Made it in Thailand

Scott Pressimone
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders who’ve “made it” in Thailand. Real stories of ambition, setbacks, and strategic wins on the path to success. Built for founders and operators who want to win in Thailand. Guests from the US, UK, Australia, and Thailand. Honest journeys and cross-cultural lessons. Inspiration for anyone building in the Thai market. Apply to be a guest: https://madeitinthailand.com/apply Hosted by Scott Pressimone, a US expat based in Thailand for 13+ years and owner of Fractiond, a Thailand-based strategy consultancy. #ThailandBusiness #ExpatSuccess #ThaiExpat

  1. 7 APR

    High Performers Burn Out Faster. Thailand's Wim Hof Advanced Instructor Explains Why.

    High-level operators are burning out because they have lost the ability to switch off their nervous systems, and most of them do not even know it is happening. I wanted to understand the mechanics behind this, so I invited Stuart Wilson to break it down. Stuart left a high-stress financial career in Dubai, went through an ayahuasca reset in the Amazon, and eventually became Bangkok's leading certified breath work and cold exposure instructor. Our conversation goes far beyond wellness. We get into the real intersection of executive performance, lifestyle design, and entrepreneurship in Bangkok. Stuart walks through the neuroscience of chronic stress and why a holiday will not fix a default mode network that never shuts down. From there we move into the operational realities of building Breath Inspired from the ground up, including candid insights on navigating intellectual property theft in Thailand, why Stuart actively prefers hiring local Thai talent over foreign staff, and what it actually looks like to scale a cross-cultural business with a Thai co-founder. ABOUT THE GUEST Stuart Wilson is the co-founder of Breath Inspired, an Advanced Wim Hof Method Instructor, and the only Oxygen Advantage Master Instructor in Asia. After experiencing burnout in Dubai's financial sector, he relocated to Bangkok to build the region's premier science-backed breath work and cold exposure community alongside his wife and co-founder, Kam. https://www.breathinspired.com/ ABOUT THE HOST I'm Scott Pressimone, a Fractional & Interim Country Director and strategist with over a decade of executive experience on the ground in Bangkok. I help foreign capital, founders, and CEOs bridge the gap between Western expectations and Thai operational realities. https://www.scottpressimone.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Ice Bath Illusion05:01 - Burnout in Dubai09:36 - The Wim Hof Discovery13:20 - Default Mode Network23:20 - Building Breath Inspired35:12 - Copycats and True Fans48:13 - IP Theft in Thailand59:39 - Running a Cross-Cultural Business1:13:55 - Visas and Company Setup1:23:04 - The Hiring Mistake Expats Make #ExecutiveBurnout #DoingBusinessInThailand #WimHofMethod #BangkokBusiness #FractionalDirector

    1hr 31min

  2. 24 MAR

    Scaling Operations in Thailand: The Systems The Biggest Brands Use | Chokdee Wisansing

    As foreign founders and corporate operators, we often assume that our successful global playbooks will seamlessly translate to the Thai market. The reality is that scaling operations here requires a deep, structural localization of our systems, our products, and our leadership style. In this episode, I sit down with Khun Chokdee Wisansing, former Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer for major conglomerates like KFC, AWC, and Central Group. We discuss the mechanics of bridging generational gaps, adapting global systems, and building high-trust, lean teams in Thailand. Core executive takeaways:• The global to local playbook: Why international giants like KFC succeed in Thailand by rigidly maintaining their world-class systems while completely adapting their product to the local palate and consumer behavior.• The 3 S framework of scaling: How to architect your strategy, system, and structure so that no single employee is bigger than the organization.• The talent retention trap: A Chief People Officer perspective on why job hopping for incremental salary bumps destroys long term executive influence, and how to successfully integrate new tech skills with senior leadership wisdom.• Demystifying Thai time: How to establish a high performance culture of punctuality, accountability, and mutual respect without aggressively clashing with local operational norms. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:49 Climbing the Ladder05:34 Why Job Hopping Fails08:01 Long Game Networking09:51 Systems People Mindset10:59 Strategy System Structure14:00 Clear Roles No Gray Areas17:43 Winning in Thailand17:57 Localizing Global Brands22:33 Thai Time and Respect27:19 Bridging Generations32:17 Respect And Learning33:18 Mentorship Through Coaching34:33 Stability In Uncertainty36:11 Lean Team Strategy39:20 Small Business Confidence43:01 Delivering And Trust44:06 Why Candy Crush47:34 Lead By Example49:34 Degrees Versus Skills53:11 Control Your Future55:57 Reach Out For Help58:03 Conclusion Expanding your business in Thailand? Connect with me for a diagnostic consultation: https://www.expatden.com/thailand-business-growth-strategy-session/ Guest contact details:Khun Chokdee WisansingWebsite: http://www.candycrushthailand.comLinkedIn: Search "Chokdee Wisansing"

