How did you come to start your business in Phuket?
I originally visited Phuket as a tourist, but it wasn't until I started looking to buy a home with the intention of spending four to six months of the year here. I should add that was five years ago and the market has become much more sophisticated since then. Once I made the decision to live here, the real estate business was the obvious choice as that was my background.

Could you tell us about your career?
I’m a construction engineer and in the past I’ve worked for both government and private organisations. The projects have been mainly in the east of Thailand, (Chonburi and Rayong) and Bangkok. I started my first project in Phuket in March 2007.

What made you select Phuket?
I realised that there weren’t too many property projects in the Kamala area.

Could you tell us about your responsibilities?
I’m the MD of my group of companies, and we work in collaboration with developers like G1 Land, Regent Land, SC Land & House, and others.

Tell us about your approach to construction.
The most important thing is to finish the project on time. We always study the surrounding area first and develop an architectural design that will blend in. I believe we're successful because we're more competitively priced than the opposition and we use the most advanced techniques. Other builders tend to stick to the traditional ways of doing things. We have a mobile team that can readily go to any location. I believe when the present national and international problems are resolved, Phuket will remain the best place to invest.

Do you have a role model as far as work is concerned?
Not in the sense of one ideal person. I look at all the major players in my line of work and, where I see a good idea in practice, I incorporate it into my own company. The same thing goes for good design cues on new projects.

How do the political crisis in Thailand and the world’s economic difficulties affect your business, and what can you do about it?
Well, there’s no doubt that business has slowed a bit recently. Our response is to intensify our sales promotion efforts, mainly through advertising in the media like Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle, for example, and establishing additional promotion booths. We are in the process of organising a grand opening ceremony for one of our projects in Kamala. When the going gets tough the last thing that you should cut back on is advertising and promotion.

How do you manage your subordinates?
We’ve worked as a team for so many years that we’re almost like a family. We’ve got a clearly understood set of rules that we follow. Working as a team, we’re always ready to help each other out.

What is your life motto?
Do the right thing and you’ll be rewarded. Success comes from diligence and concentration.

Could you tell us about your private life and how do you divide time between your work and family?
I’m married and have two daughters, 8 and 10 years old. We don’t anticipate adding to that total! I’ve no specific ambitions for them, except to hope that they grow up to be happy and successful in what they choose to do. A lot of the time I’m in Bangkok and only come here once a month to check on-going projects. Sundays are reserved for the family. I also like a game of golf.

What do you like about Phuket?
I like Phuket because it's a tourism destination and the competition in the property market is therefore international. Phuket residents are kind and service-minded − maybe because of the influence of tourism.

How is Phuket in your point of view?
I think for tourism and quality properties Phuket has no equal. The hilly terrain allows for attractive building developments. I never cease to research the Island’s architectural treasures and how they evolved.

For more information contact
The Kamala Regent
Tel: +66 (0)76 279996, email: info@kamalaregent
or visit www.kamalaregent.com