Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2021
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Chief Gardener, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Employment History

• SPL landscape at Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand; AKA Resort and Spa Hua Hin, Thailand; Soneva Kiri Resort at Koh Kood, Thailand; Anyavee Tubkaek Beach Resort at Krabi, Thailand; Six Senses Samui at Koh Samui Thailand; Chestnut Hill Eco Resort at Songkhla, Thailand; Azaya Villas at Chiang Mai, Thailand

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Agriculture (Plant Science), Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Birthplace

• Satun, Thailand

Languages Spoken

• English, Thai

Born and raised in Satun Province, a coastal region in the far south of Thailand, Thada Whasagool feels lucky to have grown up around breathtaking waterfalls, serene mountains and lush green forests. “I spent much of my childhood out in the family garden, pulling out weeds with my mother and conversing with the bees, and the butterflies,” he recounts. With his hands in the soil, and a heart that bleeds for nature, he completed a BSc Agriculture (Plant Science) degree from Prince Songkla University, taking a studied approach to his craft.

For nearly two decades since, Thada has been involved with high-end resort landscaping at many exotic seaside locations across Thailand. “I imagined that I would one day make my living working with plants,” he remarks as he looks out over his handiwork. With an illustrious career deeply rooted in sustainability practices, Thada has proven himself invaluable in cultivating not only lush gardens but also fostering a culture of environmental stewardship across various prestigious establishments. Having previously served as a sustainability consultant for Conrad Samui, chief gardener at Six Senses Koh Samui, Anyavee Resort Krabi, and contributing significantly to Soneva Kiri's environmental initiatives, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.

Adept at bringing to life an architect’s vision for a specific property, Thada is able to interpret and recreate complex landscapes and scenery. “Every element of a garden plays a role, from the soil to the flowers, the birds and climate,” he remarks. Proud of his work and how it contributes to the wellness aspect of the Resort, he quips, “Gardeners are healers in a way.” For Thada, gardening is a form of meditation, and matching pace with nature allows him to destress and live in the moment. He believes that when we take care of nature, it has a way of repaying us in kind.

Together with the team, Thada drives the Resort’s commitment to eco-conscious practices, “My goal is to ensure that the operations align seamlessly with our environmental and community sustainability goals,” he affirms. His responsibilities include developing and implementing initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, manage waste responsibly, conserve energy and water, promote sustainable sourcing, and engage guests, staff, and the community in eco-friendly practices.

Thada owes his success to two elemental traits that he believes are must-haves: patience and passion. “It is an honour to work here with supportive and dedicated colleagues. This is a place that encourages us to dream big,” says Thada, who leads his team by example. “I like to be hands-on and inspire my colleagues to help me create a collective vision together.”