What is your full name and age?
My name is James Mc Manaman and I while I am happy to share my age, you will have to work for it… Start with the square root of one gross, then quadruple it, next toss in a baker’s dozen and then reduce that number by ½ of a decade – that’s my age.
What is your current Job Position?
I have the most exciting job in Hua Hin right now as the Club Manager of MahaSamutr Country Club on Soi 112.
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
This is my second time working in amazing Thailand. I spent 5 years in the Kingdom in the 1990’s where I was the opening General Manager of the Capital Club Bangkok and Poppies Seaside Cottages on Koh Samui, and I had made a few visits to Hua Hin during that time. Most recently I arrived back in Thailand in late 2014.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
That Hua Hin was the summer residence of the Thai Royal Family, was on the beach, and “halfway” between Bangkok and Koh Samui.
What do you like most about your profession?
The favorite part of my job, is leading the MahaSamutr team and exposing to so many people this luxury, world-class private club project. Exceeding expectations even now before we are open, makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck – and that’s what excites me the most.
What do you like least about your profession?
At the moment, my office is located in Villa #1, and my daily view is of MahaSamutr’s crystal lagoon. The water is a dynamic turquoise and it ripples with the wind. My least favorite thing is going home at the end of the day.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
I feel as though Hua Hin has welcomed me with open arms. The Thais and the international residents here are some of the best parts of this town, and meeting new people from all walks of life is what I like most about Hua Hin.
What is your favorite restaurant and why?
My single most favorite restaurant in Hua Hin is impossible to pick! You will find me most frequently at Andreas, Bliss, Carlo, Daily Bread, Let’s Sea, Nai Lert Park, Olive, Mozza Mia, Sang Thai Seafood and Wilaiwan
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I love discovering new places in Hua Hin and the region. Things like taking a fishing boat around the Sam Roi Yot area in Pranburi, or trying a new seaside brunch at one of our many wonderful resorts.
What would you recommend to new-comers to do in Hua Hin and why?
Learn a little of the Thai language, and search out the hole-in-the-wall places – there are so many wonderful people with great small business to discover.
Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?
I’ve got the music in me… My father played drums with Nat King Cole, and I was a singing waiter through high school and college. In fact, I’ve opened two restaurants with singing waiters, and my personal favorite song to perform is “Don’t Bring Lulu”.
What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done and why?
The day before I was leaving Sun City, South Africa, and moving to Bangkok, I secretly chartered a private plane to take my partner on a surprise safari at a private game reserve. As we started our decent, we could see a jeep going back and forth along the dirt runway shooing the animals out of the way of the plane. After a private tour of the reserve and a delicious meal, we witnessed one of the most amazing sunsets before returning to reality.