From living under curfew in Afghanistan to battling floods Thailand, The General Manager of Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel has enjoyed a fascinating career. Here he reveals a few trade secrets…
> I was inspired at a young age by a German TV programme featuring the popular Dutch chef Clemens Wilmenrod, whose culinary creations gave me the idea to train as a chef. After serving my apprenticeship in Germany I landed my first job in 1977 at the InterContinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan. A very interesting start to my career, I lived under curfew for 12 months during the Russian invasion and occupation. > I have been privileged to work in a number of very special hotels with amazing employees and supportive owners. As a hotel GM, every day brings new highlights – whether it is a kind and generous compliment from a guest or an example of outstanding, dedicated service from a member of staff. > I joined the Siam InterContinental Hotel in 1982 and I had five very interesting and rewarding years at this iconic and much-loved property. I returned to Bangkok in 2010 after working in markets as diverse as Indonesia, Australia, Kenya, Hong Kong, Dubai and Malaysia. For me, Thailand will always be number one. |