This is another role he has taken on beyond his entertainment career, recently. Tono Pakin has acquired shares and become the owner of Roi Et PB United football club in Roi Et, while also assuming the position of club chairman there.
In addition, he expressed his condolences regarding the fire incident at the Beer House at Lat Phrao. Before that event, he had performed as a singer at pubs and bars. He admitted feeling deeply saddened and expressed sincere sympathy for all those affected. Regarding preparation and safety precautions during concerts, Tono stated that his team and manager always check safety systems, but ultimately everyone must take care of themselves on site.
Can you tell us a bit about the football team? Promote it for us?
"I'm happy. This is the first time I’ve become a shareholder and owner of a football club and also taken the role of chairman. I’m proud and excited, and want to do my best. This journey will be long because we’re owners now. I want this to be a platform for Thai players to develop themselves and reach the national level."
Why did you choose Roi Et?
"I like this province. It has something that money can’t buy — its history. Roi Et has interesting history, including things like Bueng Phlan Chai and others."
Do you mostly live there now or manage the club from here?
"I mainly spend time in three places: here (Bangkok), and Khon Kaen, because I have work related to my land business there. I travel around the country a lot, depending on which province I need to visit that week to see what clients want to do with their land."
Is that a land brokerage or pawn business?
"I do only land pawning, just land pawning."
What are your policies or goals as club chairman this year?
"We focus on youth. We just selected U21 players and try to give many opportunities to Thai players. For foreign players, we select those who have ability and can be good role models for our Thai kids. Senior players join to help the youngsters learn from them. Our goal is to become champions, but it’s not easy and requires teamwork."
Is your dream to develop Thai players and help them move abroad?
"Yes, especially U21 players. I’m proud of them, but I also want more of them to join the national teams, including the senior national team."
Regarding the nightclub fire incident, since you’re still performing, were you shocked by the news?
"I felt sad and sympathetic. I feel for the deceased, the injured, their families, and the venue owner. Nobody wants such incidents to happen, but now that it has, I think all nightclubs and everyone involved should realize the need for caution to prevent recurrence or at least minimize harm if it happens again."
Have you ever performed at that venue?
"Yes, I went there a long time ago."
When you go to these kinds of events, how do you take care of yourself?
"My team checks everything. The organizers and managers ensure safety systems are in place. But do we know if emergency exits are locked or open? That depends on how the work is done at that moment. Everything should be correct, but actual practice varies."
When performing, do you take special precautions for yourself?
"Not really, because I give my all every time. My team checks everything. Regarding escape routes, I know where the emergency exits, rest areas, and restrooms are, but not in extreme detail like where to flee first if something happens. If I had time to think, maybe. But during work, I focus on making the audience enjoy and which songs to play."
I think everyone should take responsibility for their own work. As musicians, we focus on our performance. Those responsible for safety should do their best, and venue owners should make it as safe as possible for visitors. It’s everyone’s responsibility. Expecting one person to handle everything is unrealistic and idealistic."
I think everyone should take responsibility for their own work. As musicians, we focus on our performance. Those responsible for safety should do their best, and venue owners should make it as safe as possible for visitors. It’s everyone’s responsibility. Expecting one person to handle everything is unrealistic and idealistic."
Do you want stricter control or more inspections for entertainment venues?
"I see that inspections are ongoing. The key is what everyone is doing — whether venue owners are properly maintaining their places, and how vendors, security, and visitors behave. We can only do our part. We must learn from past incidents and work to prevent recurrence, because this has happened many times and nobody wants another major incident."
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