A person behind many smiles, Siriporn “Sofea” Sukchusri manages Angoon Garden, a community space that fosters learning, creativity and nature. She creates green spaces where everyone can grow together.

Koktail supports individuals who dedicate their lives to supporting and advocating for human rights through non-governmental organisations (NGOs). One such organisation in Thailand is the Mirror Foundation, which works to improve lives and empower communities to overcome challenges.

As part of our exploration, we take a closer look at one of their initiatives, Suan Kru Angoon, or Angoon Garden, in Thonglor right in the heart of the city. We had the opportunity to catch up with its manager, Siriporn “Sofea” Sukchusri, to learn more about the vision behind this community space.

Angoon Garden: A Safe Green Space for Community and Learning

“As manager here at Suan Kru Angoon, I aim to provide a safe space for the community to come and enjoy the outdoors that Bangkok has to offer.”

Suan Kru Angoon, a project by the Mirror Foundation in partnership with the Chaiwana Foundation, is a community space designed for learning, relaxation and connection with nature. Open to children, parents and the wider community, it provides a green and welcoming environment where people can gather, play and engage in various activities.

The garden features a public playground, a recreational area, a human library, a sharing store and spaces for workshops and events. It aims to encourage creativity, learning and a sense of togetherness for everyone, including individuals, organisations and NGOs.

“What I am doing is related to children and families, particularly the issue of learning spaces.”

As the manager of Suan Kru Angoon, she works closely with staff to provide a safe space for the community to enjoy nature in the heart of Bangkok. She supports children’s preferences and interests in a way that is voluntary and free from coercion. She believes that in some societies, adults often judge children’s choices, make decisions on their behalf and overlook the true purpose of their questions. So she wants to work in a place where children can learn, question and follow up on their interests through guided activities enhanced by technology and innovation. It follows the concept of the Mirror Foundation, which primarily addresses human rights issues and community empowerment

A Space to Learn, Play and Grow: Sofea’s Commitment to the Community

Sofea mentions working with Sombat Boonngamanong, her boss, who inspires her in many ways saying that “we have reached a point where we can give, and there’s no reason not to”. This pushes her to dedicate herself to creating meaningful spaces for children and families. Also inspired by Angoon Malik, a devoted social worker who established this space as a public green area for family and children, Sofea follows the leadership of two mentors she deeply admires. Through her work, she hopes to make a lasting impact on the community by providing a safe and nurturing space that empowers young minds to explore, question and grow. 

“I hope to bring back the beauty of children enjoying the outdoors and encourage them to express themselves in any way they want.”

Creativity, imagination and laughter are values she cherishes the most, and she hopes to bring them into the park. She understands how challenging it can be to find green spaces in a bustling city, which is why she is committed to maintaining this area as a fun and engaging space for everyone.

The park features various projects, including the human classroom, which promotes non-formal education by matching teachers and learners based on their interests. The sharing store was established to raise funds, while the activity space also hosts social events. There’s also a small museum dedicated to the life and work of Angoon Malik. In addition, a 100-seat theatre is being developed as a space for hand puppet performances, encouraging children to explore their creativity.

“Every job I take on is a challenge because it involves a series of innovations that have transformed society.”

Sofea views her job as demanding because it involves continuous innovation that impacts society. Some proposed ideas may not align with current social trends or could address sensitive topics. Therefore careful thought and awareness are required. Every project must be reviewed and well-founded. However, she believes these challenges should not be barriers but opportunities to adapt, stay informed and evolve with changing times.

“Believe in your own passion, it can be achieved.”

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A post shared by Sofea Sukchusri (@madamefea)

Creating Joy Through Green Spaces

“What I am most proud of in my job is seeing the smiles of people who visit and participate in my public service activities without any restrictions.”

Believing that green spaces have the power to rejuvenate people, Sofea works hard to provide a safe, natural environment for children and the community. She encourages volunteers who have a passion for nature to help create and maintain this public space. Volunteers can assist with park upkeep, set up equipment for children’s activities, and take part in DIY crafts and art projects. This experience allows volunteers to connect with nature in the heart of the city–an essential aspect of healing–while also engaging with both Thai and international visitors. After all, she wants everyone to have an enjoyable experience at this space as well.

“Let it be a space that communicates different ways of living and lifestyles.”