Fly on corporate wall
Ikea's secret weapon There's something special about Thailand for Ikea executive Lars Svensson, and the deputy store manager preparing to open his doors to the Thai public on November 3 can explain it well.
Although we can't really call his posting to Thailand a homecoming, it comes pretty close. In fact, his relationship with Thailand goes back to the time when he was only five years old.
The young Svensson arrived with his parents, who came to work in Bangkok. The City of Angels left lots of strong impressions on the Swedish boy - among them the pizza.
"It was nothing special but I remembered the taste and how it looked. Finally I found the one I liked," he says.
He also remembers liking the atmosphere of the old Bangkok, and as an executive of the world's leading self-assembly furniture chain, Svensson would love to re-create the charm of his childhood days.
With a lot of effort, he managed to find a sanctuary in a Thai-style house in a quiet corner of Sukhumvit, where the family has bedded down. As one walks into his Bangkok home, the easy blend of Thai decor and Ikea items speaks much of his attachment to Thai culture.
It seems to have been destined then, that, Mrs Svensson is actually a Thai woman who grew up in Sweden.
Fate should also dictate that his experience of Thainess will help him make Ikea the darling of Thai consumers. We wait to see if our prediction comes true.
Fluke still has star
So it seems that Kirkphol "Fluke" Masayavanich is concentrating on his role as entrepreneur, now that his "Casanova" celebrity status is fading.
After revealing his sideline in selling auspicious mobile-phone numbers - the more 9s the better - the actor-turned-businessman has steadily collected more businesses for his portfolio. He is now the proud co-owner of a J Avenue hair salon, with fans and showbiz friends among the clientele.
His latest baby, The Bar & The Restaurant, is touted as the first champagne bar in Thailand. In keeping with his lavish lifestyle, the bar serves nothing but Moet & Chandon.
Despite loosening his ties with showbiz, Fluke still has plenty of contacts in the industry - which explains the steady flow of celebrities at the place in Sukhumvit Soi 24. We can't say whether it's the posh bubbly or Fluke that draws them there. Maybe both.
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