What is your full name and age?
My name is Eugenio Gili, I’m also known as ‘ Gino’ by my friends.
I was told 10 years ago that I have already reached a maturity level and have become a senior ever since.
What is your current job position?
I am the CEO of my company Chatsford which is based in Hong Kong. For the past 45 years we have been providing In-Flight Cabin Products to the world’s airlines.
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
I was fortunate to discover Hua Hin in the year 2014. From the very first time I was able to travel and visit Hua Hin, I can simply say that it was love at first sight and I wasted no time in establishing my residence in Khao Takiab.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
I have visited many of the traditional and well known cities in Thailand with the exception of Hua Hin. Particularly due to the fact that the only access was a 3-4 hour journey by road. That’s why my knowledge of Hua Hin was rather limited.
What do you like most about your profession?
My profession is very specialized and thanks to that, it has given me the opportunity to play a role and become involved in the exclusive group within the aviation industry. Working with international airlines has allowed me to travel extensively around the world.
What do you like least about your profession?
Since airlines are flying 24/7, there is no room for product delays or failures.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
Hua Hin reminds me of the period when I was first settling down in Hong Kong 45 years ago. Due to the progress and development, Hong Kong became a prominent city and a major destination. Hua Hin’s ongoing development is also very much in line with a similar vision.
What is your favourite restaurant and why?
Sunday brunch at McFarland House gives me the opportunity to relax and enjoy. In addition to the culinary experience, the ambiance plus the live music performed by Maria’s group from the Philippines, provides additional relaxation along with the soft waves of the sea.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
First thing in the morning, I walk down from my place to the beach, whenever the tide allows to enjoy a nice beach walk for one hour, until it is time for breakfast on my open air terrace, al fresco enjoying the beautiful beach view of the Gulf of Thailand from my condo.
What would you recommend to the new comers to do in Hua Hin and why?
Hua Hin is gradually becoming a new destination for many visitors from multinational origins. Hua Hin has a great variety of options for families and children in general.
There are many well-established restaurants offering a diverse selection to suit your culinary appetite.
For families, there are different activities such as waters parks, safari’s, waterfalls and monumental temples.
On the beach resorts, the sea of the Gulf of Thailand is the most desirable, one of the highlights being kitesurfing. In addition to the malls, there is a place called Cicada market which functions in the evening on weekends. No matter where you shop, these popular spots offer a chance for visitors to enjoy and relax. On the health side, Spa’s are also a highlight to be found throughout Hua Hin.
Tell us a surprising fact that the public does not know about you?
Two facts. First, I was an honorary Consul to Chile for many years when I was living in Hong Kong and second, I am not a chef, but I was able to switch from my photography hobby to the kitchen. When I am traveling, after checking in to my hotel, my first stop will always be visiting fresh markets and buying endless varieties of spices and ingredients which I fully utilize whenever my family and friends gather at my home.
What is the most outlandish thing you have even done?
Probably leaving my home at 17 and going to sea. For 10 years I was a merchant seaman, graduating to officer, visiting ports all over the world. I ended up in Asia which is where I have been for the last 50 years. Asia as a whole has given me the opportunity to enjoy my life throughout, built up my business, travel and now a days settle down in Thailand which is no doubt, among one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
The Asian culture has been one of the most astonishing discoveries during my whole life. Thanks to my extensive travels throughout China, visiting museums and great historical sites, I became attached to the art of wooden carvings. With such devotion, I have been able to build my Chinese wooden antiques collection which has been part of my life time enjoyment.