Dr. Boonwara Sumano is a prominent Thai academic and public policy analyst who serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). She holds a Ph.D. in Politics and International Relations from Queen Mary University of London, alongside degrees from the Australian National University and Thammasat University. Since joining TDRI in 2014, she has established herself as a trusted voice on structural socioeconomic issues in Southeast Asia, frequently sharing her insights as a columnist for the Bangkok Post.

Her research focuses heavily on social development, labor migration, and governance reform within Thailand and the broader ASEAN region. Dr. Boonwara is widely recognized for her critical policy evaluations on labor rights, social welfare frameworks, corruption, and public safety measures—particularly regarding firearm regulation. Through her extensive publications and advocacy, she works to bridge the gap between academic research and practical legislative reform to reduce systemic inequality.