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Prakit Apisarnthanarax, who owns advertising firm Prakit Holdings, built his first resort with investment of Bt30 million on part of a 25rai land plot. It has only 19 rooms for guests.

"I bought the land 20 years ago by spending only Bt120,000 per rai, and kept it as an asset. I built only one log home on it, for myself," said Prakit, 68. "Last year I saw a busi¬ness opportunity to develop a small boutique hotel resort on 6 rai of the land."

To promote the resort, Prakit has contracted a tour agency and has opened a website. He is expecting both domestic and foreign guests, especially Japanese tourists. He believes they will enjoy the sur¬roundings, close to a river, and he will offer room rates between Bt2,500 and Bt4,000 per day.

He expects turnover from Fueng Fah Gardens to average Bt300,000 per month.

"This is small business for myself. I don't need more income, but it's a challenge for me, and my friends will come to stay in vacation time," he said.

Nowadays, Prakit takes care of only policy and finance for his company, Prakit Holdings. His son takes care of daytoday operations and as a result he has time on his hands to run the resort business.

If the Fueng Fah Gardens Resort succeeds in achieving its business goals, Prakit says he may have two more buildings constructed, offering another 24 guest rooms, at a cost of Bt30 million.