    59 min

  3. 10 MAR

    The Visa & Work Permit Truth for Founders in Thailand with Benjamin Hart

    As foreign founders and corporate operators, we often underestimate the administrative friction of entering and scaling a team in the Thai market. The reality is that a competitive salary is just the baseline. The true cost of talent is hidden in the compliance. In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I sit down with Benjamin Hart, Managing Director at Integrity Legal, to discuss the operational realities of corporate structuring, foreign talent acquisition, and long-term residency in Thailand. We move past the surface-level advice and look at the actual mechanics of building a sustainable, compliant business in Thailand. Core Executive Takeaways:• The Hidden Sunk Costs of Talent: Why work permits, mandatory Thai staff ratios, and early burnout drastically shrink our operational runway.• The US Treaty of Amity Advantage: How American founders can leverage this agreement to secure 100% corporate ownership and bypass standard BOI oversight.• The DTV & LTR Corporate Trap: Why these highly publicized new visas carry hidden long-term compliance and residency risks for our executive teams.• The Thinking Backwards Framework: How to structure your local entities today to effortlessly survive the regulatory audits and PR applications of tomorrow. Structure your Thai operations for the long game: To de-risk your market entry and explore fractional executive support, connect with me for a diagnostic consultation at scottpressimone.com. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:20 PR & Citizenship08:03 DTV & LTR Visa Risks15:58 Working From vs. In Thailand34:16 Currency Flows & Strategy44:52 US Treaty of Amity49:13 BOI vs. US Treaty of Amity51:19 Market Outlook55:09 The Suez Canal Shift59:43 Market Entry Advice01:02:49 Hidden Sunk Costs01:07:27 Conclusion Guest Contact Details:Benjamin Hart, Integrity Legalinfo@legal.co.thThailand: +66 2-266-3698 USA Toll Free 1-877-231-7533http://www.integrity-legal.com/www.youtube.com/@UCO6aDpt9xRwgueZvwIsBpWg Guest Contact Details:Benjamin Hart, Integrity Legalinfo@legal.co.thThailand: +66 2-266-3698 USA Toll Free 1-877-231-7533http://www.integrity-legal.com/www.youtube.com/@UCO6aDpt9xRwgueZvwIsBpWg

