Where are you from originally?
I was born in Preston, Lancashire, but the family moved to London when I was six years old.

When did you come to Phuket?
In 2003, when we set up our Phuket office.

What made you decide to live here?
I actually looked at Asia generally as a place to settle, but then I met my business partner Kris Limcharoen. He afforded me a partnership in a young, dynamic legal practice. I took the plunge and elected to stay in Thailand. It’s a great place both to live and to use as a base.

What did you do before you came to Phuket?
I was and intend to remain, a qualified lawyer. I practiced and specialised in real estate law, my last position being at the real estate department of McGrigors (which was a firm that had been taken over or ‘merged’ with KPMG’s law firm in London).

Did you come here intending to set up a business?
No.

What changed your mind?
Meeting my business partner Kris Limcharoen, and being inspired by his vision for delivering high quality legal service in Thailand and internationally.

How do you start your business?
The firm was already incorporated in Bangkok when I joined as a partner, but Kris Limcharoen and I then set up the Phuket office together. Koh Samui followed, now Ho Chi Minh City, and we’ve an expansion program to other jurisdictions and locations that will see us through to retirement age.

Why did you choose Phuket?
Phuket is without doubt a top destination with world-class facilities which continue to develop and improve. Residents will tend to look for minor flaws and irritations encountered on a day-to-day basis, but I can say that after six years, I'm very satisfied with having chosen to live and work in Phuket.

How do you approach your job?
Each day creates a new set of challenges, but the previous day’s challenges may still need to be addressed. I try to stay friendly and happy as a person, which translates itself into my dealings with my clients and third parties at work. In legal services, like any other service industry, clients don’t want to deal with stressed out, unhappy lawyers and staff. They should actually enjoy the interaction for which they’re paying. Likewise, all staff in a business should be encouraged and supported to enjoy their job, and have the opportunity to develop professionally.

What influenced your choice of business here?
I did think about moving away from law and trying something different, when I had been working in London for a few years, but it seems that law, legal services and being involved in law firms is my destiny in life.

Do you think you’re successful in your line of work?
It would be arrogant to claim perfection; there are, I’m sure, keener legal brains than mine. We all strive for perfection and I think we’re able to claim a high level of professional success in assisting our clients.

What is your philosophy for living and working?
I enjoy what I do and that’s important. Legal work involves not just the strict application of statutes but also challenges one to embrace a rich mixture of politics, economic and cultural dynamics.

To relax I play reasonable tennis and not-so-good golf.

Do you mostly work in Phuket?
These days I spend 60 to 70% of my time in Phuket. I'm in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Koh Samui once a month. I also have requirements from clients and professional commitments such as presentations and seminars in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Malaysia throughout the course of a typical year.

What do you like and dislike about living in Phuket?
I love the diversity of cultures resulting from historical influences and the opportunity to dip into the tourist arena at will. The jet-set party scene is great. The roads, of course, are downright dangerous.

How is Phuket from your point of view?
Phuket has natural beauty, cultural diversity and a charming, educated populace, Moreover the island enjoys a commitment from government, foreign and local investors; good business resources and a history of achievement which promises a bright future.

Could you tell us about your private life?
I'm 32 years old, single, have never been married, and have no children. Life at the moment is a bit too hectic but I do see marriage and children as part of the future. If I'm not active, then I find time to drink wine, watch a movie or catch up with world current affairs and politics.

Where is your favorite place in Phuket?
A very local steam and sauna in Rawai.

Are you involved in any local charities?
Limcharoen, Hughes and Glanville conducts a social corporate responsibility program to assist the underprivileged. We’re assisting a client in building an orphanage in Phuket. As a company we also contribute to society via the Masons, the British Business Association, the International Business Association of Phuket and various Chambers of Commerce. We’re corporate members of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club. I’ve just joined the Chaine des Rotisseurs, which is a great organisation.

For more information contact:
Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville
Tel: +66 (0)76 342882-4
Fax: +66 (0)76 342885
Website: www.limcharoen.com