The Untold Story – MUIC Alumni Chapter 26
Topic: From MUIC to Bitkub: The Career Path of Atthakrit Chimplapibul

• Could you briefly introduce yourself and walk us through your career journey since graduating from MUIC?

Technology has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first touched a computer, an Apple Macintosh, before kindergarten, and that early exposure shaped the way I view the world. Growing up, teachers would send me to tech competitions because I was naturally good with computers. But as the eldest son in a Chinese family with its own business, I also felt a sense of responsibility to continue the family legacy. That led me to pursue a business degree at MUIC, which played a major role in shaping my thinking and forming the foundation of who I am as a businessperson.

After graduating, I returned to run my family business for four years. Although it was a valuable experience, deep down I knew I still wanted to build something of my own that is connected to technology. So in 2015, I invested a few million Baht and countless of sleepless nights into my first tech startup. It did not take long for me to realize that I was heading to failure. It failed, and the experience showed me how different it was to run a tech startup compared to a traditional business.

That failure became a turning point. I bought a Kindle, went back to the library, and spent months studying how startups really work. In 2016, while reading “The Industries of the Future” by Alec Ross, I discovered blockchain. I was instantly fascinated and saw the potential long before it became mainstream. That spark led me to co-found Bitkub with a group of like-minded people. And the rest, as they say, is history.

• For those who may be new to Bitkub, could you tell us what Bitkub is and what the company does?

Bitkub is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Thailand, serving as the country’s leading platform for trading digital assets. We provide access to more than 300 digital assets, offering both beginners and professional traders a secure and trusted environment to participate in the digital economy.

Today, Bitkub processes around 3 billion Baht in daily trading volume and serves a community of over 5 million users. The company has grown to nearly 1,000 employees, making it not only a market leader but also one of the largest tech companies in the country. Our mission has always been to make digital assets accessible, safe, and simple for everyone in Thailand.

• In your view, what makes Bitkub stand out uniquely from other crypto exchanges in Thailand?

Bitkub’s strongest advantage is that we were a first mover in the Thai crypto market. We entered early, established trust, and built a foundation before the space became crowded. That early start allowed us to set industry standards and become the default choice for many users.

But being first is not enough. You must also serve well. Bitkub is the first and only exchange in Thailand to offer 24/7 customer support via phone call. In a financial market that never sleeps, real-time human support builds confidence. Finally, our branding has been consistent from day one. Customers know we are stable, transparent, and will not run away with their money. Trust is everything in this industry, and it has always been at the core of Bitkub.

• Which leadership skills have been most essential in managing such a fast-growing company?

One of the most important leadership skills for me is the ability to “get things done.” It means going straight to the point, cutting unnecessary layers, and driving execution until the goal is achieved. As a leader, you have to set the example. You have to work alongside your teams and show them what it means to be accountable and relentless.

But execution alone isn’t enough. You can work extremely hard on the wrong things and still end up far from success. That’s why another crucial skill is the ability to foresee trends and stay ahead of the curve. In a rapidly changing industry like crypto, you must choose the right battles and build toward the future. Hard work matters, but working hard on the right things matters even more.

These two skills may sound simple, but many essential things in leadership or even in life do not need to be complicated. In the end, clarity, discipline, and strategic focus often win over complexity.

• What are some key lessons you have learned from working in the crypto and blockchain space?

The first and most important lesson is that trust and communication are everything. A crypto exchange handles billions of Baht in customer assets. If you lose user trust, you lose the entire business. That’s why transparency, security, and clear communication are essential. They are the foundation of everything we do.

Another key lesson is that this industry never stops. Crypto is a 24/7 global market with no weekends or holidays. One year in this space feels like ten years in the real world. The pace is unforgiving, but that intensity also pushes you to grow, adapt, and innovate constantly.

• Is there a memorable moment or experience from your time at MUIC that still stays with you?

MUIC was full of meaningful first-time experiences that shaped who I am today. It was where I drove a car for the first time, where I gave my first English public presentation to a full class, and even where I failed my first exam. These moments may seem small on their own, but together they built resilience, confidence, and a broader perspective on life.

Looking back, MUIC was a period of growth both personally and academically. It taught me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace challenges, which later became essential skills in my entrepreneurial journey.

• What inspired you to study International Business at MUIC, and how has it influenced your career today?

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, choosing business felt natural to me. The entrepreneurial mindset was already a part of my upbringing, and studying International Business at MUIC seemed like the right path to continue that tradition. MUIC has long been recognized as one of the best international business schools in Thailand, so it was the obvious choice.

The influence MUIC had on my career is lasting. While knowledge and technical skills can evolve or be updated, the way of thinking – the structured, analytical, and disciplined mindset – stays with you forever. The school shaped how I approach problems, build teams, and make decisions. It provided the foundation that supported every step of my entrepreneurial journey.

• What motivated you to become a mentor in the mPACT Program and support current MUIC students?

MUIC has given me so much—education, a way of thinking, valuable experiences, and long-lasting friendships. Becoming a mentor is my way of giving back to an institution that shaped my early years. I feel a responsibility to return the support I once received.

Beyond that, I believe I am in a position to contribute meaningfully. There are things you can learn in the classroom, and there are things you can learn only by being out in the real world, building companies, facing failures, and overcoming challenges. I have gone through all, and I know I can help MUIC students bridge that gap between theory and reality.

• What advice would you give MUIC students who aspire to start their own business or pursue a career in the tech or fintech industry?

People rarely regret the things they tried. They regret the things they did not. If you feel a genuine pull toward entrepreneurship, tech, or fintech, then go for it. These industries represent the future of the global economy, and those who enter early will help shape that future.

Tech and fintech move fast, and the world increasingly depends on them. If this is where your passion lies, take the leap, learn quickly, and keep improving. You might be one of the people who will drive the next chapter of innovation in Thailand and beyond.

• How do you see the future of digital assets and blockchain technology evolving in Thailand and the region?

Digital assets and blockchain are not just trends. They are the future of global finance and digital infrastructure. The U.S., Europe, and Asia are all moving decisively in this direction, and we can expect adoption to accelerate across industries. Thailand is no exception.

Anything that can be tokenized will eventually be tokenized: property, vehicles, stocks, government bonds, and other valuable assets. The Thai government has already taken major steps, such as tokenizing government bonds and recently waiving personal capital gains tax on digital asset trading. These are strong signals that the ecosystem is moving forward.

The world, the region, and Thailand are all heading in the same direction. The next generation of Thai professionals and perhaps even someone reading this will play an important role in driving the country into the digital future.

• Motto:

“For the first time, technology gives us the power to transform the world overnight. Use your shot.”

Mr. Atthakrit Chimplapibul
MUIC Class of 2014
Major: International Business
Position: CEO and Co-founder of Bitkub