Thai Pure-Oil Company Gears Up for Expansion at Home, Abroad.

Byline: Somporn Thapanachai

Dec. 4--Good teamwork oils the wheels of business; family firms cannot thrive without it. And if everyone is working toward a common goal, there are no limits, as proven by the maker of Siang Pure Oil.

Owned by the Eiampikul family from its inception in 1959, the firm's first generation of managers was a husband and wife team whose three daughters are now at the helm.

Their prime product is a herbal oil with properties similar to those of smelling salts for the relief of fainting symptoms and dizzy spells. The oil is also sold as a balm to ease muscular pains and bruises.

The mixture is popular with Chinese throughout the world. It was introduced to Thailand by a Chinese immigrant, Master Tang Leng Yong, who passed on his knowledge to Boonjue Eiampikul.

Mr Boonjue produced the oil to order in small quantities, before establishing the Chakrintr Ltd Partnership in 1959 to expand production. The company was later renamed Bertram Chemical (1982) Co Ltd.

The youngest daughter, Suwanna Apisak, praises her father's business vision in overcoming a low educational background, adding that her mother, now deceased, always encouraged him.