Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Thailand: The Case of Gaia Ashram and Lazyman Coffee

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Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This chapter presents the journeys of two Indigenous entrepreneurs based in Thailand. Findings illustrate how the act of entrepreneurship and “being entrepreneuring” support aspirations for community self-determination and sustainable development. Influencing factors include access to transformational educational opportunities, being embedded in local culture, and embracing an Indigenous Innovative approach to project design and implementation. The ventures of these Indigenous entrepreneurs weave together the social capital found in community, respect for their natural ecosystem, and are grounded in an Indigenous worldview.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to thank our brother Swae and sister Sunisa for manifesting the collective efforts of their human and non-human communities, and for contributing their knowledge and experiences in conversation with us. Their perseverance and continued work to heal the land, regenerate their ecosystems, and re/connect spirit, place, and people is inspiring. By doing so, we re/member and are forever grateful.

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Culshaw, N., Limwatana, N., Ngo, T. (2024). Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Thailand: The Case of Gaia Ashram and Lazyman Coffee. In: Eijdenberg, E.L., K, T., Wang, P., Wong, C. (eds) Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54457-6_8

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