An Expat & His Business In Thailand

[@ThairishTimes]

If you like this video then check out another video I made with Julia, a British entrepreneur in Bangkok kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXXSgHd6i7amoNE

[@hughraeburn2997]

John "Hammy" Hamilton, a true legend out East Asia way. Great businessman, helped me out on several tricky projects in Myanmar back in the day.

[@Dauertourist]

Pro Tip: Switch the subtitles on! I really liked this video but as a non-native speaker, I couldn't understand him without subtitles.

[@khunbilly]

I've known John since we did a management course together about 15 (20?) years ago. More recently, the company that I was working with had one of his telehandlers and we always got prompt and good service from him. As you can tell from the video, John is a stand-up guy and always a pleasure to be around.

[@lubo8767]

Looks like John needs to do a new management course then

[@andym28]

Is he from Hamilton?

[@dylanyodgee4302]

Really interesting video, great idea. More videos like this would be great

[@anthony7091]

One of the secret of success is a good team. You look after them and they’ll look after you. You may pay more money but productivity and profit increases. This guy is a professional. Great interview Pete 👍👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Spot on Anthony

[@skyehami]

Great Video Pete!! I’m his daughter here and all I can say is that you have captured his true essence when it comes to business with that he doesn’t like wasting his time and getting on with it! With that I’m very proud to be his daughter and truly appreciate this video having been made with such great editing and narrating skills from your side! All the best to you and your future videos to come! ❤️

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much. Your father is a top fella. It was a pleasure to watch him work

[@ThailandNewbie]

Really nice to follow someone into the workplace. Next level buddy. A great mix of real life and interview.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, glad you liked it

[@lifeslices2228]

Awesome video, Pete!! I love these "day in the life" vids. Such a fascinating look into the lives of different people!

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you like them 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TimTimTim501]

Love this day in the life video Pete. 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@RalphBaumgartl]

Brilliant Video! Greetings from Germany! Ralph

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Ralph👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheLungNuad]

Great interviewing again.Have a nice day Pete.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks☺️☺️

[@therunning-farang3656]

Nice one Pete, good stuff. I've actually sent John an enquiry for rental of equipment.

[@ThairishTimes]

Great, hope it works out

[@TheThaiLife]

Haha Scottish is the absolute hardest English for Thai's to understand, but his employees do. Very cool. I have mega respect for people running a business here and working to be successful.

[@Chai_Travel]

Well done mate! You’re making yourself more of a documentary maker with this video! It’s nicely put together 🏆 stay champ

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks champ 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇮🇪

[@Darryl_Smith]

A pro manager with all the right attributes to being a very successful business owner. Good to have seen his daily life and ethics - bet he has an interesting back story to go with...

[@ThairishTimes]

The backstory is really good. Hong Kong, Myanmar & Thailand

[@gertdrok]

À Very Clever and Hard Working man, with a lot of financial Risks. That’s what a Real Entrepreneur does. Good Luck for John. Interesting story Pete. 🙏

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Gert, Lots of financial risk we never discussed that side of the business!

[@ian-wu2bb]

That was one out of the box Pete. Really loved the "Day in a life of" approach to your interview. It was fun to watch.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Ian🙏🙏

[@little_engine_goes_to_Thailand]

Loved the storytelling with the music and visual shots. Well done

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks ☺️☺️

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

certainly knows what he's about ! firm and fair . good video Pete

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Geoffery

[@papapepe2232]

Good for a change 👍 Interview on the job site! John is a interesting man. I say that with plenty of respect! Only someone who is so diligent and so caring about his staff and connections is going to be successful. You know what it's like working abroad and to have that level of success certainly gets my respect 👏👏

[@ThairishTimes]

You nailed it Pape Pepe 👍🏼👍🏼

[@chopperman10]

Absolutely loved this story and disappointed when it ended lol 😂 definitely deserving of a part 2 👍👍👍👍

[@Jefe_Perro]

Interesting character, great to see people with so much drive. Only one thing missing from the video... you could have stood by the door as he was shipping off a machine yelling "Send it!" and pumping your arm like you did with the river boat on the live stream 🤣

[@ThairishTimes]

Haha I have to do that on video now. Coming soon

[@masterofthecranium]

This is brilliant, format could be applied ANYWHERE. Love that Scottish accent. Top stuff as usual. 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate that’s what i’m thinking

[@scottDchicago]

Awesome episode that’s truly a breath of educational air!

