Thai sports-club owner prefers to measure success in terms of happiness.

Byline: Sriwipa Siripunyawit

Oct. 4--Setting foot behind the huge wooden door, one is struck by the spacious, elegant office and its antique furniture. Piya Jittalan strolls in, looking markedly more casual than his surroundings, the tails of his dark blue polo shirt hanging casually outside his denim-coloured slacks. He hangs up his mobile phone and greets the visitor with a welcoming smile.

Walking toward a large wooden table and settling into a comfortable wooden chair, he faces the huge windows overlooking an Olympic-sized pool, its azure water a contrast to the green of the golf driving range close by. He is a man at ease, savouring the opportunity to admire the landmarks of his little kingdom.

"Isn't this a lovely spot? Not many people have a chance to own such a pleasurable office where they can ...