When did you move to Phuket? I ran an engineering company in Bangkok and moved to Phuket in 1997 after the economy crashed.

Did you come here intending to set up a business? No. When I first came, however, there was a lack of good restaurants and so the marketplace was clearly ripe for a business which served quality food. I started small with an old mini-mart premises, which boasted one table and one barbecue grill. I cooked the food myself. Customers loved my barbecued ribs and we rapidly developed a good business.

Tell us something about your business. We operate food processing, agriculture operations, food manufacturing, and sell wholesale to trade and retail operations in Phuket, Bangkok, Koh Samui and Chiang Rai. Our motto is ‘good food products and good service’.

Do you live full-time in Phuket? No, I have homes in four locations and come to Phuket about once a month to take care of business. My restaurant and headquarters is in Baan Sai Yuan. I like to be near Nai Harn Beach and have a house there which I built 11 years ago.

What about your private life? I have no family in Thailand. My kids are grown and live in the USA. They are well educated and successful. I work 12-16 hours per day, 7 days per week so most of my free time is spent sleeping! I enjoy reading, exercising and meeting with friends and customers. My life is not very exciting.

Are you involved in any local charities? I am a member of IBAP. I spend as much time and money as I can supporting the Dawruang School.

What about the future? It will continue much the same as it is now. I am trying to provide an opportunity for staff members to have a better life and education and to grow the business.

What do you like most about living here? Good weather, good shopping and good life.

What's the hardest thing about living here? Uncontrolled traffic and congested roads.

When did you move to Phuket and why? Before I came here I worked for a sail-making company in Pattaya. I moved to Phuket with my old boss in 1993. We both realised that Phuket was becoming a major sailing hub.

How did you start your business? I had been working as a sailmaker for many years as an employee and decided to set up Local Sails – my own company. My first idea was to offer a small sail repair service to cater to the local yachting community. As time went by we were approached by boat owners to make new sails for them. Now we repair sails and produce new sails and sailing accessories not only for the local Thai market but also for export as far afield as Sweden. We are currently working on a contract to make 26 sails for a Scandinavian client. We also make overnight repairs during the island’s many regattas, offering a convenient pick-up and delivery service.

Why do people use your services? We offer a fast, friendly service and good quality. This may be the reason why people come to me again and again, and recommend us to their sailing friends.

You are well known in the sailing community.How did you get in to sailing? I started sailing two years before I began to make sails. At that time I was working for a resort in Pattaya. They had beach catamarans and dinghies so I had the chance to experiment and learn the ropes.

What about your private life? Tell us about your family. I've got two daughters. The eldest is 18 stays in Bangkok with my wife's family. My 10-year-old is attending Kajornkiatsuksa School, which is close to home near Central Festival.

What do you do with your free time? I am a pretty busy person but when I have some free time l go camping or sailing with my family. I enjoy sailing competitively in regattas like the King's Cup and Six Senses Phuket Raceweek. I'm also a member of the committee of Ao Chalong Yacht Club and Phuket Youth Center Sailing Club in Sapan Hin.

Are you originally from Phuket? No, I grew up in Samutprakan (Pra Padeang) and after obtaining my university degree I worked as a money broker. It was my husband who suggested we move here.

How did you start your business? I opened a bar in 2000 and later installed a coin-operated pool table and observed how popular it was. I started promoting and installing tables in other bars and then expanded the business to selling regular tables in private houses, hotels, etc in and around Phuket.

What is your work philosophy? For me work is my life. I believe that success does not come by accident. You must devote all your energies to it – be competent, trustworthy, professional and attentive. I faced many difficulties building my business and had to overcome them. In addition, you must treat staff members well – almost as if they are members of the family.

What about your private life? We have a house in Rawai, and I enjoy spending time with my family. I also like to take my dog for a walk down the beach. Many people say that Rawai Beach is no good because there is no place really for swimming, but I love it. I often make trips to the surrounding islands and beaches with friends and enjoy a good night out dancing and partying. I also enjoy reading and at the moment I’m studying about money and funds as my dream is to retire soon. I like to make merit by contributing to the welfare of disabled children and the elderly.

What is your view of Phuket? I really do think that Phuket is paradise – a dream destination for tourists from all over the world. Since I’ve been here I’ve watched the island improve in so many ways. I do worry that there is no development plan and I hope things do not get out of hand.