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Published on October 22, 2007

ML Laksasubha Kridakon is a firm believer in building up businesses based on her personal passions. Ten years ago, she set up the First Step Kindergarten on Sukhumvit 43, which is now considered one of the capital's leading pre-schools, and next month she'll be launching the family-friendly Baan Laksasubha resort in Hua Hin.

The beachside property, which is next to Sofitel Hua Hin, has been in her family for generations. Folks familiar with the area will know it as Naresukaviet House, the former residence of her grandfather MC Sermswat Kridakon, once the governor of this resort town.

Eight years ago, she built a beach house for the use of her own family, reserving the five-rai adjacent to their summer home for the new resort.

ML Laksasubha been coming to Hua Hin for her holidays since she was a child and remembers the town as it was in the good old days.

"Coming here brings back so many memories. Since my grandparents' time, the house was always a meeting point for the entire family. The landmark rock from which Hua Hin gets its name is right in front of our house," she says.

Despite the new developments that have sprung up over the last 30 years, many things remain unchanged.

"Many owners of the original Hua Hin houses are still there. Several things at the house are the same too, including a 70-year-old pine tree in the garden. Now the younger generations are getting to know each other and are in and out of each other's houses just as I was in my teens."

ML Laksasubha is confident that Hua Hin will maintain its sense of tranquillity and keep its character as a royal seaside resort.

"I decided to build a resort here not just for business reasons. The place has to reflect my own character," she explains.

Baan Laksasubha resort features 16 two-storey villas, each with a large veranda, two restaurant outlets serving healthy Mediterranean fare plus high tea, and a pool bar offering great ice cream. The spacious beachfront seems to stretch out, with beanbags placed invitingly on the grass and chill-out music playing in the background.

The staff have been recruited from many well-known hotels and she's confident that she has a strong team.

ML Laksasubha started her career with the United Nations where she stayed for seven years, before setting up Krystalina, a company importing Czech crystal products. First Step Kindergarten was launched in 1997.

"I've been exposed to different cultures all my life. My father, MR Suttiswat Kridakon, was attached to the Foreign Ministry and we started travelling when I was two. I've lived in many countries, from Argentina to Australia to Hungary."

The idea of setting up a kindergarten came from her children, both of whom attended Bangkok Pattana School. Her daughter is now 19 and a student at Melbourne University. Her 17-year-old son will graduate from high school next year and join his sister.

"I haven't abandoned First Steps," she stresses. "I've talked with many parents and exchanged a lot of ideas about the resort with them. They agree that there aren't many resorts that really cater to young families. That's why the key concept of Baan Laksasubha is family-oriented hospitality."

During the holidays, staff from the kindergarten will come to the resort to act as nannies for the little ones, allowing parents to take some much-needed time off.

"My children will be helping out at the resort too. My son and daughter will be waiting and serving and I'll be spending time with my guests. This comes from our diplomatic background; we love being around people."

Laksasubha believes that young people, especially those from privileged families, need to experience a different environment.

"A month before my daughter left for Australia, I sent her to work at Au Bon Pain. She had to clean the floor just like other staff members. She needs to know what it's like on the other side," she says.

Life, she stresses, has several different dimensions and cannot be judged by a Hermes handbag.

With plans to pass her businesses on to her children, Laksasubha says she'll prepare them to take over the reins by taking time off when she turns 50 in 18 months.

Her dream destination is Morocco and she's hoping to take in other countries in Africa too.

"I think it's time to travel. I've been a single mum for 14 years now. I'd rather make a long-term plan to have a clear direction of what to do next in life.

"Planning maintains my sanity, as does reading books on dharma and those authored by the Dalai Lama. Besides, travelling is a great way to relax."

Vipasai Niyamabha

The Nation