Ake Rittinaphakorn has played a crucial and continuously evolving role within the Textile Society of Thailand (TTS), particularly in modernizing its digital infrastructure and contributing significantly as a textile expert and speaker. He officially joined the committee in November 2021, though his contributions to the society began earlier as a frequent presenter.

Key Contributions:

• Textile Expertise and Programs:

  • Prior to and during his committee tenure, Ake consistently delivered lectures and presentations on diverse textile subjects. These included Tai Neua textiles, fusion Shan textiles, Indian chintz cloth, and Royal Shan outfits. His talks were consistently noted as "well attended" and "very interesting".

  • He continues to be a key speaker, covering topics such as Indonesian gold textiles, Chinese and Tibetan carpets, and coordinating visits to notable textile collections. He is also responsible for gathering content for the E-Magazine, approaching other textile experts for articles.

• Website Development and Digital Modernization:

  • From March 2022, Ake took on the critical task of revamping the TTS's outdated website and Facebook presence.

  • He spearheaded the redesign efforts, meeting with external web designers to develop a new, user-friendly website. He secured quotes for its design and annual hosting.

  • By August 2023, he reported the new website was complete, boasting a "new and fresh look".

  • He focused on corporate identity, presenting new logo designs and standardized digital templates for communications.

  • Following a security incident that led to data loss, Ake advocated for hiring personnel to re-enter information onto the new site.

  • He is actively involved in features such as automating membership data collection and ensuring the e-magazine is properly embedded on the site.

  • Ake played a role in securing free subscriptions for Canva and Google Workspace through Goodstack, significantly professionalizing the society's digital tools.

• Committee and Strategic Involvement:

  • As a committee member, Ake contributes to strategic planning and problem-solving. He provided input on finding a new auditor.

  • He is involved in planning events like the textile bazaar, assisting with organization and table arrangements.

  • He has taken on communications roles, agreeing to manage Messenger notifications and preparing the annual Songkran greeting card.

  • Ake actively participates in discussions regarding the TTS's financial support for textile projects and scholarships, suggesting the creation of a dedicated page on the website for funding opportunities.

  • He is also involved in high-level discussions, such as the feasibility of a joint symposium with the Jim Thompson Foundation, suggesting collaboration with educational institutions due to its large scale.

Ake Rittinaphakorn's blend of technical acumen, deep textile knowledge, and active participation in strategic initiatives has been instrumental in modernizing the TTS's operations, expanding its digital footprint, and ensuring its continued relevance as a hub for textile appreciation and support.