But it is more than his flamboyant personality that keeps people tuning in and buying his books. His vision as CEO has seen Amata grow into the largest industrial land developer in Thailand, with a market share twice the size of its nearest rival, since he first snapped up 120 acres of land, 30 miles from Bangkok, in 1998.
Multinationals from Toyota to Bridgestone, to Hitachi and Mitsubishi to Colgate-Palmolive, have flocked to Amata’s two estates on Thailand’s eastern seaboard (Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate and Amata City Industrial Estate).
In 2007, land sales at these estates topped the company’s 2005 record high, with 1722 rai of land (275.5 acres) sold.
The aim is for 6000 rai this year, and revenue is expected to grow to about 5bn baht ($149.8m) from 4.4bn baht in 2007.
The company is seeking strategic partners to expand its roster of joint ventures and subisdiaries; it expects to have about 1000 client projects by 2010, compared with almost 600 at present.
The CEO’s vision extends beyond Thailand too. Amata was among the first to spot the early promise of Vietnam, setting up Amata Bien Hoa Park, near Ho Chi Minh City, in 1994. Another, called Amata Express City, is planned to open near to the airport after 2010.