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you liked it Scott

[@readingwithgrandpa830]

That was a great foundational piece...part1, and waiting for part 2 next?

[@BryansMusings]

A nice man John is. Great to see how well he interacts with everyone.

[@ThairishTimes]

Indeed Mr Musings

[@speedline37]

Please do more of these!

[@Guywilliamhl5kw]

John is a legend and helped me loads when i was in Myanmar.

[@mrquickwitter]

The captain of the ship sets the pace. Guy lives it.

[@VictorHenderson]

Well done! I had to steal his list! 10 Things which require zero talent Be on Time Work Ethic Effort Energy Body Language Passion Doing Extra Being Prepared Being Coachable Attitude Enumerated by John "Hammy" Hamilton of Promech (Thailand)

[@ThairishTimes]

Great 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@oywatters9415]

Glad he can communicate well with the staff, especially if he can speak Thai, otherwise not so easy understanding Scottish accent, as I find it myself! All the best to him and his staff. Thank you Pete 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Oy ☺️☺️

[@nokchilton1562]

Interesting business indeed! Thanks for sharing…

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Nok!

[@thewing331]

Always great to hear a Scottish accent. Man this fella is a human dynamo. Slainte have a great week.☘️

[@ThairishTimes]

Great to have a Scots story on the channel. Slainte

[@FrazerHatyai]

Enjoyed the new format! nice change from the sit down interviews

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@TT-ce4cm]

Ever thought about interviewing an expat teacher here in Thailand? Would have interesting stories for ya :D

[@ThairishTimes]

I have indeed. It will be done. If anyone out there see this and wants to chat. here's my email [e-mail]

[@trevoraindow2440]

Its' always interesting to see foreigners in Thailand running large set ups as of this one and how it all fits in, also with the usual effects of Covid and other mentioned matters. Great video Pete.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Trevor. Yep I enjoyed the day out at John’s business. It’s always interesting to watch an entrepreneur manage

[@trevoraindow2440]

@@ThairishTimes Yeah thanks too Pete. I love films involving industrious machinery. It just goes to show what's there when you start looking, seems like a well run ship this one.

[@curtchesnutt4992]

Superb leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors....you found a good one Pete. Enjoyed this episode.

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching

[@SteveSmith-jc7pc]

Really interesting. I was involved with the construction industry plant rental business back in the UK for many years. Thailand really doesn't seem that different!

[@ThairishTimes]

That’s good to know Steve. It reminded me of what I saw in Dublin too

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Steve the make up of the characters is just the same. The DNA in the plant business is the same the world over hard working solid people who are out in all weathers and at all times getting the job done.

[@user-gn3mh3bh5p]

Good insightful video

[@thethailandlife]

Great video. I think people underestimate just how difficult it is to build a business like this in Thailand. From local competition to managing staff to maintaining a reliable supply chain and overcoming cultural barriers, it isn't for the weak minded, that's for sure. You need a lot of self-motivation, energy and a thick skin. The fact that a number of John's key staff have been there for so long is testament to his management skills. One of the hardest things to do in Thailand is keep employees!

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely agree with you. There were lots more staff that I didn’t get on camera that have been working at Promech for many years. Solid team

[@baz69er13]

Very interesting video & he obviously knows how to run a business especially in a foreign country, would like to of know a bit more about him as he sounds like an interesting guy.....

[@promechhe6505]

Aye, John Hamilton face made for the radio!

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

really enjoyed this vlog Pete . John is a hard working man with a good work ethic. I liked his 10 things that require no effort 👏👏👏 good luck to him and all his staff.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Jimmy, glad you liked it mate

[@packageism]

Good on him for having a successful business. Looks like he gets along well with his staff. 6 am start is hard going. Coming from a 10am kind of guy

[@peterthermocline]

William Heinecke would be fascinating, to interview.

[@ThailandThomas]

Great video Pete. John is a very interesting guy. Has a nice company. Doing well for him self. Pete I would love to see people working in hospitality. People who own restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs, hotels and resorts.

