Thomas Ludwig

From: Munich, Germany (Age 43) Business: Managing Director, Baan Real Estate

Where are you from and when did you move to Phuket?
I am from Munich, Germany. I moved to Phuket four years ago. My first visit was just for a holiday, and it was only a year later that I started my own business.

What did you do before you come to Phuket?
I worked in the movie business. It was hard work but I got to travel around Europe quite a bit.

What made you decide to come here?
Well, I’d turned thirty and felt that I needed a new start. I loved Thailand and the Thai people so I decided to give the real estate business a try.

What is your approach to business?
The rules are the same for any business. You have to find your customer, develop a relationship and deliver what he wants. In spite of some problems at the moment, I am confident that the future for Phuket is good.

Do you have another business?
Yes. I also specialise in designing and renovating spa interiors. My girlfriend actually runs a spa.

Whereabouts do you live?
I live in Chalong because it is convenient for my girlfriend’s business and we now have lots of friends in the area. I sometimes think though that Cherng Talay might be better for developing business connections.

What do you like and dislike about Phuket?
With the excellent infrastructure and natural beauty I think the island is perfect – unique even. I hope over-development doesn’t spoil things.

How about your life style?
In my free time I like to play tennis or go sailing and diving. On Sundays, we like to go out and enjoy a good meal in a seaside restaurant. I have some ambitions which I am trying to find time to pursue. I plan to start playing golf. I think it will improve my powers of concentration. Most importantly, I am determined to learn to speak Thai. This is firstly as a sign of respect for the people but is also the only way to understand the country and its culture!

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Patsada Satthacharoen

From: Bangkok, Thailand (Age 27) Business: Marketing Communications Manager Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

Where you are originally from and what made you decide to work in Phuket?
I am originally from Bangkok and only moved to Phuket eight months ago. Most people in marketing choose to stay in the capital because that is the hub of the media business, but I on the other hand, am keen to gain experience in all sorts of operations as I used to work in the casino hotel, airport hotel, city hotel and now I just want to try resort style.

Could you tell us about your educational background?
I graduated from Griffith University, Queensland, Australia with a degree in hotel management. For a while I worked in the food and beverage field at Conrad Jupiter Hotel in Gold Coast before returning to Thailand where I started in the marketing and public relations field.

 

Why did you choose to work with Millennium Resort?
My colleague recommended this resort as a good place to learn about the resort business as Millennium manage under the Singapore chain. The management style of the hotel is very innovative.

What is your style of working?
I am a straight forward person and fast on my feet.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to stay here for a couple of years and then move on to work overseas if possible.

Tell us about your private life.
I have a brother who is studying in Sydney at the moment and a sister. I like to keep in touch with my parents, I always visit them at least once a month. As yet, I am single because I’m still too busy with work!

Tell us about your lifestyle.
On the weekend I am always driving around the island, going to an archery range or horse riding When I go to the shops it is not just to buy the necessities. I like to observe the advertising, promotions and signage from the professional marketing point of view. You can always get new ideas this way.

Do you have any particular dreams?
I love fast and modified cars. Toyota Supra is my dream car. However, my favourite brand is Volvo.

What do you like and dislike about Phuket?
I like the island because it’s small enough so that everything is convenient. My major dislike is the cultural degradation symbolised by places like Soi Bangla.