Born in Los Angeles, Monk Duke’s —formerly Praputt Kamlang-ek/Phornprapha- life began at the crossroads of immense privilege and powerful legacy.

He was the son of two of Thailand’s most distinguished figures-General Arthit Kamlang-ek, Thailand’s former Supreme Commander and Deputy Prime Minister, and Phornsan Phornprapha, daughter of Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha, founder of the Siam Motors Group, an industrial empire that brought brands like Nissan Motors, Yamaha Music, Komatsu, and Daikin into the heart of Southeast Asia.