The Man with the Bright Smile: How a former shipping executive found purpose at Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok
Every morning, as guests step through the doors of Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok, they are greeted by a familiar sight: a man in a crisp uniform, standing tall with kind eyes and a smile that seems to hold the warmth of the entire lobby.
Somporn “Mink” Tangpitakyotin does not simply open doors. He creates moments of calm for everyone who walks through them.
Behind that gentle smile lies a story shaped by resilience, care, and change. For more than twenty years, Mink managed his family’s shipping business, a responsibility born more from duty than personal ambition. “It was my father’s company,” he recalls. “After I graduated, he asked me to take over. So I did.”
Yet his heart was always drawn elsewhere, towards people, creativity, and human connection.
Then came Covid 19.
Trade stopped, and his father became ill with cancer.
“My family asked me to take care of him full time,” he says softly. “So that’s what I did, for two years, until he passed away.”
After that loss, his brother encouraged him to try something new. “He told me I had a service mind,” Mink says with a smile. “At first, I wasn’t sure. But I applied, and Shama gave me the chance.”
A year and a half later, Mink has become part of the spirit of Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok, a residence known for its leafy surroundings and pet friendly atmosphere.
Always neat and composed, he is the person guests rely on to make life easier.
“Some guests bring dogs or cats,” he says. “They’re part of the family, so I take care of them too.”
His work goes far beyond logistics. From arranging four o’clock airport transfers to remembering the names of returning guests, Mink makes every stay feel personal. “When a guest says, ‘It’s good to be back,’ that means everything,” he says. “It shows they feel connected, not just to the place, but to the people.”
Not every moment is easy. Once, a frustrated traveller shouted at him unfairly.
“I cried,” he admits. “But later the guest came down to apologise. That’s when I realised everyone has their own story. Sometimes they just need understanding.”
For Mink, this role has become a way of expressing who he truly is. “Before, I didn’t really understand what service mind meant,” he says. “Now I do. It’s the joy of making people happy.”
Whether guiding a first time visitor or helping a returning guest discover something new, he takes pride in offering more than directions. He offers Shama’s sense of freedom, comfort, and belonging.
And so, each day, he stands by the door, humble, gracious, and ready with that unmistakably warm smile. Not just a concierge, but a quiet reminder that hospitality, at its very best, begins with heart.
Story: Sue Rattanamahattana • Photography: Prattana Samransuk
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.
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