Noppadon Wannakhita
Q: How many years have you been with ITDP?
A: I’ve been working with ITDP since 1999, so 17 years.
Q: Wow, thats a long time!
A: Yes, When I first started at ITDP, I think that there were maybe 5 or 6 other staff. Very small back then, and its amazing to see how things have grown in the last 17 years!
Q: What hill tribe group are you a part of?
A: I’m Akha, and live in the Chiang Rai area.
Q: Do you have a family?
A: I have a wife, and 2 kids. 1 boy and 1 girl. My son is finishing up a music degree at university in Chiang Rai, and my daughter is about to start university.
Q: What duties do you preform at ITDP?
A: I work with the Water project (WRSDP), and spend a lot of time in villages surveying for potential water systems, and finding viable water sources to tap into. I also have the privilege of spending a lot of time with volunteer teams, so I always look forward to seeing familiar faces as well as meeting new ones.
Q: Why did you start working in Development?
A: I grew up in a very poor village and never had a lot. At that time, there was an organization working specifically with the Akha, and I remember thinking that if I ever got the opportunity, I wanted to help people in need as well. Now, working with the less fortunate fills my heart in a way that nothing else does and it makes me so happy. I find much enjoyment in meeting people of all cultures, because I feel that everyone has something to teach.
Q: You travel so much, and see so many places, but what do you enjoy doing on your free time at home?
A: When I’m home, I like to farm and spend time with my family. I currently have a couple fruit tree orchards, as well as a small pineapple field. I used to play a lot of Tha kraw (a thai sport similar to volleyball, but use feet instead of hands) but I’m afraid that I’ve gotten too old!
Q: Is there anything else that you would like the readers at home to know about you?
A: Thank you for your support of ITDP. If you ever find yourself in Chiang Rai, you’re more than welcome to stay at my house, and I will cook you a real Akha meal!
