Please tell us a little about your early life.
I was born in Phuket in 1941. I did most of my schooling in Bangkok before travelling to Manilla in the Philipines, to read for a Bachelor’s degree in Banking Management.

How did you start to work in the family business?
After graduation in 1965 I returned to Phuket for a break. At this juncture I was undecided on the future. I considered going to the States to study for my Masters. Another possibility was to move to Bangkok and look for a career there. The problem was solved in 1966, when my father asked me to join the family business – which was then concentrated on tin-mining, and coconut and rubber plantations. I had to start learning these activities from scratch. In 1985 the tin-mining business was clearly in decline so we diversified into motor distribution. We now operate the Mazda franchise in four provinces – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Ranong. In 1989 we added Honda and in 1997, Ford. These comprise my principle responsibility.

You’re clearly a successful businessman. What’s the secret?
We have a large staff and it’s important to organise them so that they work together productively to achieve clearly stated goals. You’ve got to run the financial side as well. The company owes everything to my grandfather who started the business. I admire him enormously. Without the family’s excellent reputation I wouldn’t be so successful.

It’s important to understand exactly what it is the customer wants and then to deliver it on time. This way, you build trust. At Anuphas, it’s our aim to serve the community in Phuket and the surrounding provinces and to maximise the potential of the family business.

How has Phuket changed over the years? Is it for the better?
Well, Phuket’s changed beyond recognition. Twenty years ago Phuket was a quiet, rural backwater. The beaches were all fringed with coconut palms like it still is on my favourite beaches, Mai Kao and Nai Yang. Now there’s a frenzied pursuit of money and hundreds of developments have been built, some less than ideal, which have destroyed much of the natural beauty. This has also attracted a huge transient population that comes from all over the country to take temporary work in the construction and tourist industries. These people are not registered residents. This causes a budget problem. Central government funding is allocated pro rata according to the registered population of 200,000 residents. The actual figure with transients is nearer 600,000, which results in the public utilities being under-funded.

Fortunately much of the Sino-Portuguese architecture has been preserved, as has the Peranakan (descendants of early Chinese immigrants who have assimilated into the local community) lifestyle.

Tell us about your private life.
I married a girl from Phuket who was employed as a nurse in the Mission Hospital. She went on to work in the mining operation and is currently the finance manager of the Honda business. I have two sons, both grown up. One married a Taiwanese girl and presently they live in the States. The other helps me in running the business. He still lives at home in our house near Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

What was your approach to bringing your family up?
I told them that we brought them into the world, raised them, gave them a decent education and a good start in life. In the end they'll benefit from the family inheritance. All that apart, it was then up to them to find a responsible role in life, support the family and marry the person of their choice.

How do you divide your time between work and leisure?
I start work at 7:30am and finish at 4:00pm. In the past I did all sorts of things for relaxation – bowling, shooting, photography, diving and hunting but as I’m getting older, I’ve given up these things and now my main hobby is flying radio-controlled model airplanes. Instead of wasting money on exploring nightlife, I buy radio controlled aeroplane kits to add to my collection. I have 86 of these aeroplanes and every one of them I built myself. I was founder and president of the Chaofa Phuket Radio Control Club which has members from eight countries – Thailand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, America, Italy and England. I participate in many flying competitions and recently I won a new speed model as a result. I was also founder and president of Phuket Ham Radio Club, but now I'm just a member.

How is your lifestyle?
I’m pretty easy-going and able to rub along with most kinds of people. My motto is ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’. I also believe that it’s no good worrying about things which you can't change.

Are you involved with any social clubs like Rotary?
I’m a member of all sorts of societies and I'm now also vice-president of Phuket Industrial Association.

What would you like to say to Shop WINDOW’s readers?
I'd like them to take away a favourable opinion of Phuket.

For information about Anuphas Vividhkarn Co., Ltd.
Head office 90/8-9 Chaofah Rd. West, Vichit, Muang, Phuket
Tel: +66 (0)76 371888-9 Fax: +66 (0)76 371890
Phuket 189/1 Phang-Nga Rd., Muang, Phuket
Tel: +66 (0)76 214700-1   Fax: +66 (0)76 213583
www.anuphas.co.th