CMRCA staff exemplify our core values of We Are A Family and Seek Growth and Development. We invest heavily in training and development, inspiring our staff to grow personally and professionally.
Meet the Team
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Khaetthaleeya Uppakham
Khaetthaleeya Uppakham
BIO
Khaetthaleeya Uppakham is a co-founder and director of Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. She is a member of the Thai National Rock Climbing Team and recently won the Silver Medal in Speed climbing at the Asian Indoor Games in Bangkok in November of 2005. In September of 2005, Kat became the first Thai woman to summit the Grand Teton in the USA by way of the Exum Ridge.
Kat is a highly experienced leader and personal motivator. She has had extensive experience working with international high school students through her work with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. Her recent experience on the Thai National Rock Climbing Team have added to her skills as an effective teacher of stretching and athletic preparation and thought processes.
Kat has worked with the Thai Authority of Tourism and the Sport Authority of Thailand helping to develop rock climbing as a new outdoor activity for youth in Thailand. She is the president of the Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Club and an active member of the rock climbing community working with local governments and educational organizations to help build a strong community.
Kat has appeared in photographs all over the world. She was recently highlighted in Cosmopolitan magazine Thailand as a “Woman Who Inspires,” and has also appeared Rock and Ice Magazine, the cover ofthe Omega Pacific Catalog, The Salt Lake Tribune, and other catalog sand publications.
Kat is a certified Wilderness First Responder with the Wilderness Medicine Institute.
Kat has spent time working with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute, facilitating cross-cultural interaction among adult and student groups. Her work with CMRCA combined with other organizations help her to develop incredible motivational skills. She has also worked with Grand Dynamics Inc., Outward Bound Professionals, and the Boulder-based experiential-education program Where there Be Dragons. She is an incredible example of a modern Thai woman who has shed traditional barriers and succeeded in climbing mountains both literally and metaphorically.
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Sinlawat Taweechau
Sinlawat Taweechau
BIO
Originally from Bangkok, Zoom moved to Chiang Mai as a high school student and then studied liberal arts at the Chiang Mai Provincial Physical Education College. In his free time, Zoom loves to make epic saves as goalkeeper for his soccer team and to grow his personal business selling Dragon Nest computer game items. On Wednesday nights, you’ll find him enjoying 100 baht movies at the Central Festival cinema. Zoom is a fun, easy-going person who loves his work and enjoys continuing to develop professionally.
Certifications
WAFA
Fun fact!
I’m fun, not stressed, and laugh easily. Spreads love in the workplace.
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Christopher LeBlanc
Christopher LeBlanc
BIO
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Chris spent his first 3 years in Thailand working as an ESL teacher. He started his climbing career when he moved to Chiang Mai, and in addition to enjoying a good day out at the crag, he’s also partial to a good book, movie, hike, or trip to somewhere in Asia he has yet to explore. Chris loves working at CMRCA and seeing the amazing impact that this company has on the community and the lives of all the people who work here.
Certifications
WFR, SPI
Fun fact!
Chris has a twin sister! And no, they’re not identical.
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Alan Avedovech
Alan Avedovech
BIO
Alan grew up in the mountain town of Park City, Utah, where he discovered his passion for the outdoors. His passion for the outdoors and living adventure lead him to the University of Utah where he earned a bachelors degree in Adventure and Outdoor Programming. After college he shared his passion with others by guiding and teaching outdoor education for activities such as rock and ice climbing, rafting, wilderness medicine and avalanche awareness for the University of Utah and sold outdoor gear at Black Diamond Equipment.
In 2015 Alan joined the CMRCA team and moved to Chiang Mai. Alan has settled into the Thai lifestyle and is helping to drive CMRCA’s adventure programming forward as the Director of Adventure Programs while still enjoying the adventures and food Thailand has to offer.
Certifications
AMGA SPI, CWI Provider, WMA WFR, Avalanche Level 1
Fun fact!
He once helped Fred Becky get his ski boot unstuck from his ski binding!
