My first impression of M. Claude de Crissey is one of quiet dynamism. He strides into the room where we await him and offers his greetings, saying barely much at all, but managing nevertheless, with a direct gaze and straightforward smile, to put everyone at ease. There is no mistaking the towering presence he exudes.

A man who needs to say very little to get much done, I suspect.

We make arrangements to meet in his office a bit later, as I take the opportunity to tour his hotel, The Royal Phawadee Village, Patong.

The resort and its architecture, I am informed, were born of Claude's vision. They speak volumes. As we stroll into the gardens, I'm assailed by the possibility of this haven right in the middle of Patong. The resort is stunning depiction of princely Thai architecture, with wooden pillars and balconies rising up a vibrant red against an beautifully forested compound. Huge trees and exotic plants adorn the entire area, dotted with charming cottages for accommodation.

I am now frankly curious about our subject, and we find our way into his office, eager to get to know him.

His personality, again, dominates the room. His quiet energy reverberates in everything that surrounds us...and there is a lot. He settles back into his chair and without hesitation or the slightest hint of discomfort, and begins to share his story.

In a city that abounds with expats that seem to have severed ties with even their immediate past before their arrival on the island, Claude is an exception. With a proud family history that he traces back to centuries, he is very sure of where he comes from. And what that makes of him.

A descendant of a an aristocratic Europan family, back when the borders that now define Western Europe were very blurred, and the cause for many battles, he delights in showing us a beautiful bound tome on the family history, complete with Royal Seal.

�It's in my blood to go out and discover things in the world,� he declares, �part of the reason I came to Asia was to follow in my grandfather's footsteps, from almost a century ago.�

Claude's grandfather blazed an impressive trail around the globe, long before jets made the world shrink like it has know, spending years on almost every continent.

�Isn't that amazing?� Claude enquires enthusiastically, gesturing to papers that show a chronological account of his ancestor's travels.

Claude himself has lived in many countries around the world.

This pioneering spirit is eveident when Claude speaks of his business.

�One thing led to another,� he explains, �first the Dive tours on boats,� he shows me the pictures of the catamarans, �that led to the the idea of the dive shop.�

A dive shop that has now turned into the biggest of its kind in Asia. The All 4 Diving shop is located right next to the Royal Pawadee Village, the resort named after Claude's wife, which in turn was inspired by the need for suitable accommodation for the clients that went on diving trips.

�Of course, the busniesses run independently of each other, as well,� he clarifies, �but they were all products of an extended vision.�

Why Phuket, I wonder. Why did he choose to drop anchor in Thailand?

�I feel at home here� says Claude.

�It's funny, because after all, we are foreigners and no matter how long you live here, you are never completely accepted into the deeper social fold...and yet, I am at ease here.

�It feels right�

�It might be the sea,� he confides. �you know I absolutely have to live near the sea. I'm never happy unless I know I am only a few metres from the water.

�And that's not because I am a great sea-man,� he smiles wryly. �It's just something that's very essential to my happiness�

With a Thai wife and children that have grown up in Phuket, I ask Claude if he lives a typically Thai family life. He admits he doesn't. �I think I have imposed a rather French discipline on us,� he smiles, �we eat three times a day, at regular hours, just like we would back in Europe, for example.�

Socially, Claude is actively involved in a host of endeavours on the island. He is a member of the Lions Club, and speaks enthusiastically of the the club's success at supporting and raising funds for a number of worthy causes.

Claude is also, of course, an active representative of the French expat community on the island, and proudly claims to have brought Bastille Day celebrations to Phuket.

Claude is also actively involved with the tourist police, helping visitors and expats in times of trouble and often fishing them out of very tight spots.

He is very impressed with the tourist police in Thailand, �It is the only place I have been to,� he says, �where the police are actually willing to take suggestions and comments from other members of the society. Everywhere else, the police just do what they want. This is the only place where the police are actually looking to cooperate with the people, and allow them to help with the processes.�

He doesn't speak much Thai, Claude readily admits, when I enquire. Does this not pose problems, I ask, both in business and other areas. Is it not difficult to communicate?

�No!� he states emphatically.

�Language is only part of it. Communication can be helped in so many ways. There are people who can translate for you, you can try mixing languages to arrive at some sort of consensus...and if all else fails; you can always use your arms and legs to communicate!� he exclaims, gesticulating to demonstrate.

�In the end, it's about wanting to do something, to get somewhere.� says Claude, displaying the family spirit he is so proud of...

�It's not about things, and it's not about money. I don't really care about these!

�What matters is the idea, the spirit! Making a plan come together, making things work!