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There's nothing like a day on the water, especially around Phuket with so many beautiful beaches, islands, hongs and exotic hideaways to explore.
| Dan Simmons |
| From: South California, USA (Age 37) Business: Laguna Property |
What made you decide to come and live here? I first visited Phuket in 1991 and over the years made many trips either for business or vacation. The property markets here began to look more interesting so I settled here in 2005.
What did you do before you came to Phuket? Prior to the move to Phuket I was running a real estate, investment and mortgage company in southern California as well as owning a wine boutique. The two proved to be a great combination: Look at homes or investments then later while enjoying some great wine, the contracts just seemed easier to sign.
What’s your job? I am Director of Sales & Marketing for Laguna Property, responsible for Dusit Thani Pool Villas, Laguna Village Residences, Townhomes and Villas. On the horizon are future projects including Angsana Sky Pool Villas and The Lofts at Laguna Village.
Do you think you are successful in your line of work? Absolutely! Success is truly a team effort and I’m lucky to head a great group of professionals who work together.
What principles guide you in your life and work? Growing up, my guide and mentor was my grandfather – a very successful man. He taught me to strive always to deliver the maximum effort in everything I do, and to live each day as if it were my last. He said ‘Work hard and play hard’, and always remember ‘You will have plenty of time to sleep when you are dead’. I’ve never forgotten this advice.
Do you mostly work in Phuket? Yes, the majority of my time is spent here with about 20% travel time for exhibitions, meetings, and research.
What do you like about living in Phuket? Just about everything – the people, lifestyle, beaches, islands, mountains, food, and entertainment. I could go on for hours.
Where is your favorite place in Phuket? Sitting on Bang Tao Beach with a glass of bubbly, watching the sunset; the clouds painted a fiery red and burnt orange tint. It even makes me poetical!
| Rafael Veiga Perez |
| From: Bilbao, Spain (Age 44) Business: RS Venture |
Where are you from and how did you come to live in Phuket? I’m from Spain originally. After obtaining a university degree I joined the foreign service and in 1990 I was posted to the Bangkok Embassy for two years. Thereafter, I returned to Spain but at that time it was very difficult to find employment so in 1993 I decided to return to Thailand. At first I worked in a British-owned department store and then I joined a kitchen outfitters. I stayed with them for nine years and then started my own company. All told I now have 14 years experience in this business.
Tell us a little about your approach to business. I really enjoy interior design and working with physical materials. In Spain, when it comes to their houses Spaniards tend to concentrate their attention on the exterior. The climate is similar to Phuket but not always so warm, of course. When I had sufficient experience in the kitchen business my wife and I decided to set up on our own. Our customers are usually therefore foreigners from Europe. Because their home climate can be most inclement, they have developed a resident lifestyle around the kitchen, which thus becomes the most important room in their house. Thais often do their cooking outside because it’s cooler. Besides Phuket we do business in Samui and Hua Hin and have showrooms in Bangkok as well as here.
What is it about Phuket which appeals to you? Fresh air and the carefree lifestyle. The only problem is that there does seem to be an awful lot of motorbikes all going somewhere fast.Could you briefly tell us about your private life? I have been here (Thailand) for 18 years and have Thai wife who is ballet teacher, living in Bangkok and hopefully to settle in Phuket soon. We still have no child.
What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy playing tennis and cooking at home. I go back to Spain every three to four months to see my family. I often donate to local charities and worthy causes. I am particularly keen on finding people with craft skills and encouraging them to develop and improve. This is good for them and also good for my business.
| Lupthawit Areerasdra |
| From: Thailand, Phuket (Age 33) Business: Pure Car Rent |
Were you born in Phuket? Yes, I'm a native Phuketian. I graduated from Phuket Thai Hua School, Phuket Witthayalai School and I graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. After graduation, I worked for four and a half years as a network engineer for Kasikorn Bank. Then seeking something more challenging, I decided to join the family business – Pure Car Rent.
Could you please tell us how Pure Car Rent began? My father started the business in 1974 before I was born. I joined in 2001. I used to ask my father about naming the business. ‘Pure’ he says, ‘is nice, short and easy to remember’.
What is your business philosophy? Hard work and loyalty to the customer. This is easily said but the practice is more difficult.
Tell us something about your private life? I am married and have two sons. One is 3 years 6 months; the other is 8 months. I work at home, so it is easier to share my time between the demands of the job and still devote myself to the needs of my family. I am happy to help my wife look after the children whenever I have a free moment. I have one private ritual which I perform regularly – planting a tree. Nature has been so generous to us and we live in such a beautiful place it only seems right that we should do something to maintain nature’s balance.
How is your lifestyle? I am a pretty normal person I think, and laid back by nature. I like to have a meal in a restaurant and to go shopping.
What do you like and dislike about Phuket? The island is a beautiful place but we residents seem to be careless and greedy and there are signs that our precious environment is deteriorating. The local government needs to pay more attention to planning and infrastructure. One particular shortfall is in waste disposal. However this problem is not just a result of poor administration. We Thais tend to be untidy. It behoves us all whether we are parents or teachers to instill in the minds of our young children a greater awareness of the need for tidiness and cleanliness in the way we live.
