Heritage, Reinvention, & Adaptability - with Tanapol

On today’s episode I speak to Tanapol. Tanapol discusses his family’s deep entrepreneurial roots and the dramatic transformation of their long-standing business.Tanapol currently runs Amco House in Bangkok. This venue, which includes a garden, hosts events, functions, meetings, and weddings. The location has a heritage spanning 30 to 40 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company made an almost 180-degree pivot. It transitioned from operating as a consultancy company—which served various overseas firms, including South African companies, doing business in Thailand—to becoming an events venue. The name Amco is a shortening of Annex Motors Company, a name given by Tanapol's father.Tanapol also shares the history of Annex Motors, the family company started by his father. His father was notable for being the first person in Thailand to actually build a car, the Hasten. Annex Motors has significant historical ties to South Africa; they previously had a contract and worked with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSR) in Pretoria and the Royal Thai Air Force on a data link project involving Gripen aircraft. Additionally, Tanapol was once the biggest importer of a specific Chardonnay varietal into Thailand, supplying between 10,000 to 20,000 bottles a year to Bangkok Airways for their international flights until COVID-19. The family business (now operated by his brother) continues to import remote control gates and swimming pool products, some of which maintain a South African connection.Drawing on his personal journey—which included studying engineering at the University of Sydney, Australia—Tanapol reflects on how moving to Australia at age 11 helped broaden his worldview, develop his social abilities, and connect with people. He stresses that a crucial business lesson is the ability to evolve, change, and adapt quickly. However, he cautions that quick adaptation must be balanced with realism. Drawing on his experience helping to set up the PPTV TV station, he advises against reckless spending and prioritizing focus, citing the success of Channel 7. His main advice for anyone starting a new business is to be a good listener and maintain strong situational awareness.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Find Out More About Tanapol’s Ventures:Amcore House (Main Venue Business): FacebookInstagramComeback Car (YouTube Channel - Car discussions, currently in Thai): Youtube --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for joining in on today’s conversation on The Business Talk. Please visit our website satcc.info if you would like to learn more about joining the South African Thai Chamber of Commerce.

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