Multi-talented Thai hotelier stands out from other luxury brands, and not just because he moonlights as an international DJ. The eldest son of Charn Issara Development’s Songkran and Srivara Issara, Vorasit “Wan” Issara, says he learnt the most as a pool boy for Robert Burns of Waldorf Astoria. Now, Vorasit’s five-starred Sri Panwa resort is one of Phuket’s most popular luxury getaways. He has managed it since 2005 at age 23 with the friends he met while studying in Switzerland. He promoted it as boutique villas, with a friendly atmosphere (helped in part by the free minibars), and daily music linups featuring celebrity DJs. The past years have been busy, with Sri Panwa being converted to a Real Estate Investment Trust, two IPOs, and the opening of Baba Beach Club in Phuket and Hua Hin for house music lovers, with more expansion plans for Hainan, China in 2019. Known for his warm democratic approach to management, he makes it a point to get to know all his employees and never makes a decision without involving them. Unsurprisingly, the Thai government has commended Sri Panwa as “The Happiest Place to Work in Thailand”—Vorasit’s proudest accolade, other than his daughter Wela.