    1hr 9min

  4. 24 FEB

    From PhD to 150k Followers: Scaling a Digital Education Business in Thailand

    Most business owners underestimate the operational complexity of scaling a digital brand. This interview with Thai entrepreneur Wasinee "New" Phonsri, founder of Thai Lessons by New, breaks down exactly how she grew her following to 150K and built an education platform with multiple revenue streams. She transitioned from a solo creator to a highly leveraged, lean business. 👉 If you are a founder or executive looking to build out your operational systems and team in Thailand, book a strategic diagnostic session here:https://www.scottpressimone.com/ Key Business Takeaways:• Scaling a Creator-Led Brand: Despite managing 150K followers across YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, New remains the sole content creator. She breaks down her Eisenhower Matrix time-blocking system, content batching strategy, and how she leverages AI and a lean team (a business partner and PR support) to increase output without bloating payroll.• The Partnership Inflection Point: After operating entirely alone for two years, New realized she was the bottleneck. Hear the decision framework she used to evaluate bringing on a business partner, and how this team expansion filled specific operational gaps (cold ads, evergreen funnels, payment infrastructure) so she could focus purely on product and content.• Revenue Architecture & Passive Income Design: How New structured her business across four distinct revenue streams to create predictable monthly recurring revenue while maintaining ultimate operational flexibility.• Decoding Thai Talent (The Education System): As a Thai native who spent 12 years in Australia, New provides critical context for foreign executives managing Thai teams. She explains how local education impacts workplace communication, decision-making autonomy, and why Western-style management often requires cultural adjustments.• Market Positioning & Customer Segmentation: New's customer base skews heavily toward early-retired executives and former CEOs. Learn how she uses their feedback to iterate on scalable course offerings. Why This Matters for Foreign Executives in Thailand:If you are building or managing a team in Thailand, understanding cultural differences is critical. New's unique background (Thai academic foundation + over a decade in Western work cultures) gives her the perfect vantage point to explain how Thai professionals learn, adapt, and work. Furthermore, her transition from a solo hustle to a structured, lean operation is a masterclass for any founder looking to prioritize systems and leverage over raw headcount. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:55 - YouTube vs Facebook02:25 - The Secret PhD04:40 - Why YouTube & Passive Income06:11 - Overcoming Camera Fear09:00 - Using Comments to Improve10:11 - Thai Education System14:56 - Learning Independence Early18:36 - Advice for Learning Thai21:41 - AI in Language Learning24:06 - Staying Adaptable with AI25:20 - Building a Scalable Business26:06 - Designing for Freedom28:00 - Why Keep 1-on-1 Lessons29:59 - Launching Patreon31:29 - Free Content Mission32:28 - Finding a Business Partner & Expanding the Team33:56 - Thinking Like a Company37:05 - Value-First Business41:59 - Time Management & Balance46:11 - Where to Find New 👉 Ready to untangle your operations in Thailand? Book a strategic diagnostic session here: https://www.scottpressimone.com/ About the Guest:New holds a PhD in Chemistry and spent a decade in academic research before pivoting to digital education. She now runs Thai Lessons by New, an education business with nearly 150,000 followers. Her lean, creator-led business model combines free decentralized educational content with premium offerings, generating revenue through Patreon, self-paced courses, and 1-on-1 tutoring. About Made it in Thailand:Hosted by Fractional Country Director Scott Pressimone, the Made it in Thailand podcast sits down with the country's top entrepreneurs, executives, and operators. We decode the operational, cultural, and strategic challenges of building businesses in Southeast Asia, bringing a practitioner's perspective to market entry, cross-cultural leadership, and scaling in the ASEAN market. #ThailandBusiness #CreatorEconomy #SEAsia #StartupThailand #BusinessScaling #MadeItInThailand

    47 min

  5. 10 FEB

    Selling Trust in a Low Trust Market: How Butler Garage Beats the "Cheapest" Shops

    In this episode of Made It In Thailand, we sit down with a young founder who built a premium service business in Thailand during COVID. He shares what it really takes to build trust, deliver accountability, and grow a business in the Thai market as an entrepreneur. Kei Sekiguchi, founder of Butler Garage, explains how he went from struggling to pay staff to running one of Thailand’s most trusted service businesses. We talk about customer service, leadership, hiring, and the realities of doing business in Thailand as a young business owner. In this conversation, we cover: – Building a business in Thailand as a foreigner – Why accountability matters more than price – Customer service mistakes most businesses make – Hiring and managing staff in Thailand – Founder mindset during hard years of growth This podcast is for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals interested in business, startups, and careers in Thailand. Subscribe for founder stories and real business conversations from Thailand. Guest Details:Kei Sekiguchi, Butler Garagehttps://www.butlergarage.com/https://www.instagram.com/butler.garagehttps://www.facebook.com/ButlerGarage/https://www.tiktok.com/@butlergarage

    56 min

  6. 27/11/2025

    What 15 Years in Thailand Taught Me About Hiring, With ExpatDen Founder Karsten Aichholz

