What first bought you to Phuket?
I came here just over ten years ago in 1997 almost by chance. A Thai family owned the restaurant next door to mine in Geneva, and they suggested a visit. After two months I returned home, sold my business and came back here to live.

Did you come here intending to set up a business?
No, I actually bought the first company by accident. I had lent some money to a dive centre and didn't get repaid, so I ended up taking over the operation. I went on to open more businesses-first a small guest house and then a restaurant. In 1997 after the financial crash here it was very easy to buy businesses. People were trying to sell them to me everyday.

Can you tell us about your latest project?
This has been rebuilding my resort after the tsunami. The place was completely devastated. The tsunami took my home and my business but for me it was not a difficult decision to stay in Phuket. You just had to accept that you will go 22 months without income; now after only a year we have increased our income fourfold.

What car do you drive?
I have a Mercedes Benz E220. I used to have a Japanese car but I had an accident in it and was lucky not to die. I decided to get a stronger car. It is dangerous to drive here. You never know what's going to happen.

What is the best thing about living in Phuket?
I love to live by the sea and the people here are so friendly.

And the hardest thing about living here?
The hardest thing is to believe in people. Not everyone is reliable so you never know whether a job will actually get done or not.

Do you have a family here?
Yes. My wife Phawadee and I have two children Lina and Marc. When the tsunami came my wife was seven months pregnant with Marc and she had to run away to escape. We were very lucky that day.

What are your tips for business success?
I think you need courage, experience and enough money to survive until the business shows a profit. This can be longer than you had planned. If you don’t have that financing available, success will be a matter of chance.

Are you involved in any charities?
I am vice-president of the Patong Beach Lions Club which is a local charity. Lions do a lot of things including taking care of autistic people and orphans. I also work with the Tourist Volunteer Police. We try to be a bridge between the police and the tourists and to help them when there is a problem. I am required to be available 24 hours a day. You don’t see many police forces that use this method. I think it shows how open-minded the Thai police are. Other tourist destinations should do the same.

For further information about the Crissey Group visit
www.crisseyco.com