Daraka was born in Bangkok in 1957. She was the youngest of 3 brother and sisters. Her parents, Mr. Klom and Mrs. Ladda Sawamiphakdi named her Daraka Sawamiphakdi. They also nicknamed her "Aa". Most family members and friends called her "Aa". Her subordinates called her "Pee Aa". The word "Pee" is used in Thai for big sister or big brother. Daraka grew up in a very warm and well educated family. Her father is a retired engineer. Both her brother and sister, Dr. Damkirng and Dr. Duangkaew Sawamiphakdi have achieved a PHD level of education. Daraka herself graduated with a Pharmaceutical Degree from ChulalongKorn University, which was the top university of Thailand in 1979. She then had a short period of work experienced with Abbott Laboratory before heading to the USA to continue with her Post Graduate studies. She decided to study a Master Degree in Statistics at the Iowa University and completed her study in 1983.