[@ThairishTimes]

Ok Thomas i’ll keep a look out for a story like that

[@no_clot_shot1128]

I find this format much more interesting than just sit down interviews. Well done. Also check out Paul in Tokyo very successful channel... You might get a few ideas... it's a great channel. "Day in life" type of videos. Very cool.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks. I know that channel. Really excellent

[@judyengle7728]

Good video Pete

[@ThairishTimes]

🙏🙏🙏

[@peterthermocline]

Try to interview more success stories, there are alot of expats working for large companies in Thailand, l am sure that would be fascinating... Bill Heinecke for one.

[@kwokweng76]

nice video...........its an interesting format

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks ☺️

[@richardgray7060]

Interesting stuff Pete. John's a really down to earth bloke who gets down there with his workforce. The videos are looking really polished. Like the addition of the music!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Richard. John is sound as a pound as we say in Dublin

[@OGillo2001]

There's a fabricator here on Mallorca I have worked with. He was born on the island, but married a Glaswegian and lived there for 12 years. Strangest accent combo you ever heard... NICE WORK PETE, KEEP IT UP.!

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Rory. That sure does sound like an interesting mix for an accent

[@graerindley6312]

John comes across as a good leader who seems to care for his staff.😀

[@Steve-jf7yw]

Great video and very well edited! I have known John for a couple of decades, he has a solid work ethic as well as being an all round top bloke. I wish him many more years of success.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Steve I concur

[@simo740]

This was a real good one probably one of my favourites yet bro..john comes across absolute top guy what a legend doing what he is in Thailand. love to see more from John 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Si Mo🙏🙏🙏

[@martinhodgins1677]

Very interesting Pete. John is facing the same issues as he would were he located in any other country. If he has been in business in Thailand that long he obviously knows what he is doing and naturally will not divulge any 'trade secrets'. Sounds like a mutually rewarding operation for him and his staff. Good on him.

[@ThairishTimes]

Spot on Martin. Hope you’re well

[@sunchildtine]

Pete, you also manage to make a beautiful thing in your career by having people from all over, regional accent, people that work/live/been in Thailand speaking to you. i don't think there's anywhere else in the world that has a gathering as big as in Thailand. it is like the Travellers' Olympics venue. we had Irish, Scouser, now a Scottish. coming up next, we need a true Geordie lad (that speaks the real accent) to join in your schtory/interview. thanks for your hard work, Pete, it ain't easy being a one man-band.

[@ThairishTimes]

Haha yeah I need to find a Geordie now. Thanks for watching mate

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Top drawer documentary. Real people doing real things. Excellent.

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michelecrouse5284]

greetings looks like great content thank you keep it up.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks ☺️

[@ชมพรรณโชติดิลก]

Get more and more great interview great guess

[@ThairishTimes]

Will do 👍🏼

[@MrUlfang]

Great work,

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks

[@BigCountry70]

John seems like a stand up guy. What he says about standing behind your team his absolutely vital. You don’t take care of your team. The team will not take care of your business.

[@geoffpj1]

Enjoyed that but good to get John’s background story as well. He mentioned Hong Kong

[@JamesWBurns]

I agree would like to understand how he ended up in Thailand in the first place. Second interview Pete! 😉

[@LifewithDavid]

You're doing a good job 👏

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks 🙏🙏

[@Photojouralist123]

Sorry Pete, couldn't hang with this interview. I had no idea what he was saying!

[@stephenmonash821]

Can't be easy doing business in a foreign country - so many things to adjust to.. politics - language conventions - customs - It boggles the mind.. Beyond my remit. Good job on the Video Pete - well edited.

[@ThairishTimes]

John has good people around him

[@EddieManning]

Hi Stephen hope you're well, I was quite amazed to see this video. Clearly John has great motivation and to do this succesfully as a foreigner in Thailand and retain good Thai staff is testament to his determination.

[@stephenmonash821]

@@EddieManning Hi Eddie

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Hi Pete great video how can a foreigner own a business in Thailand, it can't seem to happen in Cambodia

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

JJ it is all about investment you can start an Board of investment ( BOI ) business with large capital injections on approved plan with government. If you get approval you are good to go. Investment is substantial.