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Peeraya Patcharasaksakol
Peeraya Patcharasaksakol
BIO
Nan grew up on a sugarcane farm in Kamphaeng Phet province, where she helped her father run the accounting for the family business. After studying English at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Nan taught English to primary students before moving to Chiang Mai. In her free time, Nan loves to read, watch superhero movies, and adventure in the outdoors. Nan has four adorable cats – Neko, Niyom, Hoppu, and Aorn.
Certifications
WAFA
Fun fact!
Nan is like a duck. Ducks can both fly and swim, but not as gracefully as either the eagle or the fish. Nan has many different talents, but she’s not yet an expert at anything.
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Tanaporn Phophoonsak
Tanaporn Phophoonsak
BIO
I’m a cheerful person! 😬 I love art, nature, and outdoor activities. I’m a cat and dog lover.
Certifications
WFA
Fun fact!
Easy going but serious sometimes.
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Mario Wild
Mario Wild
BIO
From the Stubai Valley, Austria, Mario officially joined CMRCA in 2004. With over ten years of bolting experience, Mario “The Rock Whisperer” Wild/Austrain Machine is the best in the biz. A man of many talents, when he’s not bolting routes at Crazy Horse you can find him inspecting gear, guiding clients – if necessary in german – leading student programs, co instructing Rescue 3 courses or building climbing walls. He enjoys the simple, makeshift lifestyle of camping and being outdoors, especially when he’s trail running and trad climbing.
Certifications
Rock Guide Course, R3 Confined Space Rescue Operator, R3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Advanced – SRTA, R3 Industrial Rope Rescue Technician, R3 Swift and Flood Rescue Technician – SRT1, R3 Technical Rope Rescue: Technician Level, R3 Tower Safety, Climbing, & Rescue, Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification, Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Fun fact!
The best way to Mario’s heart is through his stomach! He loves cooking and eating, so if you need a restaurant recommendation in Chiang Mai, he’s the one to ask!
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Natchaya Krudsamai
Natchaya Krudsamai
BIO
Work hard play hard and breathe harder.
Fun fact!
Tiny women do something serious and crazy.
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Raheem Barnett
Raheem Barnett
BIO
Although he grew up just outside the bustling city of Boston, family camping trips taught him the wonders of the outdoors and inspired a love for climbing and hiking that matured during his college years. At Princeton University, he was staff at the campus rock wall and acted as a freshmen orientation trip leader, taking new students on five-day backpacking trips with a day of climbing. He is excited to continue his interests in outdoor education and computer systems with CMRCA in Thailand, somewhere quite new. When he’s not climbing or sitting behind his laptop you can probably find him sketching, dancing, reading, or taking photos at odd angles. He loves to make new friends so if you see him around feel free to say hi!
Certifications
WFA
Fun fact!
Raheem can do a backflip.
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Nongluck Kerdkaew
Nongluck Kerdkaew
BIO
White comes from the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai. Working as a server in middle school, she discovered very quickly that she has a passion for working with people. After studying marketing at the Far Eastern University in Chiang Mai, White joined the CMRCA family in 2007. White loves to spend time with her family, travel to new places, and talk with new friends.
Certifications
Tourist Guide License
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Apichat Kokaew
Apichat Kokaew
BIO
Tiffy comes from the highland town of Huay Tong Kor in Mae Hong Son province. After working at a school in Bangkok for five years, he moved to Chiang Mai to become a rock climbing guide with CMRCA. When he’s not honing his climbing skills at the crag, you’ll find him tinkering with motorbikes, cutting his friends’ hair, or cruising around Chiang Mai on his KLX 150BF. Tiffy’s family always welcomes visitors to come and learn about their Ba Ga Ger Yor culture in Mae Hong Son.
Certifications
WFA
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Sawitree Jinarat
Sawitree Jinarat
BIO
A Chiang Mai local, Fai loves to photograph the people, landscapes, and street art of this fascinating city. After graduating from the Chiang Mai Provincial Physical Education College, Fai joined CMRCA as an intern and then full-time associate. Fai believes in the power of the CMRCA family, and her personal motto is “Neither a good job nor a good salary can bring as much joy as good coworkers.” Outside the office, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops and finding beautiful places to relax with her friends and family.
