Gas chief follows father's goal

So how different is Supachai Weeraborwornpong, managing director of Siam Gas and Petrochemical, from his father, who founded the distributor of liquefied petroleum gas in 2001?

"Dad told me to have guts. He always said that someone who is too thorough in business could be slower than competitors in making a move," said Supachai, son of Siam Gas founder Worawit Weeraborwongpong.

"He was ready to move on with plans if he was more than 50 per cent certain of the potential. I'm more cautious. I'm ready to take a step backward before making a move forward. I'm concerned that I will make mistakes, as I didn't start this business. Therefore, before embarking on any plan, I must be 100-per-cent sure."

As the second-generation leader, Supachai finds a great challenge in expanding the company and raising returns for shareholders.

He is 100-per-cent sure that the company's imminent listing on the stock exchange will help him achieve its ambitious business goals. The public listing was his idea, and the first obstacle he encountered was the misconception that Siam Gas was like Picnic Corp, another gas company, which has been under long-term scrutiny by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"I was undeterred," he said. "Siam Gas is transparent and, as a non-political stock, we can be audited any time."

With a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University in the United States and a master's in business administration from Chula- longkorn University, Supachai began working for his family when he turned 25 - first at Bo Bae Market, before moving to the gas business.

Supachai, now 35, feels confident about the gas business after working closely with his father for many years.

Under his leadership, he intends to develop Siam Gas into a regional energy provider, stepping beyond its second place in Thailand's LPG market to other countries in Southeast Asia. Although he acknowledges that Siam Gas is still comparatively small, he is determined to reach the regional goal, through expansion into natural gas and alternative energy.

Entering Vietnam is the company's first planned overseas expansion. Gas stations are expected to begin operations there next year, and Siam Gas is keen to spread into other countries through takeovers or mergers.

"Whatever the option is, it's my policy to become a major shareholder in the companies involved so we can hold management power. Any investment should generate returns of 15 per cent and break even within five years," he said.