Directors

COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT

Our board of directors are commissioned to represent and promote mutual business interests between both Thai and South African businesses within our membership community in Thailand. Their key task aims to further increase awareness of potential trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. In addition to the commercial aspects above, our Chamber is also interested in furthering social and cultural understanding between the different nationalities represented in this Chamber. These people are dedicated to ensuring SATCC fulfills its Mission in Thailand.

Meet Our Board Executives

South African man with title as Chairman of SATCC

KAREL DE LANGE

President of the SATCC | Connect on LinkedIn

Karel (Kallie) has over 30 years of experience in business development. In 2018, he was presented with the opportunity to become a KWV business partner in Indochina, which appealed to him because of his Thai family connection.

He launched Marvel Beverage and Events – KWV Indochina which functions as an agent for KWV in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, based in Bangkok. They also import wine and liquor directly which is distributed nationally in Thailand through Tops Thailand – ท็อปส์ ไทยแลนด์ & Villa Market – วิลล่า มาร์เก็ท, top hotel chains, and restaurants. He also distributes directly to the South African expat community (SAFFAS).

Karel has always served as Director of Events for SATCC since 2021. During 2022 – 2024 Karel served as Vice-Chair representing the Eastern Seaboard for our Chamber of Commerce. Today, he has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve in the position of Chairman.

DANUPONG PANITPICHET

Treasurer & Vice President of the Board Bangkok | Connect on LinkedIn

Khun Danupong Panitpichet has been a part of SATCC for nearly 10 years (since 2014).

In 2009 he decided to join one of the leading Thai shipping companies in Bangkok. He was responsible for vessel space sales, running a fleet of 3 huge conventional vessels on a monthly basis, each vessel docking at Thailand and Durban Port, South Africa, and vice-versa, carrying commodities such as rice, tapioca starch, and construction beam, from Thailand exporting to South Africa.

During his service in the shipping field, he got a great opportunity to join the South African/Thai Chamber of Commerce in 2014. In 2019, Khun Danupong started a new venture as a business partner. He also continues to serve SATCC interests in his own capacity. Khun Danupong is enthusiastic, flexible, sociable, and very friendly.

KYLE DANIELS

Vice President of the Board – Phuket | Connect on LinkedIn

Kyle Daniels – Psychology Consultant, Mindset Coach, and Founder of Coached Success

Kyle Daniels is a psychology consultant and mindset coach with dual degrees in psychology, committed to equipping individuals with the resilience and mental strategies necessary for peak performance. As the founder of Coached Success, he works closely with elite athletes, corporate professionals, and emerging leaders, helping them thrive in high-stakes environments through strategic psychological methods.

With nearly 15 years in coaching and counseling, Kyle’s unique approach to resilience, adaptability, and mental clarity is deeply influenced by his personal journey—including overcoming self-doubt and challenging circumstances growing up in Cape Flats. He brings experience coaching Olympians, world champions, and top-tier professionals globally, blending psychological insights with practical mental skills to drive sustainable growth. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in his integration of philosophy, NLP, psychology, and stoicism principles into his work.

Kyle is also an accomplished speaker, having presented on influential stages like TEDx, national TV, the World Aquatics, where he shares practical tips on managing the psychological factors necessary for high performance.

South African man with title as Vice Chair

BERNE LAMPRECHT

Vice President of the Board – Pattaya | Connect on LinkedIn

Berne Lamprecht newly elected  Vice President of the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC), based in Pattaya, and the Managing Director of ASAP Marine Trading Co., Ltd.

With extensive experience in the marine industry, Berne leads his company in providing high-quality marine products and services across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Known for his strong leadership and business acumen, he plays an active role in fostering trade relations and supporting collaboration between South Africa and Thailand.

TANAPOL DEVAHASTIN

Director of Events | Connect on LinkedIn

Khun Tanapol holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Sydney (1993) and an Executive MBA from SASIN School of Management (2005). With a strong background in business and international trade, he has built a diverse and accomplished career.

He served as VP of Business Development at PPTV (2012–2017), where he shaped the station’s strategy and introduced premium sports to Thai free-to-air TV. Currently, as Managing Director of Annex Motors Co., Ltd., he leads the company’s strategic growth.

His experience also includes representing European companies and importing fine wines from Spain and South Africa to Thailand. Today, Tanapol continues to expand his impact as a Board Executive to the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

 

South African man with title as Vice Chair

Board Executive | Connect on LinkedIn

Nicholas Ling is Innovative strategist and transformational leader with over 20 years of experience across Africa, Australia, Indo-China, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia. Skilled in driving growth, improving operations, and leading high-performing teams.

Experienced in launching new ventures and expanding markets in the Automotive, Heavy Equipment, and Food & Beverage industries. Strong in strategy, business development, marketing, and leadership development.

Passionate about building resilient organisations and guiding teams to achieve lasting success.

