Rachan Malaiwongs

English-born but raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Rachan Malaiwongs became a PADI Instructor in 1994, and in 1999 became the first Thai PADI Course Director. After graduating from college, Rachan moved to Koh Samui where he earned his PADI Divemaster certification before moving on to take his PADI Instructor Development Course. There, he worked at various dive operations on Koh Samui and Koh Tao, and helped shape the diving industry in Thailand.

Rachan is credited with training many of the Thai PADI Instructors and acting as a mentor to new PADI Professionals. He continues to cultivate a strong community among the PADI Instructors he has trained, including in the growing diving hub of Bangkok.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved today, training hundreds and hundreds of Thai diving instructors who have helped make Thailand one of the biggest diving hubs in the world,” Malaiwongs says.

Rachan’s mission is to continue to grow and strengthen the diving communities in Thailand.

• Became the first ever Thai PADI Course Director in 1999
• Mentored and taught students in Thailand who have gone on to become PADI Professionals and helped shape and grow the dive industry in Thailand and Asia
• Moved to Koh Samui and had the honor of meeting his mentor, the late Ceasare Benelli, credited with establishing the first dive center in Koh Samui and Koh Tao
• Over the years, formed many great and lasting relationships with PADI Divers and Professionals, as well as communities and people all over Thailand