with Mr. Chanawit Anukkul

(Executive Advisor of Thai Obayashi Corporation)

Beyond "money," what else do factory owners — or those planning to design and build a factory — need to have? How can you avoid the all-too-common problems of delays, missed deadlines, and finishing a build that doesn't meet spec? How do you plan a factory construction project to get the quality and results you actually want? And what makes a great contractor when it comes to building their team?

In this episode of Business Builders by RX BITEC, we sit down with Chanawit Anukkul, Executive Advisor at Thai Obayashi Corporation — a veteran with over 50 years in the construction industry at one of Thailand's top construction firms, behind some of the country's most iconic buildings.

💡 What You Need Beyond "Money"

• Preparation is everything: Chanavich emphasizes that delivering a factory on time isn't just about construction — it starts with having a clear plan and budget from day one.
• A detailed Owner's Requirement: Define exactly what kind of factory you need — production capacity, functions, and target completion date.
• A capable internal team: Project owners need in-house staff with construction and factory systems knowledge to coordinate and oversee the project closely.
• Design and Build approach: Assigning one company to handle both design and construction reduces complexity, cuts coordination delays, and speeds up delivery.
• Prefabricated components: Using prefab building elements saves time and improves quality.
• Strong project management: A skilled project manager is essential for managing time, resources, budget, and risks throughout the project.

🛠️ How to Prevent Delays and Off-Spec Results

• Common pitfalls: Delays and spec mismatches often stem from unclear requirements set by the client from the start.
• Smart Factory challenges in Thailand: The biggest hurdle is a shortage of skilled personnel for system maintenance and development — Thailand is still more of a machinery consumer than a producer.
• Define specs in detail from the beginning: "Incomplete" builds usually happen because project owners didn't provide sufficient information upfront. BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology helps significantly by enabling 3D modeling that improves accuracy, enhances design and construction efficiency, and reduces miscommunication — though adoption in Thailand remains limited due to high software costs and a lack of trained specialists.
• Communicate consistently: Hold regular progress meetings with contractors to track work, resolve issues, and confirm everything is on plan

👷 How Great Contractors Build Their People

• People are the most critical factor: Despite advancing technology, experts confirm that people remain the heart of the construction business. Continuous talent development is essential for quality work and error reduction.
• Ongoing training: Provide proper foundational knowledge and consistently develop skills.
• Foster a "think before you act" mindset: Encourage every employee to carefully consider their steps before executing to prevent mistakes.
• Build understanding, not just compliance: Don't just tell people what to do — help them understand why it matters and how it impacts the overall project. This builds accountability and ultimately raises quality.

🎯 Planning for Quality Construction — The SMART Framework

Good planning should follow the SMART principles to turn your goals into reality:

• S – Specific: Define every detail clearly — floor area, production capacity, machinery type, and construction materials.
• M – Measurable: Set clear success metrics — monthly construction progress percentages, expenditure tracking, etc.
• A – Achievable: Verify that your plan and resources (both budget and people) are realistic and feasible.
• R – Relevant: Your factory construction plan must align with your business vision and long-term goals.
• T – Time-bound: Set clear start and end dates for the project, along with timelines for each phase.