Wellness Experts at Chiva-Som

27/07/2026, Healing Holidays

Find out more about the expert practitioners who will take care of you at Chiva-Som.

		PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Prathana Kumboonchu (Dr. Mod) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist working at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and received a specialized secondary honour on her graduation under Huachiew University and Shanghai University, one of the top Traditional Chinese Medicine Universities in Thailand and China. After receiving her acupuncturist’s license, Prathana worked at a clinic in Pattaya, focussing on cosmetic acupuncture, where she worked closely with aesthetic medical doctors treating weight loss, anti-aging and clear skin techniques. Apart from these specialty aesthetic disciplines, she also treated patients for aches and pains as well as emotional issues. Prathana also offers cupping and moxibustion therapy to her patients, both of which complement the powerful effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Prathana furthered her career development by working in Hospitals (Prae Ram Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital) for a number of years where she treated a variety of health concerns including pain, allergies, insomnia, gynaecological issues, massotheraphy, rheumatic and cardiovascular conditions and many others. In Prae Ram Hospital, she had several invitations to present lecture series such as an introduction to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Philosophies, Principles and Possibilities. Prathana chose this career because of her love of helping others, and she feels that acupuncture is a way of addressing the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. She feels that given the proper tools, the body has the ability to heal itself, thus reducing the need for medication. Compassionate by nature, Prathana is passionate about what she does and has a strong belief that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of managing people’s health.

		PATIENCE SANGWA Naturopath Patience supports guests with a one-to-one consultation to understand their eating, sleeping, exercising and lifestyle habits and how they are feeling mentally. From here she can create a holistic basket of treatments and meal plans. Her aim and objective is to engage guests’ interest in their wellness journey so that they are inspired to change habits that don’t support their optimal health. Patience is a board-certified naturopath with the Allied Health Professional Council of South Africa and holds two degrees from the University of the Western Cape, in Naturopathy and Complimentary Health Sciences.

		CHAIYONG WONGTUNGJAROENSUK Fitness Manager Chaiyong has a 25-year career in the fitness field and is skilled in helping guests across all training areas: weight loss, functional movement, sport-specific exercise and, of course, Personal Training. He also leads classes in Suspension Training. His long list of qualifications include Fitness Training ACE, FIT, Polestar, TRX and FIISM and he is a certified coach by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport as well as the Thai Government Department of Physical Education. Chaiyong is also a professional golfer and golf training specialist. As Fitness Manager, he is always keen to research innovative fitness approaches to bring to Chiva Som's guests, He’s a much-loved Personal Trainer and also leads fitness training for their staff.

		KAMLESH KUMAR Yoga Instructor Born in Northern India, Kamlesh Kumar comes from the very scenic Himachal Pradesh which is home to the Himalayas. Kamlesh has a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Himachal Pradesh University Summer Hill, Shimla and a Certificate from International Vishva Guru Meditation Institute, Ved Niketan Dham in Rishikesh, India. His strong belief in Yoga and its tradition inspired him to continue his studies and he also completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga and health education from Singhania University Rajasthan, India. Kamlesh has been practicing Yoga from an early age and has been teaching professionally since 2006. He has taught Yoga to the almost all age groups of different nationalities. He has taught Yoga in Ashram in Rishikesh and has worked with many leading companies in India, the Middle East and Asia. His teaching involves Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Pranayama and Meditation. Yoga is for everyone because it addresses all the issues on physical, mental and emotional levels. Kamlesh has a passion for sharing his knowledge and his beliefs in the Yoga ‘way of life’. He is a living, breathing example of wellness in spirit, mind and body. He believes that yoga is a perfect tool for harmonising body and mind, as it works on the subtle layers of mind and emotions. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to spread the knowledge and tradition of yoga as far as he can.

		WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK Head of Physio & Fitness As head of Physio & Fitness, Wantanee’s contribution to Chiva-Som has been instrumental to Chiva-Som’s physiotherapy & Fitness programme in areas such as general health, pain relief, mobility, joint mobility, posture corrective and strength balance. Her commitment is to helping people achieve optimal physical health by finding a harmony both physically and emotionally.


		CHANACHIDA BANYEAM Thai Traditional Medicine Practitioner Chananchida Banyeam (Bell) graduated Mae Fah Luang University with a with a Bachelor of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine in 2016. She has been a licensed Thai Traditional Medicine Doctor since her graduation. Khun Bell spent the past 5 years providing medical services of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine in Ratchaburi Province. This included treating patients with Thai therapeutic massage, Thai herbal drugs, examination, diagnosis and health care, therapy, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. Over the years, Khun Bell has also spent time providing education and vocational training for Thai community volunteers regarding various health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plants, Thai herbs, and animal and mineral based medicines. Since joining Chiva-Som International Health Resort in 2022, she has expanded her role and her services to include Thai Therapeutic Treatments such as the traditional Thai herbal steam bath, Thai herbal hot compress and Thai Medicinal Herbs. Her practice ensures the sustainability of the Thai national wisdom while working with a modern approach to alternative medicine and principles. This knowledge of the symbiosis of mind, body and spirit provide enriched therapy outcomes within the Holistic Health department.

If this blog has got you interested in starting your wellness journey at Chiva-Som please call our wellness advisors at 020 7843 3597 or enquire here.

Back

Wellness Experts at Chiva-Som

PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU

PATIENCE SANGWA

CHAIYONG WONGTUNGJAROENSUK

KAMLESH KUMAR

WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK

CHANACHIDA BANYEAM

Sign up for our newsletter via Email

Sign up for our newsletter via WhatsApp