Mr Thanathep takes guests on a tour of the Asha Stables Resort.

Horseback riding becomes way of life for young businessman

Mr Thanathep Viboul was once passionate about the power and speed of cars and often took part in races in Thailand. But today, he is just as passionate about horseback riding and horse racing, which have become an important part of his life.
He began riding horses nine years ago in Thailand and has loved it ever since. That passion eventually led him to establish Asha Stables and the Asha Stables Resort in Sangthong district, Vientiane, - a destination that is now popular with both Lao and foreign visitors.

Mr Thanathep Viboul.

On the morning of Monday, May 26, Vientiane Times reporters attended the appointment ceremonies for the Lao National Equestrian Federation Executive Committee (2025–2029 term) and the Vientiane Capital Equestrian Federation Executive Committee, held at Asha Stables.
Mr Thanathep Viboul, a young and visionary developer admired by many, was appointed President of both the national and Vientiane equestrian federations, both headquartered in Sangthong district.
It was our first time meeting him, and we were eager to discuss his story. After the ceremony, we sat down for an interview on the terrace of the resort’s restaurant, which overlooks a peaceful garden stretching out to the horizon. He appeared humble and approachable, with light skin, a fit figure, and an easy smile. Though soft-spoken, he radiated confidence and depth as he shared his journey.
“I started riding with the Thai Equestrian Federation in 2016, and from the very beginning I loved it. Soon after, I began buying horses and raising them. But I quickly realised that horses need constant attention; when left alone for too long, they can become uncooperative. Some even threw me off when I tried to ride them again.”
This experience made him seek out professional guidance. A trainer advised him to take a basic horsemanship course in Thailand, which opened the door to deeper learning.
“I kept studying and eventually learned how to train horses myself. I even taught others how to ride. I competed in many horse races in Thailand and won several awards. In fact, I was the first Lao national to compete in many of those events.”
With this growing expertise, he opened the Asha Stables Resort in Sangthong.
“Now, I have 37 horses. Looking back, I’ve learned that horses are complex animals. Horseback riding is more challenging than most sports—it requires real skill and mental focus. Sometimes you want the horse to turn left, but it goes right. You want it to stop, but it keeps moving. These situations force you to think, plan, and stay calm. It trains your mind, your patience, and your whole approach.”
He noted that these lessons extend into his everyday life and leadership.
“When I became good at training horses and the psychology of it, I realised I could apply the same techniques to my staff and others around me.”
As his experience grew, so did his stable—from one horse to many—eventually making him the proud owner of Asha Stables.
“Other countries in the region—Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, even Vietnam—already have horse racing. So I thought, why not Laos? It’s a respected sport globally. That’s why I decided to invest billions of kip to start it here.”

President of the National Olympic Committee of Laos and Minister of Education and Sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong (right), and Honorary President of the Lao National Equestrian Federation and former Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Savankhone Razmountry, stand with a horse at the Asha Stables Resort.

Before the federation was formally established, Mr Thanathep had already begun training riders and organising competitions at his own facility.
“I couldn’t find any trained riders locally, so I taught my staff to race horses. They already understood the animals and their behaviour well.”
Thanks to trainers from Thailand and his own team, Laos is now building its equestrian foundation. Currently, six riders train at Asha Stables, though they have yet to compete internationally, but that will change soon.
“At the end of this year, we plan to host a district-level competition in Vientiane and may invite Thai riders to compete to make the event more exciting.”
But the Asha Stables Resort isn’t just for professional riders—it’s also a growing tourist destination.
“Alongside horseback riding, we’ve integrated tourism. The resort includes a restaurant, lodging, and several other activities. Right now, we have seven guesthouses that can accommodate around 30 visitors.”
He hopes to make Sangthong better known.
“Most tourists only know about Vangvieng and Luang Prabang. But Sangthong has fresh air and beautiful scenery. I want to make it a new tourist destination in Laos.”
Covering around six hectares, the Asha Stables Resort opened to the public last year and has exceeded expectations. It welcomes 200–300 visitors on regular days, 300–400 on weekends, and nearly 1,000 on public holidays like Labour Day.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as horseback riding, archery, bicycle rides, boat paddling, and feeding cats. One highlight is the trail riding experience, which allows guests to ride horses along scenic routes that pass through local villages and traditional bamboo-roof houses, offering a glimpse of authentic rural Lao life.
With a strong commitment to equestrian sports, tourism, and community development, Mr Thanathep Viboul is paving the way for a new era in Laos - one where horses, culture, and passion come together in harmony.

By Khonsavanh Latsaphao
 (Latest Update June 2, 2025)