to MrsGuna-Kasem’smany antiques is a pair of pink diamond earrings worth more than $1 million. Most of her jewellery is bought at auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and Pathak is involved in the process of acquiring new pieces. He has travelled overseas several times as her representative. Beyond his PA tasks he has become an expert in gemstones as well as a fashion stylist and dressmaker.
EXTENDED ROLE Publications and TV shows quite often approach Pathak to organise a shoot or TV program featuring his employer. I was able to see him in this extended role when he invited me to a bridal shoot forWEmagazine starring MrsGuna-Kasem. In her loft, the shoot highlighted six outfits by Thai designers, including Pathak himself.Watching him co-ordinate a teamof 20 people was like watching a conductor lead an orchestra. Hemade sure MrsGuna-Kasemwas comfortable during the
eight-hour shoot, ensuring her poses and the stylingmatched her standards. “The outcome was a true winner for the maga- zine,” WE editor-in-chief Nontalikarn Suriyawattold me. “I feel that Yai has dedicated himself completely to always
Yai at the entrance of the Art Deco Room.
s
ART OF THEMATTER In ritzy Langsuan Street in the heart of Bangkok, Mrs Guna- Kasem’s estate comprises nine floors with 36 apartments. The core of the art collection can be found in the duplex penthouse of 15 rooms, several halls, four bathroomsanda rooftop rain- forest garden. Every square metre is filled with antique furniture and artefacts sourced fromauction houses around the globe. Even the fixtures are relics and rarities, from mirrored ceilings to Swiss gold bathtubs. “My favorite is the Napoleon Empire Room,” says Pathak.
“Its colour scheme combines red mahogany and zesty apple green. It is also known as the cigar roomormen’s lounge. After a dinner banquet, ladies and gentswould retire to different rooms. The ladies would settle into the powder roomwhile the men would gather in the Napoleon Empire Roomto discuss seriousmatters over a vintage brandy.” Pathak says he loves thinking about
all the big decisions made in the room that would impact the nation...“I wish I could have been a fly on the wall – there is something about this room that is magical and powerful.” When asked what is the most valuable work of art in Mrs
serving Mrs Guna-Kasem’s best interests. He brings new people to the house with unusual capabilities and talents to ensure she benefits fromit. He found a gardener to fix the rain- forest rooftop terrace to bring nature into her house. “Yai organises her social life ... I don’t see him as a PA but
more as a son looking after his mother. It is more than just an employer/employee relationship. Yai even asked that this shoot be published in the May issue as it is the month of her wedding anniversary – such a thoughtful gesture.” With Mrs Guna-Kasem’s busy life, the challenges are
constant with a myriad of duties for Pathak. “There is never a dull moment,” he says, “fromtime management to giving her trends and fashion reports, arranging appointments for personal shopping and being on set during photo shoots to approving menus, representing her while overseas and even watching over her dogs in hospital.” Her set dinner parties present multiple organisational
I could completely relate
to the movie The Devil Wears Prada ... except I am the
lucky one –I don’t work for the devil
Guna-Kasem’s home, Pathak’s eyes sparkle with enthusiasm: “It’s impossible to narrow it down to one artwork. She has so many wonderful pieces from all over the world that she has collected over many years. For example, she has a limited- edition clock that is identical to one in BuckinghamPalace. Both were made by the same artisan. “In her reception room (the Louis XIV Room) guests are
walking on a Persian carpet onceowned by Princess Ashraf, twin sister of the last Shah of Iran. She also has a set of chairs made in France during the Napoleonic era.” From Hollywood are cufflinks once owned by Clark Gable and a Marlene Dietrich emerald bracelet. The latest addition
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WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA
challenges, including choosing the courses, designing themenu cards and organising the seating plan. Guests arrive and sign in a guest book set on an amethyst stone table. “After I welcome the the guests I
invite them to the Louis XIV Room for cocktails and amuse-bouche. They are then seated in theGrandDining Roomin accordance to the carefully prepared seating plan. I will always stay until all guests have left as I take great pride in
seeing the evening go smoothly without any issues. “Peoplemay think these dinner parties are very simple, but
they take a lot ofwork. Guests are invited sixweeks before the event. I have to ensure MrsGuna-Kasemhas full knowledge of who her guests will be. “You know, I could completely relate to themovie The Devil
Wears Prada becausemyrole is so similar to that ofAnne Hath- away, except I am the lucky one – I don’t work for the devil.” Asked about his aspirations, Pathak responds instead by
crediting those who have helped him over the years, finally saying, “I hope my story will help young PAs who are just starting their careers. Being devoted to your boss and their interests iswhat defines a goodPA. It’s not hard to change your job, but it’s challenging to keep the one you already have”. E
©Duangporn Baiplutong/Tossapon Buapet
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