The retail sector is a fast-moving and competitive industry in any market. For The Platinum Group in Thailand, located in Bangkok—a city renowned for being a shopper’s paradise—staying competitive and relevant is a constant challenge. The Platinum Group is the powerhouse behind The Platinum Fashion Mall, The Wharf Samui Shopping Plaza, and a hotel, all of which have won numerous industry awards and achieved significant financial success. At the heart of this success is a visionary leader who has propelled the company to new heights.
Chanchai Phansopha: The Man Behind the Empire
As President of The Platinum Group, Chanchai Phansopha oversees an empire employing 550 people and generating some of the highest revenues in the industry. The Platinum Fashion Mall, a cornerstone of the group, has been a favorite among Chinese tourists, who voted it one of the top 10 shopping malls for two consecutive years. More impressively, it stands as Thailand’s only fashion wholesale and retail shopping center, housing approximately 3,000 tenants and attracting over 50,000 visitors daily.
The mall’s success is no accident. It follows a winning formula that has sustained its growth for over 11 years. Its commitment to excellence has been recognized by the British Standard Institution (BSI), making it the first BSI-certified shopping center in Thailand for outstanding customer service.
A Leader Shaped by Hard Work and Curiosity
With a Business Administration degree and an MBA, Phansopha credits his father for instilling in him the value of hard work. His leadership is fueled by a passion for learning and a curiosity to explore new things. Rather than worrying about competitors, he prefers to challenge himself and drive innovation within his company.
At 46 years old, he acknowledges that the vision that guided The Platinum Group over the past decade must evolve for the next 10 years. This forward-thinking approach ensures that his employees have a clear direction and fully understand the company’s expectations and deliverables.
A Workplace of Excellence
The Platinum Group’s dedication to its employees has not gone unnoticed. The company has received the Ministry of Labour’s Workplace Excellence in Labour Relations Award for five consecutive years. This recognition is a testament to Phansopha’s leadership style—he believes in coaching employees at all levels of growth and emphasizes that hard work combined with passion leads to success.
His leadership philosophy is simple: Leadership is always shaped by time, environment, and situation. When you bring power and energy—no matter the situation—you will get results.
He prefers to lead by example, be an active listener, and share his past experiences as a way of imparting knowledge. While leadership can be taught in theory, Phansopha believes true leadership requires business acumen—one bad decision made without proper understanding can lead to failure.
Beyond Profits: A Commitment to Community
Despite The Platinum Group’s financial success, Phansopha is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR). He frequently reflects on how the company can contribute to social causes, community well-being, and stakeholder engagement.
Looking ahead, six major retail and hospitality projects are set for completion by 2021. With Phansopha at the helm, The Platinum Group is poised to shine even brighter, adding more sparkle to Bangkok’s retail and hospitality landscape.
