Khwankhao Sinhaseni (Kimmim)
About yourself
I am Khwankhao Sinhaseni from Thailand, but most people call me by my nickname, Kimmim, which means “black” in a northern Thai dialect. My academic background is in forest ecology; I earned my BSc and MSc in Ecology from Chiang Mai University, focusing on forest restoration and plant–animal interactions. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Griffith University, Australia, researching the value of ecosystem services in tropical fruit crops within small-scale farming systems. Over the years, I have worked in conservation as a field researcher, project coordinator, and manager, and now serve as Executive Director of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, focusing on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Helmeted Hornbill.
What inspired you to work in conservation?
My first name is Khwan “Khao,” with khao meaning rice, and my last name, Sinha, means lion. Even my name reflects the connection between plants and animals, and how my culture is tied to Mother Nature. My inspiration to work in conservation began at age 12, when I joined a youth nature camp. It was my first time staying in a forest and learning about the importance of ecosystems and the impact of humans on wildlife and their habitats. Since then, I decided to study ecology to build a strong foundation, conduct research to provide solid data for conservation, and apply this knowledge in practice. Working with NGOs allows me to expand networks, create real impact, and promote human–wildlife coexistence based on scientific evidence.
What does being part of the ASAP Network of Women mean to you and what do you hope to achieve?
The ASAP Network of Women feels like a “family” to me. The dedicated team is like senior family members, offering support, knowledge, and advice with compassion, while the participants are our true sisters, caring for and helping one another sincerely. This is my safe space, both personally and professionally, where we can be ourselves, share our weaknesses and strengths, and transform them into real power to shape our own leadership style. Through this program, I hope to explore new tools and techniques and understand myself more deeply. It has also made me realize that everyone has a “magic box” within, ready to be used more strategically and effectively.
What is your biggest takeaway from the in-person retreat sessions?
I have always worked hard to achieve the goals of conservation and biodiversity protection, and to engage others in creating real impact. However, I realized that I often forget to take care of myself. Conservation is a marathon, not a short race, and I need to maintain both physical and mental health to provide a positive atmosphere for my team. Only then can we protect wildlife habitats and support local communities effectively. I also noticed that while I always listen to and care for others, I rarely hear my own voice. The retreat became a game changer in my life, giving me time to reconnect with myself and listen to my inner voice. From this experience, I now strive to live more strategically, sustainably, and impactfully—while remembering that my own well-being truly matters.
