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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.
Sukanya Sounaksorn
From: Phuket, Thailand (Age 30) )
Business: Assistant to the Sales and Marketing Manager, Two Villas Group
Tell us about your background.
I was born in Phuket. I studied for a Masters degree in Marketing in Bangkok and then worked in the jewellery industry for a year, before coming back home.
How do you approach your job?
To be successful, you’ve got to be flexible and open to new ideas. I find that interacting with clients and co-workers provides a constantly enriching experience. In today’s global crisis, doing business successfully is most challenging.
Tell us about your philosophy for life?
I value the qualities of hard work and loyalty to others.
Whereabouts do you live in Phuket?
In the south of the island; it has a local feel to it and it’s also got good facilities.
What do you like and dislike about living in Phuket?
My call on Phuket? Simply, it’s a paradise island with lousy traffic.
Tell us about your family.
I’m single and still living with my parents. On Sundays it’s good to visit the temple together and then go on for lunch somewhere – simple pleasures in the Buddhist tradition.
Who in life has most influenced you?
I’d say my current boss. She’s a businesswoman and has taught me how to achieve the best balance between personal and professional life.
Could you tell us about your lifestyle?
I’m easy-going and cheerful and I've many friends. Mostly, we spend time together in cool places – just to relax and talk. Sometimes, I go to visit my friends in Bangkok or explore new places in other provinces.
What do you do with your free time?
Besides spending time with my friends, I’m interested in Dharma and meditation. I’ve learnt that to meditate is the perfect way to relax mind and body.
Where is your favorite place in Phuket?
Well, Nai Harn Beach has to be number one, but I also love to visit Big Bhudda. To stand on the hilltop and see the whole island spread out before you is fantastic.
Are you involved in any local charities?
No not directly. But I contribute to the World Vision organisation. It’s a way of helping people who are less well off than we are so that they get more of the good things in life.
Claude Sauter
From: Lausanne, Switzerland (Age 40 )
Business: General Manager, Cape Panwa Hotel & Spa
Tell us about your background.
I'm originally from Lausanne, Switzerland. Before coming to Phuket, I worked in the hotel business in Switzerland, Germany, France and on cruise ships around the Mediterranean.
When did you move to Phuket?
I remember exactly. It was the first of January 1994. How did you start in the hotel business? I started at the age of 15 as an apprentice as a sommelier. I learned a lot there; I was working four days a week in the hotel and one day at school learning the theory.
Why did you choose Phuket?
Phuket chose me! I came looking for work and immediately fell in love with the island.
How do you approach your job?
The hotel business is all about people – staff and guests. You can have the best facilities in the world, but without well-developed working relationships, you won’t succeed. For us this involves 400 hundred staff and maybe 500 guests.
Whereabouts do you live in Phuket?
I live on the hotel premises. It’s convenient and I'm available at all times.
Do you have a family here?
My wife is four months pregnant with our second child, and our first daughter will turn three in July.
What do you like and dislike about living in Phuket?
What I like most about Phuket is the constant contrast, the choice and the variety. You can have lunch at a local noodle shop and then eat dinner in a fine-dining restaurant.
Tell us about your lifestyle.
I spend time with family, go to the beach, visit friends, try new restaurants, and enjoy life! Since the birth
of our child, more of our focus is on her. Sundays, we’ll take her to a beach, or eat brunch somewhere with a pool so she can play while we enjoy good food. Since I'm turning 40 this year, I'm trying to live
a healthier lifestyle by going to the gym and being more careful with what I eat although it's not always easy, as I'm a food and wine lover!
Are you involved in any local charities, clubs or associations?
I'm the vice president of Skal International Phuket. The Skal club of Phuket sponsors scholarships for 30 children from Khao Lak and Rawai who were all directly affected by the Tsunami. The funds and donations come from different Skal clubs around the world, as well as from fundraising events here in Phuket.
