Sunil Kothari

Overview

Sunil Kothari (born 9 November 1962, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India) is an Indian businessman, philanthropist, and film producer based in Bangkok, Thailand. He is widely recognised for his contributions to business leadership, community development, and cultural diplomacy between India and Thailand, and is one of the most prominent figures within the Indian diaspora in the country.

Having resided in Thailand since 1983, Kothari has built a four-decade presence across business, community service, and the arts. He is Chairman of Flawless Co., Ltd., a Thailand-based company established in 1985, with interests spanning the gems and jewellery, textiles, and real estate industries. His philanthropic work encompasses education, healthcare, cultural preservation, disaster relief, and inter-civilisational dialogue between India and Thailand. In 2024, he expanded his activities into film production, with his debut feature, Avyaan, currently in post-production.

Business Career

Kothari has been a resident of Thailand since 1983, establishing himself as one of the longest-standing and most prominent members of the Indian diaspora in the country. He is the Chairman of Flawless Co., Ltd. (established in Thailand in 1985), with business leadership spanning India–Thailand markets across multiple sectors.

He holds senior positions in the following business and trade associations in Thailand:

• India-Thai Chamber of Commerce
• Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association
• India-Thai Business Association

His business interests span the gems and jewellery, textiles, and real estate industries. In addition to his trade association roles, Kothari has been closely associated with the Embassy of India in Thailand, participating in bilateral trade and diplomatic events across multiple decades.

Philanthropic Work

Sunil Kothari believes in social change through a participatory and inclusive model of development. He has dedicated significant personal resources to community empowerment, the promotion of Indian culture and values, and the strengthening of socio-economic and cultural relations between India and Thailand. His philanthropic work spans education, healthcare, natural disaster relief, cultural preservation, religious activities, and inter-civilisational dialogue.

Education

• Annual financial assistance and scholarships to the Indian Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
• Support for the India Studies program at Thammasat University
• Funding for the Sanskrit Study Centre and Silpakorn University
• Support for the Gandhi Institute at Rangist University in organising its Gandhi Talk Series
• Financial assistance to the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation to fund education for children in remote and tribal areas of India

Cultural & Religious Initiatives

• Support for the International Day of Yoga in Thailand since 2014, coordinated with the Embassy of India
• Active support for the 15th World Sanskrit Conference held in Bangkok (2015)
• Support for the Festival of India in Thailand, organised by the Embassy of India
• Patronage to VHP Thailand for Holi and Ganesha festival celebrations
• Contribution to activities marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand
• Contribution to the Sawasdee PM Modi event held in Bangkok on 2 November 2019
• Spearheading a Millet Awareness Event in collaboration with the Indian Studies Centre, Chulalongkorn University (October 2023), as part of India's International Year of Millets
• Organisation of a tribute dinner commemorating the 80th anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's first visit to Thailand (October 2022), honouring delegates of Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Yojna Bharat and families of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj)
• Support for the World Hindu Conference (WHC 2023) held in Thailand
• Support for the publication of religious books about Buddhism in Thailand
• Promotion of women's empowerment initiatives in Thailand, including providing a platform on International Women's Day

Infrastructure & Community Welfare

• Contribution to the construction of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha temple in Thailand
• Contribution to the construction of a Jain temple in Thailand
• Contribution to the Shanti Bhumi Cremation Site project in Thailand
• Fundraising for the maintenance of Thai temples, including Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Sri Rama and Wat Pa Ban Dong Bang
• Annual donations to temples, orphanages, old-age homes, schools, universities, and Indian community associations in Thailand
• Annual provision of support to underprivileged Thai children on Children's Day

Social & Humanitarian Causes

• Contributions to natural disaster relief efforts across India and Thailand
• Support for the Swachh Bharat Mission and Namami Gange initiatives under the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians
• Support for the 'Jago Bachon Jago' child safety and awareness campaign in Rajasthan, India — raising awareness about child trafficking, POCSO offences, and child rights in schools
• Active support for the annual Indian-Thai Sports Day organised by the Indian Association of Thailand
• Support for the Thai-Indian Fun Fair organised by the Indian Social Club of Thailand

Awards & Recognition

Sunil Kothari's philanthropic and cultural contributions have been formally recognised through a range of national and royal distinctions:

• Princess Plaque Award — Princess Plaque Award

    Awarded by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for his support of the 15th World Sanskrit Conference held in Bangkok (2015).

