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I decided that it was time to leave the e-commerce are there to teach you ways to get around them. The
game and go somewhere I could make a bigger more I look at things that way, the more fun and
impact. That’s when I started Frank.co.th. enjoyable every challenge in life becomes.

Did you ever actually join dad’s business? Would you recommend other businessmen’s kids
“Obstacles aren’t No, I was always sure I could make it on my own. to do it alone?
Once I had proven myself, I was sure I could join the Defi nitely. Our families are used to doing things a
supposed to stop you from family business when I was ready. certain way. There’s nothing wrong with that; it’s
worked for them. It’s our job to venture out and test
moving forward, they are Was the family’s reaction something like ‘best the waters. If we fail, no harm done; there’ll be many
get all that out of his system while he’s young’ or other opportunities to redeem ourselves. If, on the
there to teach you ways to ‘what on earth is he thinking?’ other hand, our parents were to fail, they’d be risking
My family was very happy actually. They told me the livelihoods of their children and grandchildren,
get around them.” they hadn’t spent all that money on my education and that’s a much bigger risk.
just so I could do something I could have picked up
with experience. What advice do you have for them?
Don’t be afraid to try something. It doesn’t have to
Wasn’t it the family in the end who had to sponsor be diff erent. The best ideas aren’t original, but rather
this whole big idea of yours — your start-up? the ones best executed. Facebook came way after My
No, I was lucky enough to fi nd investors who believed Space and iPhones came out way after other phones in
in me. the market. Focus on the execution of your idea. Work
smart and test as many things as you can with real
What is the start-up? customers.
Frank.co.th is an online insurance company. Our
goal is to make buying insurance faster, simpler and Would you say this experience has changed you?
more customisable to customers’ needs. We’ve been Managing 50-plus people changes you in many ways.
running for a little over a year now and recently Not only have I learned about a completely new
we were awarded the most innovative start-up industry, I’ve also learned about the responsibility
award from Bangkok Insurance for all of our eff orts I have to my staff and stakeholders. It’s like I’ve
in digitising insurance, and received wide press become the big brother all over again. I guess this is
coverage, including TV interviews. my destiny after all and, come to think of it, I’m really
happy about that.
Any regrets and challenges?
Plenty of challenges, no regrets. Obstacles aren’t
supposed to stop you from moving forward, they

SAHIL RATTANAPHAS

Sahil Rattanaphas says his dad is his greatest fan, and
has been fi nancially supportive throughout, despite his
sometimes dodgy dreams. Today, he enjoys eating for free
and is trying to lose some kilos.

How close are you and dad?
Very close. Although he is a man of few words, his actions speak louder than
anything most people have to say. He is a good man and he gave my brother and I
the foundation that we needed to become who we are today. My brother is older
than I, so he takes on a lot of the responsibilities given to us. I honestly couldn’t
have achieved what I did without his support, guidance and criticism. He‘s more
than a brother.
Dad is my number one fan. I get calls from him on an hourly basis, asking about
new clients, new ideas and, of course, when our next dinner outing will be. I’m so
lucky to have him.

What’s your dad’s business?
Like most Indians coming to Thailand at the time, my family business (my mum
plays a huge part in it, so I wouldn’t call it my dad’s business) is textile trading.

Tell us a little about your background?
I had a great upbringing with lots of love and respect from everyone in my
family and extended family. We are extremely close to all of our bhuas, masis
and mamus (uncle and aunties) as well as my cousins who are actually more
like sisters. I can’t remember a time when I needed guidance and didn’t have
multiple people giving me advice. My parents valued education above most
other things so I was lucky enough
to go to one of the best schools in
Asia. Oh, and there was also a lot of
food involved in my upbringing, a lot
of food. That might be the reason I
gravitate towards hospitality.

How long were you with dad’s
business before you felt like fl eeing
the nest?
I really enjoyed working alongside “If you feel like you’re stuck and can’t
my brother, mum and dad. It was
challenging and rewarding at the break out, talk to your mum and dad;
same time. In all honesty, my parents
always encouraged me to do other they will support you. The last thing your
things while performing my duties for
the family business. I’ve had several parents want is for you to be unhappy.”
start-ups succeed and fail through

ALL- A C CESS INT O B ANGK OK ’ S C ONTEMP OR AR Y INDIAN LIFEST YLE