[@JJ-vy2rh]

@@promechheavyequipment5855 ok thanks for your direct answer. I wish you every success

[@haydenhayden8872]

Can you do an interview with an embassy worker ? For your viewers to get an idea of what they can do \ what they can't do in Thailand. what actual help they provide, if a person needs it. 1, whats your job like as practiced in Thailand ? 2, How a person should act in this or that scenario ? whats their perspective on changes in Thailand over years ? Whats their role \ obligations if one of their citizens goes to jail \ prison ? That seems to be a '' dead spot'' for you tubers. I think you could do a really effective job of interviewing an segment of life in Thailand, that no ones would consider until they need it. please upvote, viewers, if you agree. ( I do not know how to send a message directly )

[@ThairishTimes]

Interesting. I'll see what I can do

[@bobm9784]

Good vdo ... keep her lit John

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Thank Bob, every day giving 100% I have great team of Thai people salt of the earth hard workers.

[@gordonmacleod6360]

Great video ! Hope his business continues to grow ! And your channel too !

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Gordon👍🏼👍🏼

[@IrishPhotoArchive1952]

Very interesting and a positive story on international cooperation at its best 🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇲🇲🇨🇳🇨🇷 looking forward to a peaceful Europe again soon ☮️

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Sean 🇮🇪

[@suzannekeddie7448]

Great show really interesting

[@steveb1294]

Liked this but needs a part2 face 2 face

[@senianns9522]

I knew John when he was with WMS. He had a 'bad family time' and had to 'live out of town' at a nice resort near a reservoir in Rayong. Glad to hear he is surviving! Best wishes.

[@dariusmolark6820]

cool. his home life?

[@PaulWalliswriter]

Here is a man who values his employees. They look like they would run to the ends of the Earth for him!

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Paul, My staff/ Team are at the heart of our survival through Covid my job is to steer the ship and let them do there jobs. Thanks fo the positive comments.

[@senianns9522]

Good comment! I managed a company here for 17 years and believe me the best asset I had was my staff! They made me 'look good'. Treat them well and with respect and it works trust me! I have retired now but still meet up with my old management team for dinner each month!

[@michelecrouse5284]

love 10 things yes love it yes get it going .....yess

[@alanoconnor7967]

It would be a better video. If You asked about employees works hours the type of salary

[@lubo8767]

This video makes me feel very lucky to work remotely with full flexibility, and not having someone like John watching what I'm doing all the time

[@kippsguitar6539]

It's called working for a living

[@lubo8767]

@Rene Media you can earn very good money in remote jobs though! John having his rules on the whiteboard is ridiculous. Treating his staff as if they are in school. I wouldn't last a day there haha

[@lubo8767]

@@kippsguitar6539 It honestly looks more like they are his students in school. The employees there just don't have any other choice but to work there unfortunately.

[@ThairishTimes]

You guys judge and assume so much from a 15min video

[@lubo8767]

@@ThairishTimes it's pretty obvious Pete haha the bloody whiteboard with rules is ridiculous. They aren't 10 year olds working for him. Also just stating that I'd much prefer remote and modern work environment than this school-like environment!

[@b4bmm]

Not sure what he is on about in regards to currency movements. The value has changed 5% since Jan. That’s nothing unusual. The USD has appreciated a lot against all other currencies.

[@ThairishTimes]

There’s a couple of million baht in the difference for John between buying before the war in Europe and now

[@lb7034]

@@ThairishTimes He just booked a certain quantity Euros at an inflated rate relative to What he thought ( expected ) was a good exchange rate. In other words, he bought futures for Euros payable in Baht denomination, never thinking the euro would tank. This caused a discrepancy between actual and anticipated costs of currency and machinery that ate up some of the profits. The morale of the story is to not speculate on currency to stabilize your anticipated profit on an eventual sale

[@b4bmm]

@@ThairishTimes it may well be millions but he shows on the board himself Jan at 39 baht and July at 37 baht. That’s 5% roughly which is nothing unusual in a currency market with or without a war, that’s normal fluctuation. The Thai baht has gone from close to 27 baht and as low as below 19 baht against the Aussie dollar over the last five years, will we blame that on the war too? Anyway, Another good video.

[@Atty1958]

When you work with educated Thais they are on a different level. They are more willing to help you. But you need to show them respect at help them when needed by suggesting a easier way of doing a certain job And not putting them down. And ask them and don't tell them.

