As Wonderfruit returns for its fourth instalment this December, founder Pranitan Pete Phornprapha opens up about how the increasingly popular music and lifestyle festival is making a positive impact

Priding itself as carbon neutral, Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand has certainly set itself apart by offering more than what an ordinary music festival has to offer. Returning for its fourth installation this December 14 to 17, Wonderfruit has a Glastonbury-meets-Burning-Man vibe with a focus on more niche acts and sustainability.

What makes Wonderfruit truly unique is its sense of community, as festival goers are able to enjoy yoga, meditation, training sessions, and taking part in art workshops. By paying artists with trees and offering meals with homegorwn farm produce, the 4-day music festival has an ambition building a sustainable creative community in Asia. We spoke to Wonderfruit Festival's co-founder Pranitan Pete Phornprapha to find out the story behind the eco-friendly music festival.

See also: 12 Music Festivals in Asia You Shouldn't Miss in 2017

Tatler Asia
Above Wonderfruit co-founder Pranitan Pete Phornprapha (Photo: Courtesy of Scratch First)

In your own words, how would you describe Wonderfruit?

An inspiring, diverse, multicultural, hedonistic, mindful celebration of art, music, food, wellness, family and creative ideas, to catalyse positive impact.

What inspired you to start Wonderfruit?

The spark for Wonderfruit came in 2012 when I went to Secret Garden Party in the UK. I had been working on a project advocating social responsibility and sustainability, and it struck me what a great medium a festival would be to promote these pressing issues because everyone can relate to art, music and having fun.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Scratch First

This year, you offered to pay some artists/ collaborators with TREE tokens. How does it work?

TREE is a cryptocurrency that can be traded on the block chain like any other currency. Each TREE coin represents an actual mangrove tree in the Thor Heyerdahl Climate Park in Myanmar and its value is backed by the natural capital of that tree. One mangrove sequesters up to a tonne of CO2 over 20 years, and has multiplier impact in community, climate and biodiversity.

We’re really excited to be working with some really pioneering and forward-thinking collaborators who see the value of protecting and preserving the earth’s most precious assets.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Scratch First

From the past three years, any unforgettable moments from the festival?

I will never forget picking up trash around the fields at 8am with strangers as our 2015 festival was closing. Oh, and in our first year, the delivery of our boutique tents was held up and we were feverishly still putting them up as guests were arriving. I was hammering stakes in the ground, taking abuse from every corner, but in the end, we pulled it off.

What, in your personal opinion, are the main highlights that Wonderfruit attendees should look forward to this year?

This year, we have almost all-new content across our six pillars: Music, Arts, Family, Farm to Feasts, Talks & Workshops, Wellness & Adventures.

The Farm, as an example, is being developed by Thailand Young Farmers this year, to become FARMacy. They’re growing all sorts of organic remedial plants, and Wonderers will be able to explore and discover the healing power of nature in our on-site dispensary.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Scratch First

What should we wear and bring to Wonderfruit? 

Feel free to dress up in outlandish outfits or wear what’s most comfortable for you. Bring a non-plastic flask to refill at our water stations. Most importantly, come with an open mind and good vibes.

Any insider tips for Wonderfruit attendees?

It’s in Thailand, so you’ll need lots of sunscreen for the daytime. But also, it’s in December, which is our cool season, so bring an extra layer for nighttime. Besides that, just be sure to stay hydrated and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

The Wonderfruit Festival returns to Siam Country Club in Pattaya from December 14 to 17. For more information, visit wonderfruitfestival.com.

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