Please tell us about your life 'til now.
I obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Thammasat University majoring in civil engineering, a programme I studied entirely in English. After university, in about 1997, at the time when the economy was stalled, I decided to further studies getting my master's degree at Thammasat University in water resource and environmental engineering.

After graduation I joined the family business, Anuphas Manorom Co., Ltd to gain practical experience. Later I went to the States for two years and completed an MBA degree in Management Information Systems. Then I re-joined the family business which was then developing Anuphas Pirom Resort Project and was responsible for Communications, Marketing and Sales.

After two years I moved to the company’s Chao Fa City Project as Assistant Managing Director initially responsible for the construction of the new Honda Showrooms – a 300 million baht project. This was a challenging responsibility. I am now Assistant Managing Director of our Honda dealerships.

Do you model yourself on anybody?
Not particularly, since my elders offer many examples of successful people and I do enjoy working as a family business. To have three generations functioning together contributes greatly to continuity and understanding in the workplace, but I believe the secret is to use the observation of others to identify one’s own strengths and then to work on them, and where possible eliminate or mitigate any weaknesses. This is the path to experience and wisdom.

Is there a simple secret for success?
Yes. 'Make the best of today.' It is a good feeling to have your achievements recognised by your peers. In my day-to-day living I am always striving to contribute more to my family and to society at large.

May I ask about your family?
I am the youngest son of Montri and Sirinard Hongsyok. I have one brother, Monthep, presently living and working in the US with his family.

What was your dream when you were young?
I wanted to be a doctor, because my mother was a nurse. Sometime, I spent all day in her office helping selecting and keeping medicines.

You are still a most eligible bachelor. Thoughts?
You are not the first to ask this question! Right now, I still enjoy working but I am sure that when the right girl comes along – good, sympathetic and agreeable – the situation will change.

You drive a Honda CRV. Is this because you are Assistant Managing Director of Honda?
Actually, I bought a CR-V Model 2.4, before I began to work with Honda. I had wanted to own one since I was a student. Whether I’m off-road, on a site or cruising on tarmac, the CRV is ideal.

What do you most like and dislike about Phuket?
Phuket is just the right size – neither too big nor too small, and the pace of life is easy-going and relaxed. Having said that, the traffic is becoming very heavy, and traffic jams are now a common occurrence. Phuket drivers have not developed the road discipline to respond to this.

From your point of view, how has Phuket changed over the years?
When I was young I never noticed too many changes. Of course when I was studying in Bangkok and returned home for vacations I would notice the occasional new development. Now, the pace has become frenetic and the island is in danger of losing its unique Thai identify in a rush of unplanned international influences. If we don’t start to plan more thoughtfully we may come to grief. I sincerely hope that this will not happen.

What is your lifestyle like Tommy?
I think I have a pretty relaxed lifestyle. I like to relax surfing the computer, watching movies or listening to music. I do like to be in the company of my friends. I am an active sort of person and love sports and exercise of all kinds – golf, jogging, swimming and badminton. I also work out in a gym.

How do you divide your time between work and your family?
Well, work takes the first priority and sometimes I find myself extremely busy and I must devote all my time and energies to it. However, no matter how busy I am, I do spare time for lunch or dinner with my family.

Do you get involved in social functions, clubs or associations in Phuket?
In the four years since I returned to the island, I have taken the opportunity to participate in all sorts of activities in the province – the Halal Food Festival is one such example. In Baba Peranakan I assist in welcoming guests to the province. I support activities of associations and societies which I deem to be deserving. I am also a founding member of the Phuket Real Estate Club and presently serve as secretary.

For information about Anuphas Vividhkarn Co., Ltd. contact:
Head office
90/8-9 Chaofah Rd. West, Vichit, Muang, Phuket
Tel: 0 7637 1888-9 Fax: 0 7637 1890
Phuket
189/1 Phang-Nga Rd., Muang, Phuket
Tel: 0 7621 4700-1 Fax: 0 7621 3583
www.anuphas.co.th