The Phuket International Academy beefs up sports club personnel
David Roberts.
The Phuket International Academy’s Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) recently made two key appointments, hiring David Roberts as Director of Operations, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club, and Muay Thai fighter “Thanootong”, Prasert (Nok) Intanoo, a former national champion, to handle all Thai boxing instruction.
Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Roberts was a professional tennis player before moving into business management for various élite sporting facilities in Asia. At the PIASLC he will be focusing primarily on co-ordination between club services, sports academies and membership programmes.
He has been at the helm of some of the largest private clubs in Beijing and Shanghai. Prior to being recruited by the PIASLC, he was with the Centara Hotels and Resorts group.
Mr Roberts also brings his experience in pre-openings to the PIASLC as it moves towards a November completion date and transition into full operations.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to join a visionary project and be a part of what is undoubtedly going to be one of the premier sports and training facilities in Asia,” Roberts said.
Thantoong was a Muay Thai professional boxer for 15 years, racking up an impressive 70 wins in his career. At just 17 years of age he was national flyweight champion.
A physical education graduate of Taksin University, Songkhla, he went on from professional boxing to work for the Marriott hospitality group for nine years as recreation supervisor, teaching Muay Thai instructor while also overseeing wellness, corporate team building and children’s activities. He is also a qualified Pilates teacher and personal trainer and is certified by the Thai Yoga Institute as a teacher.
