Inspiring Wellness and Joy at Amari Hua Hin
For Rattakan “Kong” Chumanee, joy is not just a personality trait, it is the heart of his service philosophy.
A proud Hua Hin native and lifelong Arsenal fan, Kong brings warmth, humour, and genuine care to his role as Team Leader of Recreation, Fitness and Kids Club at Amari Hua Hin.
“I’ve been working here for 2.5 years,” he says with a smile. “Amari is a brand I’ve known since travelling. I dreamed that one day I could be an employee here. So when I finally joined, I felt very fulfilled. My colleagues really welcomed me and supported me in every way.”
Kong’s work spans fitness, wellness, and child friendly activities, all driven by his passion for serving people. “I take care of guests at the fitness centre, teaching yoga, pilates, and aerobic dance,” he explains. “And I also run activities for the Kids Club, both indoor and outdoor.”
Some of his favourite moments come from taking children to explore hidden corners of the hotel. “Not many guests know there’s a beautiful garden area by the pool,” he says.
“So I take the kids there to see flowers and draw. Guests stay here but often do not have time to explore. I want them to see more of the hotel.”
Whether leading a cloth dyeing workshop, hosting team building sessions, or guiding a morning stretch, Kong always leads with heart.
“I love serving people,” he says. “It’s great happiness when I see guests exercising, or kids playing and enjoying themselves.”
His degree in sports science helps him safely coach a wide range of guests, including children, seniors, athletes, and visitors with Parkinson’s.
“My job is to make sure everyone exercises safely,” he says. “I have to keep learning. That’s the challenge, how to keep improving.”
Kong’s patience is often tested, such as when the gym’s six treadmills are fully occupied. “Some guests complain unreasonably,” he admits.
“I stay calm and talk to them. Sometimes I joke, ‘We open at six, you can come at six and have all six machines!’ It helps the tension go away.”
His ability to defuse difficult situations with humour and professionalism is part of what makes him beloved by guests and colleagues.
One story that continues to inspire him involves a British guest who weighed 120 kg and was too embarrassed to enter the gym. “I showed him the right poses until he felt confident,” Kong recalls. “Before he left, he asked for my contact.”
Months later, the guest returned, 24 kg lighter.
“He was so happy!” Kong says. “He told me he’d come back again in December and that I should wait for him. I didn’t expect he’d be so serious. But my small encouragement inspired him. I am very proud that my words helped change him for the better.”
Among Kong’s most treasured memories is a Russian family who stay at Amari Hua Hin regularly and have become more like friends than guests.
“They always write me letters and bring small gifts,” he says. “They even bought a remote control car for my son. English isn’t our first language, but we understand each other.”
At the core of everything he does is a simple but powerful philosophy: “Try to understand people. Listen fully. Fix their problem as best we can.”
With this guiding principle, and his joyful spirit, Kong continues to brighten the lives of guests and colleagues at Amari Hua Hin, one genuine connection at a time.
Story: Sue Rattanamahattana • Photography: Rattakan Chumanee
ABOUT HEARTMADE
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ONYX Hospitality Group, Heartmade is a series of heartfelt stories inspired by the people who make every stay memorable, from dedicated team members to cherished guests across Amari, OZO, Shama, Oriental Residence, as well as our spa and dining brands.
Through personal memories, meaningful connections, and moments of genuine care, the series celebrates the warmth and spirit of hospitality that have brought people together for six decades. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Heartmade series.