this program, contributing back to the Sam Rit village community where our friends and relatives live.
Program Assistant - Isara Choonuan (Art)
Art is an integral part of the program contributing to the service delivery and orientation of the residency. Also an expert in all things electrical and technological, Art has formal training in software development and maintenance. His passion for IT has seen him set up successful businesses in CCTV, electrical wiring, and starting up internet cafes.
Art is an integral part of the program contributing to the service delivery and orientation of the residency. Also an expert in all things electrical and technological, Art has formal training in software development and maintenance. His passion for IT has seen him set up successful businesses in CCTV, electrical wiring, and starting up internet cafes.
Program Assistants Amarin (Aem) Choonuan and Puy Choonuan
Aem and Puy assist the program from time to time, providing help with residents during their stay. They also have a family businesses running the only internet cafe in the village, and helping the family with the rice farms. Together with their young sons, this family play an important part in the Sam Rit community, through organizing fund-raising events for the temple and Em participating in the local Soccer and Boat racing teams.
Aem and Puy assist the program from time to time, providing help with residents during their stay. They also have a family businesses running the only internet cafe in the village, and helping the family with the rice farms. Together with their young sons, this family play an important part in the Sam Rit community, through organizing fund-raising events for the temple and Em participating in the local Soccer and Boat racing teams.
