Building Dreams: The Story Behind Namjai Village

Namjai Village is a vision in the making—a planned intentional co-housing community near Chiang Mai, Thailand, designed for those seeking purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging. While the community is still in its planning stages, its founders, Eleonore and Stefan King, have been shaping this dream through their shared values and complementary journeys.

A Tale of Two Founders

Stefan grew up in the Netherlands, where he enjoyed what he describes as an idyllic childhood. Educated in a Waldorf school—a philosophy prioritizing holistic development and creativity—he later earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence. His life shifted after working in the corporate world left him unfulfilled. Determined to work remotely, he found his way to Thailand, drawn by practical factors like the climate and visa options, as well as an affinity for palm trees and warm weather. “It was common for me to be cold in the Netherlands,” Stefan admitted. “I always looked forward to holidays in warmer places. I knew Southeast Asia would be promising for location independence—and at least it would be warm and nice.”

Eleonore’s journey was quite different. Growing up in Paris in a multicultural family, she often felt out of place. “I tried to be happy in Paris, but I felt very stifled,” she shared. After traveling to places like Brazil and Spain in search of a new home, she remembered a trip to Chiang Mai years prior. Despite arriving initially as a reluctant tourist—she didn’t even want to leave the beach for the “culture” Chiang Mai was known for—she was unexpectedly captivated. “After two hours here, I felt like I’d been hit on the head. It felt like home for no reason I could explain.” For Eleonore, settling in Chiang Mai twelve years ago was the beginning of a deeply fulfilling chapter.

A Shared Vision for Intentional Living

Namjai Village reflects the shared vision of Eleonore and Stefan to create a multigenerational, sustainable, and supportive community. Their different personalities and skills have proven complementary in shaping this ambitious project.

One way they understand their differences is through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a personality framework that categorizes people based on how they perceive the world and make decisions. Stefan, an INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging), brings structure and a strategic, analytical mindset, while Eleonore, an ENFP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving), thrives on emotional insight, spontaneity, and creativity. “We’re absolute psychology nerds,” Eleonore remarked, highlighting how their shared interest in understanding people helps them collaborate effectively.

Though Namjai Village is still in its early stages, the founders have a clear plan. The community will be built around shared spaces like the Namjai Sala, envisioned as a hub for connection, learning, and relaxation. The project also includes customizable homes for individuals, families, and retirees, with options to invest by building multiple homes​.

Why Chiang Mai?

For both founders, Chiang Mai is more than just a beautiful location—it’s a place that inspires creativity and connection. Stefan was drawn to the area’s practicality as a base for remote work and its warm climate. Eleonore, in contrast, felt an inexplicable emotional pull. “It felt like coming home,” she explained, recalling the moment she first stepped foot in the city. Thai locals later told her, “It’s because your past lives were here in Thailand.”

A Dream in the Making

Namjai Village is designed for dreamers—families, retirees, and professionals who value intentional living. While the project is still in its planning stages, the vision of creating a community that fosters connection, wellness, and sustainability is already inspiring many.