Be nice to other By Agneta Bekassy Photos Daniel Herron
T
here are many ‘W’s that comes to mind when characterizing Khun Wichien Harnpraween, the legal advisor to many Scandinavians in Thailand. He is well educated, well dressed, well behaved, and last but not least, well known among the Scandinavians living and working in Thailand. When asking him how he has managed to become so popular among the Scandinavians he burst out in a big laugh and says: “I’m not sure at all if I am popular, but I do have a lot of Scandinavian friends, mostly work related”.
It suits my character Khun Wichien was born in Bangkok and went to school in Bangkok and already in his earlier years, he decided to become a lawyer. In 1986 he graduated from Thammasat University Bangkok and in 1990 from the well known University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. When asked why he wanted to study law quickly he replied: “Honestly, I think it suits my character. I love to talk and I enjoy being able to give people good advice.” After graduation, he started working as a Legal Clerk at the Thai Shell Exploration Production Co., Ltd in Phitsanulok, a province in the northern Thailand. Then he had the chance to work for a
year in Germany where he was employed by the Max-Plank-Institute in Munich. During that time he also learned some German. Back in Bangkok he was lecturing in law, at the Mahidol University.
Scandinavian connection
Dalahäst ( a painted horse made of wood from the Swedish landscape Dalarna) stands on his desk and in the conference room you can see a crystal sculpture of a Vikinga skepp /(Viking ship) among many other articles. Among his clients are many well renown companies like Tetra Pak, Atlas Copco, Gunnebo, Nordic Plastic, Ohlin Racing, New Nordic, Skandic Consult, Logonet, Hvidsten Group just to mention a few. Asked if there was any “case” that has been especially interesting, Khun Wichien answered “Many, many, but I really enjoy working on restructuring businesses and one of the most impressive case for me, was when I won a dispute on custom issue for Atlas Copco.” Along the way, he has adopted many of our Scandinavian habits and traditions and he is always ready to accept an offer for a big cold Tuborg, Spendrup or Norrlandsöl (Beers). He also plays golf with his Scandinavian friends and has participated many times in SEB’s Golf tournament and other golf competitions organized by SSS, Skandinavisk Samfund Siam. Year 2012/13 he was appointed member of the year, as an appreciation of his extensive contribution to the development of SSS’ Society.
A visit to the office shows the many objects he has collected from all Scandinavian countries, a
Next door to his wife
Settling down Even if he worked hard, Khun Wichien started thinking of finding the right woman to marry. That happened in 1999 when he met Khun Veeruthai who took his breath away. In 2000, the couple married and a year later, their first child was born, baby Pam, today 12 years old and two years later the son Pete made his appearance. Now with wife and two children, it was time to consider starting his own business and in 2006 the company Wissen & Co Ltd., was established. A very good location for the office was found near Asoke, which is still today the company address. Today Khun Wichien has a partner, Khun Nitipat, who is the one appearing in court as Khun Wichien prefers to stay in the office. The staff has increased to 11 employees and probably there are more to come as they are getting busier and busier day by day.
Khun Wichiens wife, Khun Veeruthai, is conveniently having her office next door to Wissen & Co Ltd.. She is director of the company Sharpener Accounting & Tax Co.Ltd., a company that supports foreign investors and local companies in Thailand with a comprehensive range of outsourced accounting, tax issues and non-cored activities customized to fit with your business needs. She is a woman with a warm smile, an open mind and from what it seems a caring mom and a beloved wife and life-companion. Wondering what the couple does in their free time Khun Wichien said: “I’m playing golf and Badminton and my wife is very occupied with our children” and Khun Veeruthai just smiled at her husband, but of course she has her own interests too. Together, they enjoy music and seldom miss a concert organized by the Rotary Club there Khun Wichien is a long time member. When asked if they would like to live somewhere else then in Bangkok, Khun Wichien answers: “I would love living somewhere near the beach, but as long as we are both active working Bangkok is “the place”.
Don’t be selfish and greedy My final question was if he would care to suggest one piece of advise, that he would give his children. He thinks for a moment, then says: “Be nice to other people and listen to their needs, be caring and concerning. In short:.. don’t become selfish and greedy.” My impression is that this advice for his children Khun Wichien follows day by day himself. 14 ScandAsia.Thailand • February 2014