[@dannybucks9133]

I think now it's not the best time to start a business in Thailand. A lot of risks indeed...

[@ThairishTimes]

He didn’t start one now. This business has been going about 20years

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Danny the business has been going 20 years but Covid almost drove Bankrupt was very tough last 3 years. Only through the hard work end dedication of the staff plus some serious cash injections from my private savings did we survive.

[@danporath536]

Brick and mortar businesses are still needed to produce and repair real goods.

[@jasonlittle3000]

Great Scott what's he doing? People want a happy ending he got the forklifts he looked happy.

[@ThairishTimes]

Haha John’s getting paid

[@jasonlittle3000]

Take hard work. He seems like that kind of person doesn't like being bored has to be in the thick of it.

[@Djsilky128]

It feel like they are working in the army !!!

[@gus3578]

Best episode so far. People who have both feet on the ground and shit under their nails.👍🇹🇭

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Gus 👍🏼👍🏼

[@d9918]

Could you tell us how old he is and just a rough ball park what the business makes for him every year?

[@ThairishTimes]

John’s in his 50’s and I don’t think I’d get away with asking John a question like that😂

[@seamusog100]

The Chinese,great bunch of lads😂👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Hehe you’re the only one that noticed 🇮🇪👍🏼

[@seamusog100]

Cavan man here in NYC ,great videos keep em coming

[@ThairishTimes]

@@seamusog100 cheers seamus

[@scottjohnson921]

Great video Pete! Great guy for sure! I am left with so many questions! How did he get there? What about his family life now and before moving to Thailand? Is he the owner of his business? What did he do prior to this venture? Maybe a sit-down interview someday? (if he will sit still, not working, for 30 minutes LOL!)

[@ThairishTimes]

I'll see what I can do Scott

[@promechheavyequipment5855]

Scott I started driving Bulldozers on rubbish landfills in HK in 1992 after arriving on 1 way ticket no job and my worldly processions in a back pack, it has been and long and interesting journey that is for sure! HK, Thailand, Indonesia, Burma for 5 years and now settled in Bangkok! 😀. 1 divorce and 3 wonderful kids later still hard at it. Thanks to my 2nd wife Jibb and my team at Promech love them all.

[@leswhynin913]

Still dresses like he's in Glasgow and not the tropics

[@ThairishTimes]

Yes brilliant!

[@richardm893]

Looks like one of those kosher IRA types.

[@ThairishTimes]

😂😂

[@Budismo7917]

Interesting, i heard that a foreigner get the 49% and the farang needs to have a thai business partner to open the business in 🇹🇭 who gets more$$ like 51%

[@bkkdavidg]

I see that you have a MacBook now 😃

[@ThairishTimes]

Well spotted Dave

[@timschlebaum]

Nice format, well done. The cat is a bit of a cheap rip-off.

[@ThairishTimes]

Huh I love cats

[@johntheaccountant5594]

The Euro is doomed and going to be low and go lower. However there will be inflation in the EU and UK so prices of European parts will go up. It looks as though he doesn't buy much from Europe though. China seems to be the manufacturing center now.

[@ThairishTimes]

Accountant by name accountant by nature 👍🏼

[@philm7213]

It's Ukraine not The Ukraine btw.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks. I’ve just sacked the scriptwriter

[@philm7213]

@@ThairishTimes well done mate they left The USSR ages ago.

[@darrenclark4350]

Hey why didn't you ask about brown envelopes and backhanded... or the rigged tendering process 🤣🤣🤣😂

[@ThairishTimes]

because then Darren nobody would ever agree to go on camera and I couldn't bring you all this content😉

[@genokemp2433]

I so want to knock John on asking how much he pays his staff 🤦‍♂But the amount of years some of them have worked with him says it all in a positive way .One Massive Negative on my part (and i'd had this for years )The wearing of the bloody Flat Cap .Ok if you are in your 80s .Shearer looks a prat wearing one .Sorry Pete /Gary ,Just being honest .55 😁

[@ThairishTimes]

Ah the hat was a bit of class. Sets the scene very well

[@genokemp2433]

@@ThairishTimes nope

[@nr655321]

Feels like a sponsored video.

[@ThairishTimes]

John didn’t pay me a penny to make this