Absent from the media for several months, for Tono Pakin who is now fully devoted to football and has announced he is pausing concert and acting work to focus on various businesses, including a pawn business aimed at helping villagers with informal debt problems.
"I run several businesses, including a protein business and good causes. Since COVID, I have helped villagers with informal debts by letting them owe me instead. Normally, they pay 10% interest monthly, but they pay me just 1%. I'm happy with that. Some might see it as a small return, but I am satisfied because I help the villagers, they are happy, and so am I. As long as I don't overspend, I am fine."
"I started during COVID quietly, beginning small. I knew villagers had informal debts and were burdened with excessive interest and harassment. The interest they paid exceeded legal limits. When I stepped in, I was happy to charge only 1% interest."
"Instead of paying 100,000 baht per month, they pay 10,000 baht, which helps them greatly. Instead of leaving money in the bank, I invest it in real estate, pawning, and land mortgages, using income from concerts, filming, and endorsements."
"I've been doing this for 4-5 years without ever seizing anyone's land. I help, but they must honor the agreed interest. It may be low, but they must be responsible. Pawning differs from mortgage because the land becomes mine."
"If I repossess, I have the right after the due date if they don't repay the principal. But my goal isn't to own land or many houses; I just want my 1% interest."
"So I ask only that they comply legally and properly. Sometimes, in hardship, people agree to anything but later don't fulfill their commitments, turning the burden onto us. Everything must be clear and legal. Everyone feels reassured knowing I don't seize their land."
"I've never had problems because my interest is very low and I charge no extra fees. At first, people were confused because I used the name 'Uncle Dam,' not Tono. Later, when they met me at the land office, they were happy and reassured to be working with me. It's not a big business; I have no partners and have been using my own savings for years."
Asked about his clientele, Tono said, "It's moderate because if too many, I can't manage. Customers are nationwide, but I'm not a millionaire (laughs). I keep it small, working directly with villagers in Phu Wiang, Sakon Nakhon, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Phuket."
"I think it's a happy job. They are happy, my business partners are happy, and so am I. I have no troubles and don't use hot money."
"I do just enough to live and help as much as I can. Few would join and accept 1% interest. Sometimes, when I invest 1-2 million baht, others might want higher returns, but I'm satisfied with this. So I think doing it alone is comfortable. If friends share the mindset of not seeking riches but happiness in helping and being content with small interest, then we can work together."
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