Motor Expo 2026

Chamaiphon Paphatphong, Deputy Director for Business Development and Marketing at Universal Media Co., Ltd., has created a new phenomenon in the Thai motorsport industry by becoming the first female instructor in Thailand and Asia to earn the BMW Certified Instructor Level 2 certificate. This astonishing achievement not only reflects her outstanding abilities but also serves as an inspiration to women across Asia who aspire to succeed in the male-dominated motorsport world.

The significance of being certified as a BMW Certified Instructor is not just about being a BMW-certified instructor, but also a testament to driving skills and abilities, comprehensive in-depth knowledge about cars from Level 1, all the way to advanced driving skills, and teaching skills according to BMW standards at Level 2. Therefore, each instructor undergoing the test must face many challenges, especially overcoming their own limitations.

Chamaiphon recounted the difficulties of the BMW Certified Instructor Level 1 exam, stating that it required immense effort, especially the exam in Germany, where she was the first Thai woman to take it. She had to overcome both theoretical exams in automotive physics and engines in English, which was challenging for her as she did not have an engineering background, as well as the driving test which required intense drift practice. It took her 2 years to pass.

Stepping up to Level 2 became even more difficult. Chamaiphon revealed it was a “leap” that required intense training, especially controlling the car at speeds over 260 km/h, Figure Eight drifting, and Fast Lap. She also had to practice "Lead a group" skills, which demand precise driving skills, observation, and communication to provide guidance to other drivers. She traveled to South Korea for additional training to develop these specific skills, spending 3 full days of intensive practice, combined with continuous regular self-practice on a go-kart track to prepare for the test.

Chamaiphon's path to success began with BMW Driver Training 20 years ago, igniting her passion for car control and developing her skills to become a professional race car driver, before transitioning to an instructor with a passion to impart knowledge and experience. Natthawut Charoensukwattana, a famous race car driver of that era, along with Wuttinan Saphavasu and Mekkasit Wiraparasu, all part of the pioneering group of BMW Certified Instructors, served as crucial inspirations.

Currently, Chamaiphon is part of the instructor team for BMW Driving Experience, a driving skills training program designed to teach correct and safe car driving, enabling drivers to assess situations and respond appropriately. It is not limited to BMW drivers. This program focuses on enhancing participants' driving abilities through learning challenging and fun driving skills, emphasizing safe driving, and helping develop general driving skills and emergency response. It is conducted by a team of instructors certified to BMW standards. Trainees will gain knowledge, skills, and driving enjoyment simultaneously, and upon completion of the training, will receive a certificate from BMW, which can also be used to further pursue advanced international BMW driving skills.

BMW Driving Experience was first held in Thailand in September B.E. 2547. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the BMW Driving Experience activity in Thailand, which has upgraded its program format to be more intensive and expanded its capacity to accommodate up to 30 participants. The current BMW Driving Experience courses are divided into 3 programs: BMW Safety Training, suitable for drivers of all skill levels, focuses on essential skills to handle emergency situations and drive more safely. Next, at a higher level, is BMW M Race Track Training, an intensive and more challenging training course that practices advanced driving techniques to resolve critical situations on the road, including various driving techniques to allow participants to fully unleash their own potential and that of the car. 

And finally, the BMW M Drift Basic course, a program for safely practicing drifting skills, with BMW Certified Instructors providing one-on-one technique instruction. This fully develops the skills and performance of both the driver and the car. Participants will experience high-performance BMW M-series cars, equipped with exciting motorsport power, on Thailand's legendary race track, to challenge limits and enjoy speed under the close supervision of the instructor team.

Chamaiphon offered advice for women interested in joining the BMW Driving Experience: "Don't be afraid to try, because women have a delicate approach to driving, and this program will help enhance driving skills and confidence." Furthermore, she also had a message for young women who dream of becoming instructors: "You must have patience, pay attention to detail, and have a passion for driving and teaching."

Chamaiphon Paphatphong's success is proof that with love, determination, and effort, nothing is impossible, and it serves as an inspiration to all women who dare to overcome their own limitations and pursue their dreams.