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Paweena Srikumbang
Paweena Srikumbang
BIO
Ning comes from the Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai. Before joining CMRCA, Ning studied accounting at the Far Eastern University and then worked in accounting and human resources for a number of organizations. Ning’s family owns a tea plantation in Mae Taeng, where they also grow coffee, avocado, pomelo, lychee, and a host of other fruits. When she’s not working, she loves to go back to her family’s farm and help her parents harvest produce.
Fun fact!
Ning likes to pick the tea leaves that other people missed while harvesting.
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Suparnisa Thiwato
Suparnisa Thiwato
BIO
Aommie grew up in Chiang Mai’s Sansai district. She is currently studying Business and Management at Chiang Mai Rajabaht University while also working full-time for CMRCA. Though Aommie doesn’t have a lot of free time these days, she loves to see a movie, eat Thai BBQ, or go shopping with friends when she gets the chance.
Fun fact!
Aommie used to work as a barista and you bet she can make a mean cup of coffee!
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Graeme Anthony Waters
Graeme Anthony Waters
BIO
M had never been rock climbing before joining CMRCA as a trainee guide. At first, rock climbing was very difficult for him, but as he kept practicing, his skills continued to improve. M believes that by working hard and not giving up, you can accomplish things that you thought were never possible. M is a Chiang Mai local and studied sports science at the Chiang Mai Provincial Physical Education College. He enjoys playing computer games, jogging at Huay Tung Tao reservoir, and taking motorbike trips around Northern Thailand.
Certifications
WAFA, SPI, Swift Water Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue3
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Somsak Panyaruean
Somsak Panyaruean
BIO
A Chiang Mai native, you’ll often find Pi Suk cruising around town on his beloved pink bicycle. Before joining the CMRCA family, Pi Suk sold sweet rice crackers and watermelon juice at the Muang Mai market. When he’s not busy with chores around the house, he loves to watch dramas and horror movies or bike to the Saturday night walking street.
Fun Fact
Pi Suk’s favorite food is mango, which he harvests from the mango tree at his house.
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Aliya Greenberg
Aliya Greenberg
BIO
Aliya grew up in Montgomery, New Jersey a town just outside Princeton, where she attended college. At Princeton, she was staff at the campus rock wall and served as a freshmen orientation trip leader, leading five-day backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing trips over the years. She has always loved doing anything outside, and those trips showed her how much she loved experiential education as well. Having lived in a 7 mi radius her entire life, she is sooooo excited to be doing what she loves in Thailand, 8500 miles from her house.
Certifications
WFR
Fun fact!
Aliya will shortly be able to do a pullup.
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Joshua Morris
Joshua Morris
BIO
Josh Morris is the founder and director of Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. A graduate of Princeton University, Josh has been working in Thailand since 1999. During that time he has helped to establish Chiang Mai as an internationally renowned rock climbing destination. He has served as an advisor to the Sport Authority of Thailand in order to develop safety standards for rock climbing in Thailand. Josh’s hard work and commitment has helped to foster a strong rock climbing community which includes two national team members and a medal winner at the recent Asian Indoor Games.
Josh is an experienced leader. He regularly leads student and adult rock climbing, experiential education and personal development programs with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures.
Josh works and participates with Grand Dynamics Inc., one of the industry leaders in team building and leadership development based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as well as Outward Bound Professionals (www.outwardboundpro.org), and The Cradlerock Group. He is also a leader for high school cultural immersion programs for the well-respected Where There Be Dragons based in Boulder, Colorado. He is also an active facilitator for the JUMP Foundation. His work with these organizations have made him a highly sought after program leader and facilitator. Josh specializes in helping groups focus on communication, teamwork, personal development and motivation. Josh has brought this skill set to the training of his staff making CMRCA a unique organization in Thailand.
Josh is a certified Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician and is a certified instructor of CPR and First Aid.
