What is your full name and age? My name is Michael Janssen and I’m 44 years old.
What is your current Job Position? I am the general manager of luxury resort InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
ow long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin? I have been to Hua Hin many times on holiday. As for living here, though, this is my first time and it’s been only two months.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here? Further to the above, I knew about Hua Hin primarily because of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, which is where I stayed when visiting here on holiday. Honestly, staying at the resort was a fantastic way to learn about Hua Hin. It’s very much a part of the community here. It’s great for visitors who arrive to attend one of the area’s major music or sport events as well as for anyone who wants to know what to do and where to go. Just steps away you can stroll along the beach or browse in a world-class shopping mall. I also found that the resort staff’s welcoming Thai hospitality fully reflected the genuine friendliness of Hua Hin residents.
What do you like most about your profession? Many years ago I chose this profession because I wanted to interact with guests and to make them happy. Essentially, that hasn’t changed, although my specific responsibilities have changed since becoming a general manager. Everything I and my team do is centered on guest satisfaction, and achieving that is what I enjoy the most. I also embrace the opportunity to be immersed in different cultures, to learn and to adapt. Indeed, learning and adapting are fundamental aspects of my job.
What do you like least about your profession? Again, a great advantage of my profession is the chance to live and work throughout the world. But the flip side of the coin is that at some point we must say good bye to the people we’ve worked with and with whom we’ve become friends. That’s probably the hardest part of my job.
What do you like most about Hua Hin? What I like most about Hua Hin is having access to many big-city advantages yet in a relaxed coastal resort community. For instance shopping malls, great restaurants, facilities such as True Arena Fitness and so much more. And with Bangkok so nearby, you can easily have an actual big-city experience any time you like.
What is your favorite restaurant and why? (please don’t promote your own restaurants) I have not tried many restaurants in Hua Hin yet, but I have one favorite place already, Tsukemen Jo. It’s in BluPort Mall and they serve great ramen noodles. I go there often for lunch with my wife, who’s Japanese, and she agrees their ramen is great.
What do you like to do in your free time and why? During my free time I enjoy a good run, usually in the early morning. Cooking a good meal (when I have time) likewise is a great way to relax and to spend time with friends and family. Also, the other day my wife and I were walking along the beach and saw kite surfers in action, so that’s something else I plan to try.
What would you recommend newcomers do in Hua Hin and why? Well, I am still a newcomer myself, but what I did when I first arrived in Hua Hin was go to Vana Nava water park. I definitely recommend it for newcomers. It’s great fun! Other than that, an enjoyable way to explore Hua Hin is just to drive around and walk along the beach. You’ll always find something interesting to see and do. And while you’re exploring, you can always take a break at one of Hua Hin’s many cafés and restaurants. You’re sure to find a favorite.