Our Story | Our Vision | Our Ecosystem | Our People | Careers
OUR STORY
A Story of Love, Service & Human Transformation
Every iRETREAT sanctuary has a story. Ours began not with a business plan, but with a simple belief.
When individuals transform,
the world transforms
iRETREAT was born from the meeting of two remarkable journeys: one rooted in business, philanthropy and public service, the other in entrepreneurship, monastic practice and the lifelong pursuit of inner peace.
Together, they shared one vision: to create sanctuaries where people could rediscover themselves through timeless wisdom, authentic meditation and heartfelt hospitality.
CHAPTER ONE · Where It All Began
A Son’s Gift to His Mother
After completing ten years of intensive monastic training, Venerable Praputt Kamlang-ek, known to guests as Luang Pi Duke, asked himself one question: who should be the first person to experience the peace meditation had given him?
The answer was his mother. Rather than offering flowers, he envisioned a sanctuary where she could experience authentic inner peace, surrounded by nature and timeless Buddhist wisdom.
Phornsan Phornprapha embraced that vision immediately. Through her belief, encouragement and the philanthropic support of the Phornprapha family, the dream became real.
What began as a personal gift of love became iRETREAT Pak Thong Chai — a sanctuary now welcoming guests from around the world.
Chapter Two · A story of service
Three Generations, One Shared Purpose
Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha founded Siam Motors Group and helped shape Thailand’s industrial development. General Arthit Kamlang-ek devoted his life to serving Thailand as former Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Deputy Prime Minister.
More than 35 years ago, General Arthit acquired the Pak Thong Chai land that would one day become iRETREAT. Not long after, the General Arthit & Phornsan Kamlang-ek Foundation was established to continue the family’s commitment to education, leadership and compassionate service, a commitment that quietly underpins every iRETREAT destination today.
Every initiative shares one purpose: helping people flourish.
Chapter Three · A story of transformation
From Outer Success to Inner Peace
After graduating from the London School of Economics, Luang Pi Duke spent ten years working within the family business while building several entrepreneurial ventures. Life appeared successful from the outside, but he found himself searching for a deeper understanding of happiness, purpose and fulfilment.
He entered the Theravada Buddhist monkhood and spent the next ten years in intensive training, meditating four times a day for roughly two hours each session. During those years, he arrived at a simple truth:
“The world teaches us how to succeed. Meditation teaches us how to live.”
Inspired by the Middle Way and the teachings of Luang Pu Wat Paknam, he developed the practice now shared with every guest: Sati & Sabai.
Chapter Four · A story still being written
Transforming Humanity, One Journey at a Time
What began as a single sanctuary in Pak Thong Chai has grown into a family of destinations: Chiang Mai, Koh Yao Noi, and Pattaya taking shape, each carrying the same founding purpose into a different landscape.
Because transformation doesn’t end when a retreat finishes. It becomes a way of living.
OUR VISION
Transforming Humanity, One Journey at a Time
Through Sati & Sabai, timeless wisdom and thoughtfully designed sanctuaries, we help people discover greater awareness, inner peace and lasting wellbeing
Where It All Began
World Peace Begins With Inner Peace
When individuals transform,
families flourish.
When families flourish,
communities grow stronger.
When communities grow stronger,
the world becomes a little more peaceful.
One Philosophy.
Four Journeys.
One Shared Destination.
INNER PEACE.
WhERE We ARE GOING
Timeline
1946
Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha establishes Siam Motors Group
1990s
GAPKF established to continue a legacy of education and service
2001
Graduation from the London School of Economics
Following 10 years
Family business and entrepreneurial ventures
Following 10 years
Intensive monastic training and meditation
Vision realised
iRETREAT Pak Thong Chai created as a gift of peace
Today
iRETREAT, iMONASTERY and a growing ecosystem for human transformation
Future
Authentic meditation accessible to millions worldwide
OUR ECOSYSTEM
One Vision.
Many Expressions.
Human transformation extends beyond retreats
iRETREAT
Sanctuaries for Human Transformation
Description
iMONASTERY
Authentic Monastic Training & Meditation Body. Renew Mind.
Description
GAPKF
GENERAL ARTHIT-PHORNSAN KAMLANG-EK FOUNDATION
Education, Scholarships, Diamond in the Rough, Community Development & Humanitarian Initiatives
iNNERx
TOOLS FOR SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Technology that Supports Human Flourishing
OUR PEOPLE
The People Behind the Purpose
Our PEOPLE
Our Founders
Behind every iRETREAT experience is a community of people dedicated to helping others live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives.
Phornsan Phornprapha
FOUNDER
Business Leader • Philanthropist • Visionary
Venerable Praputt Kamlang-ek
Co-Founder & Spiritual Director
Theravāda Buddhist Monk • Meditation Teacher • Creator of Sati & Sabai
Our PEOPLE
Our Monks
Our monks have dedicated years of their lives to the study and practice of Theravāda Buddhism, guiding guests with humility, compassion and practical wisdom.
Luang Pi 1
Vassa
Known for his precision cuts and editorial styling, Marcus brings runway trends to very beautiful everyday elegance.
Luang Pi 2
Vassa
With 15 years of experience, Isabella leads our creative vision and specializes in transformative color work.
Luang Pi 3
Vassa
Sophie’s artistry with color creates dimensional, natural-looking results that enhance each client’s features beautifully.
Our PEOPLE
Our Team
Every member of the iRETREAT family shares one common purpose: to serve with mindfulness, kindness and genuine care.
Person 1
Role
Short Bio
Person 2
Role
Short Bio
Person 3
role
Short Bio
CAREERS
Build a Career That Makes a Difference
CAREERS
A Vision Born from Passion
At iRETREAT, we believe meaningful work begins with meaningful purpose. We are looking for people passionate about wellbeing, hospitality, learning and serving others with compassion.
If you believe your work can help transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.
PARTNERS
Creating Greater Impact Together
PARTNERS
Meaningful transformation is never achieved alone
We collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to wellbeing, education, research and positive social impact.
We welcome partnerships with:
• Universities
• Research Institutions
• Healthcare Organisations
• Wellness Brands
• Corporate Leadership Programmes
• Travel & Hospitality Partners
• Foundations & NGOs
TOGETHER