Table of Contents

Frans Betgem – Advisor

I was born in Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After finishing my study in history I backpacked through Southeast Asia. In 1990 I started to work as a tour leader for the Dutch company Baobab Reizen in Thailand. For this company, I organized and led more than fifty tours in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. In 1994 I joined Khiri Travel, a Destination Management Company in Bangkok, as a partner.

In 2012 I retired from the daily management of Khiri Travel in order to fully concentrate on Green Trails and its sister brands Chiang Mai a la CarteTong Bai Elephant Tour, and Chiang Mai on Three Wheels. I am also the author of the Travel and History blog site and run a Facebook group called Chiang Mai Memories. I am also a shareholder, consultant, and board member of Travel Authentic Philippines. I do most of the research on the tours you find on this website. I also write about my personal trips such as the one where I brought back old pictures to communities.I have done all the tours we sell at least one time. If you have any detailed questions you can contact me directly: frans@green-trails.com

Trishaw with tourist in Singapore
Frans in Trishaw in Singapore

Aom – Sales Manager

Meet our staff: Ms. Naruemon Naimongkol, nickname Aom, is Green Trails Thailand’s Sales Manager. She graduated from Lampang Rajabhat University, majoring in English. She has been working for travel companies in Chiang Mai since 2004 and decided to accept a job at an export company in 2007, to gain new work experience. She realized that the export business is not what she likes to do and accepted a job as a sales manager with Green Trails Thailand.

If she has free time she loves to travel, read and surf the Internet. Traveling around the world is her dream. She is eager to learn about other cultures and visit new places.

Woman in front of statue
Naruemon Nai in Chiang Rai

Nuch  – Accounting

Meet our staff: Ms. Woranuch Sathidwana, nickname Nuch, was born in Chomthong, not far from Chiang Mai. She is Green Trails Thailand’s Accountant. She loves animals and her favorite pet is a guinea pig, called Tualek. In her free time, she likes watching TV, surfing the internet, and traveling. After finishing Thonburi University she became an accountant. She loves nature and has always had a great interest in eco-tourism activities. She is calm, and respectful and always pushes herself to do the best job she can. Nuch has been Green Trails’ staff since the beginning of the company.

man and woman in a forest
Nuch and her father

Inchai Thummanoon (George)

We know Inchai Thummanoon as George. He is the young talent in the company. George learned a lot from our senior guides but has become his own man very much. He hails from Fang, Chiang Mai province. George loves football and cycling. He has been a guide for more than six years. He obtained his guide license from Rajabhat University in Chiang Mai. Before he started to work for Green Trails, he worked for several other companies in Chiang Mai. He loves our family treks in the Huai Nam Dang National Park. His lighthearted, fun nature is always inspiring. He enjoys guiding people into the mountains and let them exchange experiences with tribal people with an entirely different culture. Guests love to meet our guides.

Guide with guests
Guide George with guests

Taksin Phisan Akarabut

Taksin Phisan Akarabut has no nickname. He comes from Ubon Ratchathani in North-East Thailand and lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and two sons. He has been a guide for 32 years and knows the trekking industry inside out. He has never been an office person. He loves to be outside and to be active. He loves to share his knowledge and experience to show visitors the beauty and tradition of North Thailand. We are delighted to work with Taksin and hope it never stops!

Taksin has guided treks for groups for companies such as Shoestring and Monkey King. He has guided treks for individual guests from various Destination Management Companies such as Khiri Travel and Tiger Trail Thailand, and Green Trails guests.

Tourists in lifejacket
Guide Taksin with guests

Narong Podjanathamrongpong

Narong Podjanathamrongpong was born in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai province. Narong is Karen.

Narong went to primary school in Chiang Dao. He attended high school in Lampang. He is Christian like many Karen people. Upon the recommendation of friends, he did the guide course at Chiang Mai University in 1992. After having obtained his guide license he started working as a porter on trekking trips until he was confident enough to be a trekking guide. He worked for many companies in Chiang Mai. His favorite trekking area is Chiang Dao. He feels at home in the mountains and enjoys the outdoors. Narong is a very relaxed person and a pleasure to be with. He is married and has two sons.

Narong Green Trails
Narong Guide Green Trails

Pornchai Singchai

Pornchai Singchai aka “Chai” is our senior trekking guide. After finishing school he learned English from a teacher who worked at Chiang Mai University. He got his guide license and started working as a trekking guide more than 30 years ago. He knows more trekking areas than any of our guides, worked for numerous companies, and is a legend in his lifetime. Pornchai feels at home in the mountains. He says his job is stress-free and keeps him healthy. Pornchai has two children.

Students with a local guide