Thai Business Leader Envisions Smart Cities with South Korea at the Helm

Vikrom Kromadit, founder and chairman of Thailand-based Amata Corp., has positioned South Korea as a key player in his vision for the future of smart cities in Southeast Asia.

During an interview with The Korea Herald at Herald Media Group’s office in Seoul on Saturday, Kromadit lauded Korea’s achievements, stating, “Korea has demonstrated to the world the power of innovation and determination in both business and culture.”

“We’re eager to collaborate with Korean companies to build a more prosperous future, one step at a time. With our land, infrastructure, and commitment, we can create a smart city that embodies Korea’s cultural heritage, business acumen, and aspirations.”

A Global Vision with Korea at its Core
Since its inception in 1989, Amata has evolved into a leading developer and operator of industrial estates in Southeast Asia, overseeing more than 11 projects across Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.

The company’s developments now span over 150 square kilometers, hosting more than 1,600 corporate tenants from 33 countries. These include industry giants such as BASF, BMW, Bosch, Foxconn, Nestle, and Toyota.

The long-standing presence of Korean companies, exemplified by Posco Coated Steel’s two-decade partnership with Amata in Thailand, underscores the potential for deeper business ties between Amata and Korea.

“In the early ’90s, I had the privilege of meeting Daewoo Group founder Kim Woo-choong at his Seoul residence. He gifted me his autobiography, ‘Every Street is Paved with Gold,’ and shared his vision for Korea’s future. Now, over three decades later, I’ve witnessed the fruits of Korean diligence and hard work. I see Korea standing at Asia’s epicenter, poised for even greater achievements.”
Amata envisions the Korean Smart City Zone as a cutting-edge platform for Industry 4.0, leveraging Korean expertise in smart and sustainable urban development to support high-tech industries.

Since forging a business agreement with Incheon Smart City Corp. in 2017 to develop this model at Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Chonburi, Kromadit has made multiple trips to Seoul to bring the plan to fruition.

His recent week-long visit in July aimed to forge new partnerships with Korean conglomerates looking to establish a presence in Thailand. Kromadit reported that the visit was a success, with three major Korean conglomerates expressing strong interest.

Redefining Success Through Shared Prosperity
Born in 1953 in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, Kromadit grew up as the eldest of 23 siblings in a Hakka Chinese family. This upbringing instilled in him a sense of responsibility and resilience from an early age, shaping his determination to create lasting societal value.

“I advocate for what I call an ‘all win’ philosophy,” Kromadit explained. “When everyone benefits – be it in business, environmental protection, or community development – conflict becomes unnecessary. This approach paves the way for peace and mutual prosperity.”

“We take pride in our 99% tenant success rate,” Kromadit noted. “We’re not just providing land – we’re building communities and treating our clients like family.”

Embodying the “all win” philosophy through corporate social responsibility, Kromadit established the Amata Foundation in 1996 to support initiatives in education, the arts, and environmental sustainability.

In a groundbreaking move in 2023, Kromadit pledged 95% of his personal wealth – estimated at over 20 billion baht (615 million USD) – to the foundation.

“Why such a decision? Because life has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams,” Kromadit reflected. “My success isn’t just for me – it’s to honor my family, to learn from both failures and triumphs, and to help others avoid the mistakes I’ve made.”
His bestselling autobiography, “Dream 50 Years,” was adapted into a TV drama, showcasing the challenges he overcame and the wisdom he hopes to impart.

“It was likely the first drama in Thailand based on a living person’s story,” Kromadit noted. “But the book is really about mistakes – mine and others’. That’s how people learn, and that’s why I shared it.”

Despite his remarkable achievements, Kromadit remains humble and grounded.

“People often ask about the source of my happiness,” he mused. “The answer is simple: I work hard but don’t overthink things. I share what I’ve built with the community because, to me, business isn’t just about money – it’s about laying the foundation to make dreams a reality.”