CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Venerable Bhikkhu Sompong Phorkpoon
Venerable Sompong Phorkpoon formerly known as Suthee Sutasuntorn, is the Chief Abbot
of Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai, Thailand—a site of immense historical significance as the
original discovery place of the Emerald Buddha. Born in 1970 in Surin Province, he entered
the sangha in 1984. His lifelong dedication to Dhamma is matched by a profound academic
pursuit; he holds a Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, where his
doctoral research focused specifically on Buddhist Pilgrimage and Tourism.
Beyond his monastic leadership, Venerable Sompong is a prominent educator and
communicator. He serves as a lecturer at the Chiang Rai Buddhist College
(Mahachulalongkornrajavidayalaya University) and directs the Chiang Rai Buddhist Radio
station. His international experience is equally distinguished, having served as a
Dhammaduta monk at Wat Thai Kusinara in India, bridging the gap between Thai Buddhist
traditions and the sacred sites of the Buddha's homeland.
With over 25 years of experience as a guide and tour leader across Asia—including India,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia—venerable Sompong is a leading authority on the
intersection of faith and travel. Since 2001, he has been a pivotal mentor in training
programs for monk guides, ensuring that the next generation of leaders can effectively
facilitate meaningful spiritual journeys. His unique blend of scholarly insight and "on-the-
ground" expertise makes him a vital voice for the future of international Buddhist tourism.
Dr. Chotima Chaturawong
Dr. Chotima Chaturawong is a distinguished scholar of architectural history at the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University in Thailand. She has a strong academic background in professional architecture and art history, having earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Southeast Asian Art History from Cornell University. Her work is widely recognized for its thorough integration of architectural form, religious rituals, and the historical transcultural exchanges that shape the Buddhist landscape of Southeast Asia. Dr. Chaturawong's research extensively examines the evolution of Buddhist monastic architecture, with a focus on Mon, Burmese, and Thai traditions. Her landmark doctoral dissertation, "The Architecture of Burmese Buddhist Monasteries in Upper Burma and Northern Thailand: The Biography of Trees," remains a seminal study demonstrating how material culture and forestry—particularly the teak trade—are intertwined with Buddhist architectural production and the spiritual lives of the Sangha. Her expertise also includes comparative analyses of Buddha shrines and mandapas in Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India, providing a comprehensive view of the Buddhist built environment. A prolific author, her recent publications include Buddha Shrines: An Architectural Comparison of Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka (in Thai) and "Architectural Symbols and Functions of the Ananda Temple in Bagan." Beyond her teaching and research, she serves on international editorial boards and collaborates with institutions such as the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. Her participation in this conference brings a unique perspective on how the physical spaces of worship reflect the evolving theological and social identities of the Buddhist world.
Joe Cummings
Joe Cummings first arrived in Thailand in 1977 to pursue interests in Buddhism while teaching King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology (now KMUTT). He returned to the USA to write for The Asia Record newspaper while earning an M.A. in Thai language and Southeast Asian art history at the University of California at Berkeley.
In 1981, Joe conceived of and wrote Lonely Planet Thailand, the first guidebook to the country in English since 1928. In a review of Lonely Planet Thailand, the American Geographical Society wrote “One of those rare travel guides written with such care and insight it deserves listing as literature.” This was followed by LP titles on Bangkok, Thailand’s Islands & Beaches, Northern Thailand and Laos, as well as rewrites for Myanmar and Indonesia.
He has contributed to over 50 reference books on destinations in Asia, including Buddhist Stupas in Asia; Buddhist Temples of Thailand; Burmese Art, Design & Architecture; Muay Thai; World Food Thailand; Chiang Mai Style; Lanna Renaissance; and Sacred Tattoos of Thailand.
Joe consults on tourism for Unesco and Thailand's Ministry of Tourism, and carries out location scouting for numerous TV and film productions, including Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown and an upcoming Disney Studios feature.
Rahul Ravi Rao
Rahul Ravi Rao, a Senior Faculty at the Department of Pali, University of Mumbai associated for around 10 years, pursuing his Ph.D. Research in Buddhist Education & Culture, completed his MPhil and Master's in Pali, Buddhist Studies, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology. Enhanced skills to demonstrate subject specialization in Pali Language & Literature, Buddhist Pilgrimage & Cultural Studies, along with Archaeology of Buddhism. Academic Profile has UGC-NET in Pali, Buddhist Studies & Comparative Study of Religions. 13 Research Papers have been published under his credit, represented India at UNDV for the Vesak Conference, and at the Asian Buddhist Summit. Been bestowed with 4 Awards in the subjects of Buddhist Excellence Studies, Education Excellence, and Tourism. Associated as a subject expert and member on various academic boards and institutions in the field of Pali & Buddhist Studies. Participated in various state, national, and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. Travelled to almost all major Buddhist Sites in India and served as a subject guide in explaining Buddhist Architecture - Stupa, Cetiyagraha, and Vihara, closely associated for a short period in practising the Bhikkhu life in Thailand.
Dr. Axel Bruns
Dr. Axel Bruns is a renowned scholar, a pioneer of Buddhist Circuit Tourism, a distinguished
geographer, author, and travel industry veteran who has spent over three decades
documenting and navigating the cultural landscapes of Asia. With a career rooted in the
academic study of tourism and a life lived at the heart of the Buddhist world, he offers a
unique bridge between scholarly research and on-the-ground expertise.
A graduate of West Berlin’s Free University, Dr. Bruns’s early research into the impact of
tourism in Sri Lanka set the stage for a lifetime of exploration. Since 1993, he began working
as a tour leader for several German travel companies. His work focused heavily on Myanmar
and China, where he frequently guided tours along the Silk Road, exploring the historical
spread of Buddhism from India to China. He has been a pivotal figure in guiding cultural
expeditions across China and Myanmar. His deep expertise in the Silk Road—specifically the
historical spread of Buddhism from India to China—has made him a sought-after tour leader
for travelers seeking a profound understanding of China’s Buddhist heritage.
His connection to Southeast Asia deepened when he migrated to Yangon, Myanmar, in 1996
and fully immersing himself in the country’s spiritual and artistic traditions. His academic
contributions are headlined by his definitive PhD research on Burmese Puppetry (Hamburg
University, 1999), a work that remains a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cultural studies.
Dr. Bruns is also a prolific writer whose works serve as essential reading for those interested
in the preservation and promotion of Asian heritage. He later founded Azure Sky Travels.
Dr. Reza Soltani
Dr. Reza Soltani is a Belgian marketing psychologist and a distinguished global citizen who has traveled to over 120 countries and speaks seven languages. He brings a wealth of international experience to the field of global travel, having served as a strategic advisor for both the United Nations and the European Commission on development projects within emerging economies.
As a leading specialist in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, Dr. Soltani focuses on how tourism can serve as a bridge between cultures and a tool for spiritual and social harmony. This expertise is particularly relevant to the development of Buddhist tourism, where the principles of mindfulness, non-violence, and cultural preservation intersect with the modern travel industry. His work explores how pilgrimage and heritage sites can be managed to foster both economic growth and regional stability.
Dr. Soltani currently serves as the Director of International Relations for the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) in New York and is a Partner and Co-organizer of the Global Tourism Forum, a high-level summit held in collaboration with UN Tourism. In these roles, he advocates for the transformative power of travel to create a more peaceful world.