    I sat down with Karsten Aichholz to talk about how he built a business in Thailand that still runs without him. We get into what he learned about hiring in Bangkok, why he hires for challenge and fit instead of shiny resumes, how he adds a team sit‑in during interviews, and the simple Elvis Test he uses to check written English. He also shares why he moved his team fully remote in 2016 and how that helped people stay. We also talk about his content work, from Thailand Starter Kit to Expat Den, and how a long health insurance spreadsheet turned into a useful guide for thousands of expats. If you are building in Thailand or hiring across cultures, there are a lot of practical ideas in here. This episode is NOT sponsored. Get in Touch with Karsten Aichholz:https://www.karsten.me/https://www.expatden.com/https://www.safeandnotsorry.com/ Doing business in Thailand? 🇹🇭Connect with experienced leaders, consultants, coaches, and advisors based in Thailand. Access talent quickly, without the cost (and risk) of a full-time hire. 👉 Visit: https://fractiond.io/ 00:00 Building a Business in Thailand 03:06 Navigating Thai Bureaucracy 08:49 Transitioning to Expat Resources 14:40 Hiring and Retention Insights 18:13 Cultural Adaptation in Hiring 27:19 Rebranding and Expanding Beyond Thailand 30:30 Conclusion

    32 min

  7. 06/11/2025

    Mastering Video Content and Personal Branding in Thailand w/ Jake Mooney

    In this episode, I sat down with Jake Mooney, a marketing agency founder in Chiang Mai whose unique strategy combines calm marketing principles with the power of video content and live events. Jake shares how moving to Thailand with no safety net led him to embrace authentic networking and leverage workshops and video marketing for meaningful growth. If you’re curious about building trust and business connections through content and event-hosting in Thailand’s dynamic market, Jake’s journey offers eye-opening lessons and inspiration. This episode is NOT sponsored. Get in Touch with Jake Mooney:https://greenlightstudio.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-threlkeld-mooney/ Doing business in Thailand? 🇹🇭Connect with experienced leaders, consultants, coaches, and advisors based in Thailand. Access talent quickly, without the cost (and risk) of a full-time hire. 👉 Visit: https://fractiond.io/ 00:00 Introduction02:32 Building a Marketing Agency in Chiang Mai04:47 Challenges and Advice for Starting a Business in Thailand08:08 Understanding Calm Marketing12:30 The Importance of Strategy in Marketing15:30 Leveraging Workshops for Business Growth23:59 Connecting Authentically on LinkedIn26:29 AI in Video Content Creation29:33 Starting with Video on a Budget34:28 Authenticity in Business Videos43:31 Marketing Tactics for 2025 and Beyond47:56 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

    49 min

  8. 18/09/2025

    How to Hire & Retain Talent in Thailand: Expert Tips from Recruiter Brendan Cunningham

    In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Cunningham, the Regional Business Development Director for ASW Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of starting and running a business in Thailand. Brendan shares his journey from Australia to Thailand, the critical importance of hiring the right people, and the challenges of retaining talent in a competitive market. We dive into effective strategies for team building, the nuances of Thai culture, and the essentials of creating a positive office environment. Brendan also offers valuable networking tips and explains the importance of understanding individuals rather than generalizing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just curious about doing business in Thailand, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-life experiences. This episode is NOT sponsored. Get in Touch with Brendan Cunningham:- Website: https://consulting.aswhiteglobal.com- Email: Brendan@consulting.aswhiteglobal.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendancunningham Doing business in Thailand? 🇹🇭Connect with experienced leaders, consultants, coaches, and advisors based in Thailand. Access talent quickly, without the cost (and risk) of a full-time hire.https://fractiond.io/ 00:00 Introduction01:24 Brendan's Journey to Thailand05:24 Challenges of Starting a Business in Thailand07:47 Effective Hiring Strategies22:36 Retaining Talent in SMEs34:43 Accountability in Leadership35:01 Building an Open Office Culture36:56 Understanding Cultural Differences43:40 Generational Differences in the Workplace52:20 The Value of Networking01:01:23 Hiring the Right Team01:05:34 Final Thoughts

    1hr 9min
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About

Interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders who’ve “made it” in Thailand. Real stories of ambition, setbacks, and strategic wins on the path to success. Built for founders and operators who want to win in Thailand. Guests from the US, UK, Australia, and Thailand. Honest journeys and cross-cultural lessons. Inspiration for anyone building in the Thai market. Apply to be a guest: https://madeitinthailand.com/apply Hosted by Scott Pressimone, a US expat based in Thailand for 13+ years and owner of Fractiond, a Thailand-based strategy consultancy. #ThailandBusiness #ExpatSuccess #ThaiExpat

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Pressimone
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fractiond
  • Show Website
    Made it in Thailand

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