Josh is also an avid photographer and has had his photographs published in Action Asia, Men’s Journal, Rock and Ice Magazine as well as many other catalogs and publications. Josh is the co author of A Guide to Rock Climbing in Northern Thailand, which has been distributed world wide.
Josh has worked regularly with many organizations in the US and Asia including, Harvard Business School, The Construction Financial Managers Association, Sallie Mae, Thai Authority of Tourism, Sport Authority of Thailand, Sport Climbing Federation of Thailand, The Global Issues Network, The International Sustainable Development Studies Institute, American Pacific International School, Prem Center for International Education, Chiang Mai International School, Lanna International School, US Cobra Gold, and Chinese International School in Hong Kong.
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Noppadon Uppakham
Noppadon Uppakham
BIO
Noppadon Uppakham (Taw) is the dedicated head instructor of Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures Co., Ltd. After serving in the military, Taw joined the CMRCA team as an Assistant Instructor in 2003. Over the next two years, Taw gained the skills necessary to teach lead climbing courses for CMRCA. He also became a staff belayer and route setter for the 2006 Asian Indoor Games. After a 10th-place finish at the Bangkok Bouldering Competition in 2006, Taw stopped focusing on competitive climbing, and dedicated himself instead to learning about quality instruction, cave passage, and crag development. In 2007, Taw became CMRCA’s Head Instructor. Since then, he has been instrumental to the development of Crazy Horse and the standardization of CMRCA’s instruction and staff training.
In the five years since Taw began instructing, he has led thousands of students on rock climbing, caving and rappelling programs in Northern Thailand. His quiet demeanor commands respect while igniting students’ curiosity. Taw is an incredible motivator and his attention to safety and detail is infectious. His instruction style infuses students with a deep respect for the activity and a strong awareness of safe methods of participation.
Taw is an experienced caving guide and exploratory caver, and has helped to push new cave passage below Crazy Horse Buttress. In addition, Taw has studied bolting with Paul Collis, Josh Morris, and Francis Hayden, and has added ten new routes at Crazy Horse in the past year. As part of the bolting process, Taw gained a familiarity with Traditional climbing and anchor building.
Taw’s experience in the military gave him an appreciation of protocols and procedure, and as Head Instructor, Taw has put that to use, developing climbing course outlines, staff training manuals, equipment lists, and safety protocols to standardize CMRCA’s guiding and staff training programs. As Head Instructor, Taw is ultimately responsible for training, testing, and developing the rest of CMRCA’s instructor staff.
Taw is certified in Wilderness First Aid and Safety and in CPR by the Thailand Ministry of Health. Taw is an internationally recognized belayer as certified by the ISCF (International Sport Climbing Federation).
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Sirinit Wongwandee
Sirinit Wongwandee
BIO
If the world of accounting had routes and grades, Sirinit Wongwandee (Nid) would be climbing harder than the rest of the CMRCA family combined. She is a wizard with statistics and official documents, working without pause to keep the company running smoothly. Nid hones her management skills as a dedicated parent, and looks forward to the day she can teach her 7-year-old son how to belay.
Nid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and a Master’s in Marketing from Payap University.
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Sirinuch Youngakares
Sirinuch Youngakares
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Pheerawitch Munsawang
Pheerawitch Munsawang
BIO
Pheerawitch Munsawang (Phi) is a dedicated and hard-working member of the CMRCA instructor team. He is a true motivator and exhibits natural grace in facilitating groups and individuals in growth-oriented situations.
Phi is a patient and reliable instructor. He uses laughter to put his students at ease while challenging them to push themselves. When he is not out guiding, Phi can be found teaching technical rope skills to CMRCA interns, or practicing advanced rescue techniques on the side of the bouldering wall.
As a member of the CMRCA expedition into the Pha Daeng Cave in April of 2009, Phi spent 34 hours underground at depths of up to 275 meters. His experience as part of the team which unofficially discovered the third deepest cave in Thailand qualifies him as a great instructor and adventurer.
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder
Fun fact!
Food always comes first.
