OPENS THE DOORS TO THE BANGKOK VILLA SHE HAS CREATED AS A TROPICAL HAVEN AMID BUSY CITY LIFE
PRODUCTION & INTERVIEW: NANA BOTTAZZI PHOTOS: MATTIA BETTINELLI CLOTHES: TRADITIONAL THAI COSTUMES/ SILVIA TCHERASSI FLORAL DECORATIONS: THE SLATE FLOWER TEAM
THE ENTREPRENEUR BREAKING NEW GROUND IN THAILAND
Entrepreneur Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong is very much a modern Thai woman. Every bit as refined and elegant as tradition could require, she is also independent, dynamic and definitely a force to be reckoned with in the business world.
She belongs to a dynasty that made its fortune first in the tin industry and then in tourism. In fact, her father is renowned for having put Phuket on the map.
LUSH LIFE
Krystal has made her own name in hospitality, and her talent is on display everywhere in the beautiful Bangkok home she shares with her two children.
Designed to be a haven amid the bustle of the city, the tasteful villa is set in tropical gardens that seem to have found their way inside, thanks to bountiful arrangements of orchid and lotus blooms, lush leaves and exotic fruits. “It’s my private nature sanctuary,” she explains.
Krystal, what can you tell us about your background?
“My family started out in tin mining and rubber plantations and afterwards moved into businesses like hotels, airline catering, cinemas and bowling alleys. We’re also involved in real estate and car dealership.”
Your father, Wichit Na-Ranong, is credited with turning Phuket into an international destination…
“Back in the early 1970s, he convinced Albert R Broccoli to shoot James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun there. Later, he persuaded Thai Airways to launch the island’s first international flights, connecting it with Singapore. My dad was selected as a senator by many governments. He has recently been awarded the Order of the White Elephant for his services to Thailand.”
Where did you grow up?
“I was born in Bangkok and lived both there and in Phuket. I studied hotel management in Lausanne in Switzerland, then took a master’s degree at the University of Buckingham.”
And now your children study in Britain, too…
“Yes, both of them are at English universities.”
Tell us about your career. Why did you choose hospitality?
“I am co-founder and owner of The Slate hotel in Phuket, involved in all aspects of the business, from concept and design to catering. I love what I do.
“The art of hospitality was instilled in me when I was little. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who taught me about Chinese culture and how to be a good host. And my father built his first hotel when I was very young, so much of my childho
