Khan Ram-Indra: Head of Programme, conducting a team with diverse skillsets towards a common goal.

January 23, 2025
a person holding a sign

UNDP welcomes the new year with #FacesofUNDPThailand Season 3, featuring a conversation with 'Khan Ram-Indra', Head of Programme at UNDP Thailand. With his background in economics and environmental studies, plus extensive experience both in Thailand and abroad, Khan is passionate about international development and always put his hope to help advancing Thailand's sustainable development. 

Life-Changing Moment - From Financial Economics to Environmental Development Work 

Development requires driving force from a new generation with vision and determination. The spark of inspiration can occur anywhere, as shown in the story of Khan Rama-intra, an alumnus from the Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University. He discovered himself during a volunteer activity with Japanese students in Chiang Rai province. It started with a simple thought, as Khan recalled, "I didn't think much at the time, just thought I was going on a trip, but that trip completely changed my life." 

Working in the field allowed him to experience realities different from the classroom and witness the lives of people facing development challenges. Khan observed that "Thailand still has many areas that need significant development." This realization became a crucial turning point that made him reconsider his life path. 

From his original path in finance, Khan decided to shift his expertise to environmental economics. After graduation, he worked in research before furthering his knowledge in energy and environmental management in the Netherlands. Eventually, his path led to fulfilling his dream of national development through work with various international organizations, including energy and environmental consulting firms, the British Embassy, and international organizations, focusing on energy and environmental development in regional level.  

 

Why UNDP?  

After years of working across the region, Khan felt a growing pull to return and make a direct impact in Thailand. His path took an unexpected turn when a friend reached out about an exciting opportunity: "Hey Khan, there's this Head of Programme position at UNDP that would be perfect for you. You should give it a shot!" Though he'd seen the role posted twice before, something about this conversation finally sparked him to take action. 

"I want to help build a better Thailand" - these words had been more than just a dream; they were his guiding star. Armed with his experience and driven by a deep belief in his ability to create lasting change, Khan knew this was his moment. The role offered everything he'd been working toward - a chance to drive sustainable development from grassroots community projects all the way up to United Nations initiatives. For Khan, submitting that application wasn't just about changing jobs - it was about taking that bold leap toward turning his lifelong dream into reality. 

A Day in the Life: Variety and Flexibility 

When it comes to development, you can't just focus on one aspect - everything is interconnected. As the economy moves forward, society must leap forward too, all while keeping environmental concerns in mind. UNDP is an organization with missions covering multiple issues. Khun Khan shares his perspective that addressing problems in isolation may create unexpected impacts. For example, transitioning to clean energy without considering workers in the automotive industry could lead to unemployment. "Because using this approach only solves one aspect of the problem, it doesn't resolve all issues," Khun Khan emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to problems, which not only helps to see the bigger picture more clearly but also leads to sustainable solutions that don't create new problems for society.  

Furthermore, the design of various projects and policies must consider the participation of all sectors, especially vulnerable groups, whether they are people with disabilities, youth, ethnic groups, or gender-diverse groups. 

Khun Khan reveals to us, "Sometimes it's challenging for me to get everyone in the team to see the same picture as I do," because each team member tends to focus only on their responsibilities, potentially overlooking opportunities for connection and integration of work together. But it's the duty of an integrator to complete all pieces of the puzzle. 

a person sitting at a desk in front of a computer
UNDP Thailand

Being a developer means working with understanding of the area and connecting with communities 

Another key activity of being a developer is working with communities and different areas - working outside the office to understand local issues, allowing us to work effectively and directly address constantly changing problems. Khun Khan shares, "Going on missions or being in the field is crucial. Development won't progress without exchanging views with local people." 

Working in the field not only provides opportunities to meet networks but also shows tangible work results. Thanks, and appreciation from local people are rewards more valuable than financial compensation. "For me, working here focuses on creating and developing better quality of life for people in different areas." Pride comes from seeing real changes happening in people's lives. 

The Foundation of Teamwork Starts with Creating a Mutually Respectful Work Environment 

A positive work atmosphere with supportive colleagues is what many seek in their professional lives. Building an organizational culture that respects diversity can start with ourselves. 

As Head of Programme, Khun Khan prioritizes respecting diverse identities in the workplace, as this creates a friendly atmosphere, reduces conflicts, and promotes teamwork. Workplace diversity allows everyone to demonstrate their full potential. Khun Khan shares, "We have a colleague with visual impairment, and initially, I had to learn about their needs through asking questions." 

