INTERVIEW: Khun Vachini Krairiksh

After many years working in PR for numerous top hotels, as well as running your own PR Company, you’re like a celebrity in Bangkok. Does this bring a lot of pressure or do you like being well known?

I like being known as an individual and being accepted because of my achievements and personality; not necessarily because of the way I look, the way I dress or my last name. Being well known means you are in the spotlight and often can be the center of attention, where you are being observed and monitored a lot of the time. This gives pressure in a way that it diminishes your privacy and can interfere with your personal life.

PR is a ‘people person’ business that requires an outgoing personality, self-confidence and an understanding of human psychology.
Therefore, when you choose this career, you must possess these attributes and have to know the likely pressure associated with this role. Frankly speaking, I like being well known because it has strengthened the achievements of my PR career.

You recently began working at Hotel Muse. What’s your official position there and what made you decide to join the hotel?

My title is Director of Social Affairs and my role is to organize social events and act as the Hotel’s spokesperson to the public in order to promote the hotel brand and enhance the hotel’s recognition and sense of identity. I believe that through my extensive experience with many luxury hotel groups and through managing my own PR and event management firm, I am well positioned to fulfill this challenge.

I’ve decided to join Hotel Muse because of its unique concept and branding. Hotel Muse is the latest member of the MGallery Collection under Accor. MGallery is a small collection of upscale and exceptional hotels remarkable in their personality and unique in style and décor. I believe that my character and personality significantly portrays Hotel Muse and MGallary’s character and concept; a collection of strong, remarkable personalities with sharp, strong styling but still elegant, designed for those that like to discover the new and the unexpected.

The concept will bring to Bangkok its first hotel inspired by the golden age of travel, the King Rama V period, which is  the time when Thailand opened itself up to European influences. This is the spirit we seek to evoke at Hotel Muse through a blend of styles reflecting turn of the century Siam and Europe.

Hotel Muse is scheduled to open in August 2011. It will appeal to individual and stylish travelers looking for superior distinctive services and experiences or seeking a place with a true soul.

Sounds like it should be great, but also sounds like you’ll be kept very busy. How do you plan to strike the perfect work/life balance?

It’s fantastic! I have always been busy, but my goal is to strike a perfect work/life balance with a meaningful daily outcome for each of my four quadrants; Work, Family, Friends and Self. I believe that family and close friends are my ultimate happiness and if I’m married to my work, I will pay the price and this price is the loss of family/friends and accelerated signs of aging and fatigue. At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing carefully the demands of both your private life and your professional career. As I have matured, I feel I have become more able to manage this challenge.

Do you have a life philosophy?

I prefer to set very high standards and goals, however achievable. This is one of my favorite quotes by Edward O. Wilson: “You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” 

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

Probably when I was in college and I worked as a still model for an art sculpture class. Although I got paid for doing nothing, it was very boring sitting still for hours on end as students made sculptures of my head. 

And the best?

I don’t have a best as I have always enjoyed all my jobs - except the still
modeling!

What do you like most about Bangkok?

I like Bangkok best for its hospitality because Thai people are very welcoming, friendly and polite and more so than many other countries in the world. In this buzzing capital city, despite the low income, air pollution, heat, bad traffic, etc, Thai people still manage to be so happy-looking, friendly, and willing to show anyone the true meaning of Thai hospitality.  Therefore, in most hotels, restaurants, spas, nightclubs, bars and shopping malls from cheap to expensive, a high quality of service or even just a friendly smile will be extended to all guests. What’s more, Bangkok still offers great value for money.

Favourite spot for shopping?

I don’t have any particular favourite spot, but it can be anywhere from low end shopping malls or shopping spots that offer a variety of local selections at cheap prices to luxury shopping malls that offer famous Thai and international designer brands.

Favourite restaurant?

I have two! In Pattaya, I love Mantra Restaurant & Bar. It has seven kitchens, so the selection of food is sumptuous; I especially love the Sunday Brunch. It’s a restaurant that offers impeccable décor, ambiance, food and service. In Bangkok, my favourite place to eat is The Eugenia, which is close to my house and I often go there after work to have drinks and dinner with my friends. I love the ambiance. It’s warm and homelike, and the food and service are fantastic!

What annoys you the most?

