We met cover lady Raya Issariyayossavadi at the Marriott Bangkok Surawongse during one of her frequent visits to the capital from the home she shares in Chiang Mai with her husband and two children. From the get-go the bubbly entrepreneur struck up easy conversation with our team and one of our abiding memories of the day were the peals of infectious laughter that could be heard coming from her vicinity every few minutes.
While her hair and make-up were being done Raya regaled us with humorous stories of life in Thailand’s Rose of the North and it was easy to forget that this petite lady runs a highly successful business group that has interests in business consulting, real estate, tourism and fashion apparel. In relation to the latter Raya brought with her numerous outfits from her private wardrobe, many embellished in gorgeous Thai patterns, plus a selection from Jim Thompson’s tropical kaftan series.
The shoot itself took place at various venues throughout the Marriott Bangkok Surawongse, including the lobby, the hotel’s Yao Chinese restaurant and at The Garden, a meetings and conference zone with an outdoor green area blooming with flowers. There Raya particularly enjoyed posing playfully for the camera.