Therefore, respecting diverse identities isn't just about following laws or policies - it's crucial for sustainable organizational growth and creating positive societal impact. 

Another key is learning through communication, especially in organizations with ethnic and cultural diversity. "Communication must be two-way, not just giving or receiving information," Khun Khan emphasizes. This includes prioritizing gender diversity in organizational practices and incorporating this dimension into all development issues. He regularly consults with specialists to ensure all communication is based on understanding and respect. 

a group of people sitting at a table
UNDP Thailand

My Life is Like Being a Conductor... 

UNDP is a highly diverse organization requiring collaboration across different nationalities, genders, expertise, and backgrounds. Khun Khan compares his management style to that of an orchestra conductor, coordinating various specialists. "Think of performing a piece in a theater, where musicians each bring their unique instrumental expertise."  

Despite coordination challenges, the key to overcoming obstacles lies in fostering a culture of mutual respect. "When wearing the conductor's hat, my first priority is always ensuring mutual respect within the team," he says, emphasizing the importance of listening, trust, and being willing to ask for help when needed. 

 

Being Both a Team Player and Team Leader 

In the diverse work environment, suitable leadership styles vary by context. "There's no fixed answer," Khun Khan begins, explaining that while some organizations need decisive leaders, development work requires leaders with diverse qualities, such as "leaders who deeply understand each issue, see the big picture, and can integrate topics holistically." 

Khun Khan adds that good leaders must be ready to act as both team leader and team player. In many situations, we must take on various roles - from organizing meetings to taking photos during field surveys. 

Success in development leadership isn't measured by expertise alone, but by combining soft and hard skills. "Working in this field requires coordination skills, problem-solving abilities, and relationship building," he says, reflecting that good leadership requires well-rounded adaptability and continuous self-development. 

How to maintain Mind and Body with Such a Demanding Workload 

In the development sector, where new national and international challenges constantly emerge, pressure and challenges are inevitable companions. Everyone has their own way of managing fatigue - whether through exercise, diving into favorite books, or relaxing with games. For Khun Khan, fieldwork provides inspiration and reinforces the purpose and meaning of his work. 

"We're helping people, our work helps people." This simple reminder from a colleague became a crucial mantra, showing that sometimes the best healing isn't escaping from work but reconnecting with its true purpose. Ultimately, seeing positive impacts on people's lives provides the strength to overcome fatigue and move forward meaningfully. 

With All This Experience, How Do You Think Your Work Helps Society? 

UNDP stands out uniquely as the UN agency serving as the 'SDGs Integrator.' For 60 years in Thailand, the organization has built trust through collaborations across all sectors, from promoting gender equality and business human rights to preserving biodiversity. 

"I want to use this position to bring diverse groups together and discuss how we can achieve truly sustainable development," shares Khun Khan about his vision as Head of Programme, aiming to spark conversations about challenging social issues. 

Take sustainable tourism - it's not just about environmental protection or reducing plastic use but also ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. "How can we make tourism truly inclusive?" This question reflects a holistic development approach. 

Khun Khan likens his role to "a dragonfly with multiple lenses - like wearing 17 different prescription glasses." This metaphor captures the challenge of viewing problems from multiple perspectives to create comprehensive, sustainable solutions. 

a man standing in front of a computer
UNDP Thailand

Inclusive Development needs equality and social diversity 

UNDP places gender equality at the heart of all development dimensions - from environmental issues to economics, innovation, and governance. Every project must integrate gender considerations as a core component. "How do we raise social awareness about gender equality and diversity?" remains a key challenge. 

Though Thailand has progressed in gender equality, gaps persist, especially in leadership roles. "Women comprise less than 20% of parliament," highlighting policy-level inequality challenges. 

Cultural foundations present a significant barrier, especially in Asia, where gender roles are traditionally well-defined. However, today's world has proven that potential isn't determined by gender. Opening doors for everyone to showcase their capabilities is crucial for building human capital. 

"I'm not just a Head of Programme - I'm also a father with a daughter. I want her to grow up in a society with equal opportunities," Khan reflects. His perspective shows that gender equality isn't just an organizational mission; it's a hope shared by modern parents who want their children to thrive in a more equitable society. It's about creating a future where everyone, regardless of their gender, has the chance to reach their full potential. 

What piece of advice would you give to those considering applying #JoinALifeChangingMission with UNDP? 

If you're passionate about development work, want to see Thailand progress sustainably, and are interested in working on diverse issues, don't hesitate - come join our journey. 

Give us three words that describe UNDP Thailand. Integration, Equality, and Well-being.
Khan Ram-Indra, Head of Programme