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Surachet Kongsingh
Surachet Kongsingh
BIO
Surachet Kongsingh (Add) is another of CMRCA’s rising stars. Like his twin brother, Add has dedicated himself to a life of adventure. His degree in physical fitness has helped him develop a solid foundation of the skills necessary to truly excel in climbing and the outdoors. Add has a fantastic ability to inspire those around him. He understands commitment and the need to develop himself personally and professionally to overcome obstacles. This characteristic led Add to volunteer for the Thai army as a way to give back to his country and develop leadership and perseverance skills necessary to becoming a world-class climber and instructor. Add draws on his experience to facilitate adventure programs and help participants commit to seeing their own dreams come true.
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Loung Nan
Loung Nan
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Thatsanawalai Chaisangwon
Thatsanawalai Chaisangwon
BIO
Part of the CMRCA family since Spring 2011, Thatsanawalai Chaisangwon (Tune) started climbing in Boulder, Colorado where she spent a year working as an au pair in 2008.
Tune majored in hospitality and worked in customer service and education before finding us on goabroad.com. She has a love of all outdoor activities – from slacklining to skiing, cycling, and bouldering.
As sales coordinator, Tune greets customers with her infectious smile and shares information on the programs and everything Crazy Horse. She thrives on cross-cultural communications and sharing experiences with people from all over the world.
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Suradet Kongsingh
Suradet Kongsingh
BIO
Ooan is one of Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventure’s rising climbing stars. Driven by a true passion for climbing, Ooan spent a better part of his final two years at university training and developing his climbing skills with CMRCA. He has since become a member of the CMRCA Instructor staff and is also an avid competitive rock climber.
Ooan has competed in national competitions throughout Thailand including Krabi, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. His commitment to the sport is infectious and gives him a voice when speaking with students about the challenges of commitment and motivation when working toward goals and overcoming obstacles. Ooan is exceedingly personable and creates a positive experience for everyone who climbs with him.
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Nut Ingavanija
Nut Ingavanija
BIO
Nut Ingavanija (EQ) began work as CMRCA’s universal fix-it man in summer 2009. His commitment to safety and training, as well as his remarkable ability to mend machines, make him an important part of our team. As an assistant instructor, EQ is focused on communicating best practices for using and caring for equipment. His steady, reliable, and observant personality creates an atmosphere in which his students are more comfortable pushing themselves.
Before coming to CMRCA, EQ worked for eight years as a bicycle and auto mechanic. His expertise in fixing things has led him to be one of the primary caretakers of the CMRCA gear shop, office, and bouldering wall. EQ is also a dedicated father and an enthusiastic mountain biker.
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Phanupong Somboon
Phanupong Somboon
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Witsanu Intanon
Witsanu Intanon
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Jakkapan Srisuwan
Jakkapan Srisuwan
BIO
Gee was born on September 14th, 1988 in Phetchaboon, Thailand. He started climbing during his internship with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. When he was an intern, he assisted the senior guides on daily programs and was introduced to rock climbing and its unique lifestyle.
He remembers climbing outside for the first time and being extremely discouraged by the difficulty. He had a lot of doubt in his own ability and thought that climbing outside was not for him. However, he went climbing again after two weeks and met several climbers who shared their climbing stories, lessons, and advice. He felt welcomed by the local climbing community and was inspired by their healthy way of life and their positive attitude.
From that experience, he had the courage to keep on climbing every day, try and progress as a climber, find new routes and places to climb, and challenge himself with climbing goals. He truly feels that climbing fit well with his personality. Climbing has taken him to incredible places and helped him form connections with many amazing people.
Now, he is paying it forward by guiding students and introducing them to climbing. He loves seeing his students step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. As a professional guide and a climber, he wants to dedicate his life to inspire more people to live a more adventurous lifestyle and care more about the environment.
CERTIFICATIONS
AMGA SPI certified guide, WAFA
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Siriporn Klapthung
Siriporn Klapthung
BIO
Pui loves to go outside and play. She has more than 10 years working in the Outdoor Education and Experiential Education with many organizations and International Schools.
Certifications
WFR, PADI, NOLS Outdoor Educator training
Fun fact!
Pui has gone 15 days without showering.
