Manoon Thanawang and Jaruwan Jinasen

CO-FOUNDERS, COCOA VALLEY RESORT

Industry : Business

Manoon made a dramatic shift from his previous job on an oil rig on the eastern seaboard, as well as his excessive lifestyle, to find self-fulfillment in his hometown of Pua, Nan Province. Here, his parents were involved in agriculture. Hoping to make a positive impact on the environment, he identified cocoa as the perfect organic economic crop. Cocoa bore fruit all year round, required no chemicals, and had good export potential. This not only allowed him to survive and thrive but also supported the livelihood of surrounding communities and contributed to reforesting the hills. After planting several test plots, he identified the ideal strain of cocoa for Pua, registering it as Nan 133. Manoon shared his knowledge with the local community and purchased their produce for processing. Alongside his wife, Jaruwan Jinasen, he established Cocoa Valley as both a cocoa plantation and a resort to promote tourism. Eventually, they created a brand of cocoa-based products as well. Through this journey, Manoon discovered that happiness does not come solely from financial gains. Instead, true contentment arises from a lifestyle that benefits not only himself but the entire community.