CHARLES GREEFF

Content Maketing Manager – Advicer  | Connect on LinkedIn

Charles Greeff, a South African food and beverage entrepreneur, has built a global career grounded in culinary expertise and business innovation. With a versatile skill set encompassing restaurant operations, menu design, and comprehensive staff training, Greeff combines creativity with a hands-on approach to establish thriving food ventures across continents.

His entrepreneurial journey includes successful ventures like a bar, deli, and coffee shop. In 2017, he co-founded Siam Biltong Company, introducing authentic South African biltong to Thailand and aiming to expand throughout Southeast Asia. This unique venture showcases his adaptability to regional markets and commitment to bridging South African and Asian food cultures.

Looking forward, Greeff plans to grow Siam Biltong Company as a leading Southeast Asian distributor of South African foods, highlighting his ambitious vision and dedication to innovation in food manufacturing and international trade. His journey reflects how culinary passion and industry insight can create distinct market opportunities across borders.

Charles currently serves as Special Advisor on the Board of the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Naruporn Ruangrattanatrai (Khaowfang)

Administrator | Connect on LinkedIn

Naruporn Ruangrattanatrai (Khaowfang) is a dedicated and reliable administrative professional who has been serving as the Satcc Admin and Bookkeeper for the past year. She plays a key role in managing daily office operations, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting the smooth running of the business.

Known for her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and positive attitude, Khaowfang ensures that administrative and accounting tasks are handled efficiently and on time. She continues to grow her skills in bookkeeping and office management, contributing to a well-organised and professional work environment.

 

HONORARY ADVISOR & FORMER CHAIRMAN

GRAHAM MACDONALD | MBE

Connect on LinkedIn

Honorary Adviser to the SATCC

Graham Macdonald MBE is a seasoned business leader and adviser with over four decades of international experience across a wide range of sectors, including finance, insurance, media, and charity. Based in Thailand since the 1990s, he has been a driving force in fostering UK and South African business interests in the region. Known for his deep knowledge of the Thai economic landscape and strong commitment to social causes, Graham continues to play a pivotal role in advisory and leadership capacities across both public and private sectors.

He was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List for services to British business interests in Thailand, recognising his longstanding dedication to strengthening bilateral trade and community ties.

  • Current Roles
    Managing Director – Aegis International Ltd
  • Chairman – Macallan Insurance Brokers Ltd
  • Chairman – The Cairn Advisory
  • Chairman – GAT Food & Liquor
  • Chairman – Dynamic KRP Group
  • Consultant – CtrlS Cloud4C
  • Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand
  • Honorary Adviser – Republic of South Africa Embassy in Bangkok
  • Honorary Adviser – British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT)
  • Honorary Adviser – South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC)
  • Honorary Adviser – Rugby School Thailand
  • Honorary Visiting Fellow – University of Bradford
  • Business – Past
    Plant Manager – Pioneer Concrete (UK) Ltd: 1983–1985
  • Sales Manager – Shire Group: 1985–1989
  • UK Sales Manager – Rentokil OMM: 1989–1994
  • MD and Co-founder – MBMG Group: 1995–2016
  • Vice Chairman – World of Wine (charity-based company): 2004–2014
  • Regional Business Adviser – MitonOptimal Group: 2016–2017
  • Senior Adviser – PKF International: 2018–2022
  • Adviser – Hesed Development (Thailand) Ltd: 2022–2023
  • Chambers of Commerce & Diplomatic Engagement
    Founding Chairman – BCCT Eastern Seaboard: 1997
  • Director – BCCT Board: 1998–2012
  • Vice Chairman – BCCT: 2005–2010
  • Chairman – BCCT: 2010–2012
  • Director – Board of Trade of Thailand: 2011–2015; 2020–2022
  • Chairman – SATCC: 2012–2016; 2020–2022 (first to chair two foreign chambers)
  • Honorary Consul Designate – Republic of South Africa to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard: 2016–2020
  • Charity & Community Involvement
    President – Care for Kids: 1998–2010
  • Secretary – Lighthouse Club Eastern Seaboard: 2006–2007
  • Chairman – BCCT Charity Group: 2009–2012
  • President – Royal British Legion (Thailand): 2009–2017
  • Committee Member – BCTFN/Ploenchit Fair: 2012–2014; 2017–2019
  • Honorary Adviser – English for All initiative: 2016–2023
  • Media
    Contributor to various newspapers, magazines, and journals in Thailand
  • Frequent guest on local and national TV (1997–2016)
  • Nominated for the Lorenzo Natali Prize for journalism (EU award for excellence in reporting on human rights and democracy)
  • Personal
    Born in Birmingham, England on 25 June 1959
  • Educated at Repton School and University of Bradford
  • Awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to British business in Thailand
  • Named ‘International Personality of the Year’ in 2016 by International Investment Magazine
  • Recipient of the Royal British Legion Gold Badge in 2018
  • Featured in Thailand Tatler’s ‘Top 300’ most influential expats
  • Vice Chairman – Pattaya Cricket Club; supporter of Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club
  • Former member – Wasps and Moseley Rugby Clubs; Head Coach – Birmingham University W.R.F.C.
  • Interests: History, Literature, Classical Music, Travel, and Cinema

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