Viroj "Best" Chimmee

ARCHITECT & OWNER, BAAN RAI I ARUN FARMSTAY

Industry :

Business

Social :

After completing his education at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, he initially worked in an architectural firm. However, the stress and competition of urban life prompted him to reevaluate his priorities. Born in Ranong, he yearned to return to his roots in the countryside, construct a comfortable home for himself and his aging parents, and embrace a simple, sustainable lifestyle. With minimal savings, he embarked on the journey of restoring his old house, utilising natural materials like bamboo and rattan, cultivating the surrounding farmland, and gradually expanding it into what is now the immensely popular Baan Rai I Arun Farmstay. This project, encompassing a restaurant, café, souvenir shop, and organic farm, has become a collaborative endeavor for his entire family. The award-winning farmstay features cottages with evocative names such as Baan Mok (House of Mist), La-ong Dao (Stardust), Rim Tharn (Streamside), and Treehouse. While he continues his career as an architect, he firmly believes that "People with an envious lifestyle are not those with large bank accounts, but those with the freedom to do what they love most."

After completing his education at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, he initially worked in an architectural firm. However, the stress and competition of urban life prompted him to reevaluate his priorities. Born in Ranong, he yearned to return to his roots in the countryside, construct a comfortable home for himself and his aging parents, and embrace a simple, sustainable lifestyle. With minimal savings, he embarked on the journey of restoring his old house, utilising natural materials like bamboo and rattan, cultivating the surrounding farmland, and gradually expanding it into what is now the immensely popular Baan Rai I Arun Farmstay. This project, encompassing a restaurant, café, souvenir shop, and organic farm, has become a collaborative endeavor for his entire family. The award-winning farmstay features cottages with evocative names such as Baan Mok (House of Mist), La-ong Dao (Stardust), Rim Tharn (Streamside), and Treehouse. While he continues his career as an architect, he firmly believes that "People with an envious lifestyle are not those with large bank accounts, but those with the freedom to do what they love most."