• Jaipur Shree Award (2024) — Jaipur Shree Award (2024)

    Presented at the 17th Varshik Utsav of the Jaipur Pravasi Sangh in Mumbai, recognising his sustained efforts to strengthen socio-economic and cultural ties between India and Thailand.

• Honorary Lay Dhammaduta — Honorary Lay Dhammaduta

    Conferred by the Most Venerable Somdet Phra Mahathirachan, representing the Sangharaja of Thailand, in recognition of his deep engagement with Thai Buddhist institutions and culture.

His work has been covered and acknowledged by Republic World, DNA India, ANI News, The Print, Business Standard, First Post, Times of India, IANS Live, Filmibeat, Planet Bollywood, and Bangkok Scoop, among others.

Community Affiliations

Sunil Kothari holds senior membership and active roles across a wide range of trade, cultural, religious, diplomatic, and academic organisations operating at the India–Thailand interface.

Business & Trade

• India-Thai Chamber of Commerce
• Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association
• India-Thai Business Association

Cultural & Religious

• Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Association Thailand
• Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Thailand
• Indian Association of Thailand
• BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Thailand

Academic & Diplomatic

• Indian Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University (donor and patron)
• India Studies Program, Thammasat University (donor and patron)
• Sanskrit Study Centre (donor and patron)
• Silpakorn University (donor and patron)
• Embassy of India in Thailand (long-term collaborator across bilateral and cultural initiatives)

Film Industry

• Urban Boat Films, Mumbai (production partner for Avyaan)
• IMDb registered producer: nm17464986
• Dedicated film production website: avyaanfilm.com

Filmography

Sunil Kothari transitioned into film production in 2024, with a debut focused on promoting Sanatana Dharma, Indian spiritual heritage, and culturally rooted storytelling. His films are produced in partnership with Urban Boat Films, a Mumbai-based production house with a broad portfolio spanning feature films, documentaries, short films, and advertisements.

Avyaan (2024–2025)

Avyaan is Sunil Kothari's debut feature film as producer. It is described as a heartfelt cinematic journey inspired by the timeless traditions of Bharat — a simple yet emotionally rich story mirroring the cultural values and inner reflections of Indian life, with a focus on themes of inner strength and Sanatana Dharma.

• Director: Gaurav Khati
• Cinematographer: Chandan Kowli
• Lead Cast: Anushka Kaushik (known for Lust Stories 2); Chayan Chopra (debut)
• Production Company: Urban Boat Films (Mumbai), in association with Sunil Kothari Productions
• Production commenced: 18 November 2024, Varanasi (with a traditional puja ceremony at the city regarded as India's spiritual epicentre)
• Film website: avyaanfilm.com
• Status: Post-production / announced for release (as of 2025)

Actress Anushka Kaushik described the experience of shooting Avyaan as deeply transformative and spiritual, noting that the process left her moved both emotionally and personally. The film has received coverage in leading Hindi-language publications and national and entertainment outlets, including ANI News, Times of India, Filmibeat, Planet Bollywood, IANS Live, AdGully, Punjab News Express, and First Post.

Kothari was also featured in The Times of India regarding his views on the intersection of creativity, technology, and storytelling in modern filmmaking.

Identity & Online Presence

• Website:
• Film Website: https://avyaanfilm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunilkothari/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunilkothari1962/
• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17464986/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunil.kothari.5437923

India contact address: C-107, Savitri Path, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302015, India.

Email: sunil@sunilkothari.com