Rudeness or verbal abuse of people who are not in a position to respond. When I see employers berating employees, or customers treating sales people in stores with contempt, or people giving waiters and waitresses a hard time, it upsets me. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect regardless of one’s social status, background, etc.

What makes you happiest?

Being surrounded by the few people that I love, whom are my family and close friends. When I see them happy, that makes me happy too.

What’s your greatest fear?

This is related to my previous answer; my biggest fear is losing the people that I love and being alone. I believe my life would be empty if there was nobody for me to love and nobody to love me.

Best thing you’ve ever done?

Being a mother is the best thing on this earth that could ever have happened to me. I love my child with all my heart. My life is so complete now, I didn’t know life until I had my own family. My child is the greatest joy in my life. To be able to give unconditional love and to have it accepted and to receive it in return with the same intensity is a wonderful natural gift.

Worst thing you’ve ever done?

It’s so bad, I can’t tell you!

Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?

I’d say Oliver Stone, whom I met in Thailand about 20 years ago through a friend of my mother. We had a long chat during dinner. It was a very long time ago, but I’m still impressed with his many achievements since I gave him that advice over dinner! Seriously though, he’s considered to be a visionary director who is able to transfer his creativity and belief into films. His films are strong and controversial which have allowed audiences to see some harsh realities.

Who is the man of your dreams and why?

The man of my dreams is the man whom I’m with now and hopefully will be forever. His name is Chris Venvell, a man who always protects me from getting hurt by the world outside and always stands by me. He’s been with me through thick and thin, through tears and laughs, through ups and downs. He gives me a shoulder to cry on, he gives me a hand when he knows I need it without waiting for me to ask. He perfectly supports me when I lose my confidence and sits with me when I want someone to listen; holding my hand to get through life.

He has always been there for me - the man of my dreams.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Going skinny-dipping in the sea at a beautiful and isolated location in the Maldives,  surrounded by nature.

What’s your favourite movie?

I don’t have a favourite. It depends on my mood. Generally, I enjoy any movie that is thought provoking, cleverly constructed with a strong script and innovative cinematography.

What is your most treasured possession?

A painting of my mother that was done when she was only 17. This masterpiece hangs in a prominent position in my home today. It was painted by Indonesian master painter Raden Basoeki Abdullah who is known for his realist paintings with a naturalist flow. His works adorn the palaces of the state and the presidency of Indonesia.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I’d want to have a time machine where I can travel back to the past and to the future, to any parts of the world at any time. I love to travel and to explore, so I think this would be great fun!

What is your fancy dress costume of choice?

A pilot’s outfit. I believe that women look so sexy and interesting when they dress up dominant and strong, but with a hint of sex appeal and femininity.

What is your typical diet?

My typical diet is not very disciplined. Most of the time, I just eat what I want, when I want it. But I have cut down on carbohydrates in the evening. I exercise intensively whenever I have time. That’s the best way to lose weight and be fit and firm.

What’s your beauty secret?

My beauty secret is to be happy with a positive attitude. Always looking after myself very well, the way I think, the way I look, the way I present myself and the way I live my life. Beauty shines from within.

Do you wear make-up every day?

Almost, because I always like to look presentable. On weekdays I wear make-up to work and at social functions after work. On weekends, it depends on where I go and whom I meet.

The most beautiful women you have ever met?

Definitely it has to be my mother. She was the first woman I encountered in this world and will always be the woman whom I love the most in my life. Seeing her beautiful warm smile and caring look on her face has always made me so happy. She is beautiful and charming, not just in her appearance but also in the way she gives her caring warm heart to everyone around her; that’s what makes her so special and beautiful in every way. Her confidence, grace and elegance have enhanced her beauty and I believe that I am fortunate enough to have inherited a little of this from her – thank you mum!

What can you see yourself doing in five years’ time?

I would like to travel around the world with people whom I love the most; sharing the moments of happiness and experiencing new and exciting places. Life is so short, you have to try and do what you want and be with the people you want to be with.

At a glance:

Vachini (Nueng) Krairiksh
• Born 1 March 1973
• Master degree in Mass Communications from University of Hartford, CT, USA
• Works at Hotel Muse as Director of Social Affairs
• Owned her own PR and events company called V PR, and prior to that worked at Sheraton Resort & Spa, Hua-Hin; Dream Hotel, Bangkok; The Sukhothai, Bangkok; Conrad, Bangkok; and JW Marriott, Bangkok.