Interview with the Interns: Patihan “N“
With deadline coming up in two days, Patihan Yingwongwiwat “N“—a 23-year-old graduate student from the IBMP program at Thammasat Business School—was deeply occupied with his task. Yet, he spared his time to share with us his journey as intern of San Fun Group that took him across the country from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
“I knew about San Fun Group through a Case Competition which I found out about through the faculty’s group [in 2023]. The project I chose to work on back then was the Five Palms Forest Park project. I helped research and brainstorm ideas for the area, focusing on reforestation and community restoration. My idea was a "Botanical Garden" concept. I felt it could attract tourists while restoring nature and acting as a draw for the community.
‘After the competition, I was invited to work as an intern. During that first phase, I only worked about 3 days a week due to my busy schedule. My first real task was shredding documents—just doing whatever was needed. After that, I mostly did marketing promotions and helped with accounting documents, while learning about the working tools like Zapier (automation platform) and ChatGPT.
‘I had to leave for America for Work & Travel. When I returned, there weren't many other interns around, but that allowed me to get closer to the senior members and understand the organization better. I started learning how to use Softr (no-code platform) and assisted with SF Living and SF Story systems—things like dormitory management and digital marketing systems. I also worked on transportation management system for Teeraporn Hospital. Around that time, the structure of San Fun Group became more defined. It was also around that time I went to Tak for the first time. That trip made me understand better what San Fun was all about.
‘After that, I went on trips more often. A second trip to Tak, and then to Chiang Mai where I initiated contact with local restaurant and partners, as well as accompanying Aj. Nopporn Nontapa of the Forest Plantation School to the site visit. When I returned, I worked on the internal website system for Vanasin Residence. Doing that taught me what Softr could do and what its limitations were. By then, I was quite proficient with several platforms.
‘During the recent team meeting, I suggested focusing on the property management because the expenses and potential income are tangible. We don’t have to build something brand new; we just need to find tenants. Now we’re using Google Earth to evaluate and categorize the land. And I also currently working on the new website of Bo.lan Educational Program.
‘Since there are few interns, I’ve tried to help with everything.”
Comparing to other companies, San Fun Group is “very different”.
“It’s very different. I’ve interned at big companies before. There, the tasks are very clear-cut. It’s a corporate system where you are an employee doing a daily routine. Of course, you meet new people and seniors, but the work is very repetitive.
‘Here everyone is around the same age, and in a "learning" stage—learning about society, their own interests, and work. We grow alongside the workplace. The company itself is also in a “scaling" phase. Therefore, interns are more involved in the company, and are actually listened.
‘The atmosphere is friendly. The seniors are accessible; you can talk to them about anything. It feels more like making new friends than just a workplace.”
From the 2024 Case Competition to various projects like SF Living and SF Story, N has contributed greatly to the growth of San Fun Group. Nonetheless, he shared with us the project that left the most impression.
“I’d say SF Living that I helped set up the website system for the partner hotel in Chiang Mai. We finished a tangible piece of work within a short timeframe. Customers actually used the very system for reservation. Seeing real visitors access the site and benefit the hotel was very rewarding. That’s also where I met new friends and P’Noey for the first time.”
For those considering an internship, N’s advice is simple: Don’t hesitate.
“No matter where you heard about us—JobBKK, LINE, or elsewhere—you might not fully get what we do at first. Just imagine us as a consulting startup where you help solve problems and move things in a better direction. Don't worry about the atmosphere; you can fully be yourself here. Being part of San Fun Group is valuable for current and future self. Come join us if you have the time!”