Meet ‘Thailand’s Paris Hilton’ Naphaporn ‘Lek’ Bodiratnangkura, the Nai Lert heiress, reformed party girl and Instagram influencer bringing Aman to Bangkok
- ‘Lek’ is inspired by her grandmother, Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri, who inherited Nai Lert’s empire at 27 after her father’s sudden death
- Despite her reputation for partying and fashion, the aspirational heiress was educated at the UK’s University of Surrey and New York’s Parsons School of Design
Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura carries the load of her family’s considerable legacy upon her shoulders. Her great-grandfather was property magnate Lert Sreshthaputra, or “Nai Lert”, and her more immediate ancestors have continued to grow the family business, expanding its portfolio of properties. Now Lek serves as managing director of the Nai Lert Group and CEO of subsidiary Nai Lert Park Development. But if the heiress of this 136-year-old company appears to wear the weight of expectation lightly, she attributes this to a supportive family, one that instilled in her good morals and a grounded work ethic.
While taking on a role in the family business had always been on the cards, she’s grateful to her family for equipping her with the tools she needed to get things done. “I know I have very big shoes to fill but with clear vision and goals for Nai Lert Group, I am confident of continuing the family legacy,” she told STYLE. “There will be, of course, challenges along the way but with solid family support and strong management, anything is possible.”
She was raised in a family of strong women
Asked about her family, she talks about her late grandmother, Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri, who inherited the Nai Lert empire at the age of 27 after her father’s sudden death. Lek cites her as a “great inspiration” in her personal and professional life. Meanwhile, Lek’s “strong-willed” parents, Chutipat and Sanhapit Bodiratnangkura, encouraged their children to express themselves and be able to choose their own paths.
She’s a reformed party girl and socialite
