A NUMBER of Samui residents know about Boonjumnong Modern Apartment in Chaweng Ring Road with its good location in the business district on island. Only a handful of people, however, know the man who began to conceptualize an apartment complex which would eventually become a popular lodging for foreign and local tourists.

Phuttipong Wichaidit may seem a regular guy in his long sleeved shirt and black pair of slacks. But he is more than the suit. In fact, he is the owner of Boonjumnong Apartment complex – and he’s only 32 years old.

A political science graduate of Ramkhamheang University in Bangkok, Phuttipong learned that foreign and local tourists always look for nice and peaceful accommodations on Koh Samui where he grew up. He thought of establishing an apartment complex that will cater to guests who usually search of apartment units. Although not a businessman, he knew that given the opportunity he could provide foreign and local tourists and travelers on Samui a kind of apartment building that offers a peaceful environment, spacious accommodations, and good recreational facilities.

Phuttipong built Boonjumnong Apartment with the idea of drawing people to its pleasant atmosphere and beautiful facilities near the malls, souvenir shops, beaches, and other tourist attractions. The apartment complex itself offers a good size swimming pool, fitness center, laundry service, wireless internet connection, 18 office space for rent, and 72 spacious suites (i.e. 38.5sq.m. living space for regular room accommodations and 48.5 sq. m. for luxury rooms). Boonjumnong portfolio boasts of spacious bedroom, fully functional kitchen, air conditioning system, modern built-in furniture, hot and cold shower, among other amenities in each of its suite.

For a long time now, the apartment complex has been providing adequate security for his guests, more than 16 Internet Protocol (IP) cameras were installed all over the building complex and three security personnel were hired to work on shifts.

The young businessman gambled Bt100 million to invest in the construction of the apartment complex on a 6,400 square-meter commercial land in 2007.

His apartment business didn’t perform well initially in the market. The sad political unrest in Thailand has led to the suspension of airport operations in the kingdom, resulting in a trickle of foreign tourists who wanted to spend their holidays on Koh Samui. He said that only 10 percent out of the total rooms he was offering for rent have been occupied. In retrospect, all his guests were old friends of his father who was a former government official. It took about one year before Phuttipong was able to get Boonjumnong on its feet. Boonjumnong however still experience good and bad times over the years, depending on the socio-political temper of the country.

At the moment, Boonjumnong Modern Apartment is said to have gained the trust of foreigners and local people who are looking for good and peaceful accommodation in Chaweng area. Phuttipong said that he’s hopeful that his apartment complex will stand the test of time, come even with the ongoing political unrest in Bangkok.

The young businessman held Boonjumnong Modern Apartment has strong potential to get more clients. Based on his record, around 40 rooms are being rented on a monthly basis by expatriates who have a job on Samui, and nine office spaces are being occupied by big companies like Wine Collection, European Food Restaurant, Hana Tour, and others.

For Phuttipong Boonjumnong apartment will remain his legacy at 32 years old. It would seem at his age the hassles of managing a huge business don’t take their toll on his young and vibrant outlook.

“In the future, we are going to make Boonjumnong Apartment a real apartment complex. Restaurants, sport club, fitness & spa shops will be added to assure that the clients can get more comfortable when they stay here,” remarked Phuttipong.