Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

On his way back, the police chief of the Bunkeram district, Thanakorn, suddenly saw the sky light up in the distance. He tilted his head and looked at it for a while, but didn't pay much attention. Maybe there was some kind of event, since it wasn't in his area of ​​responsibility.

Go home and sleep!
In the suburbs, police and ambulances rushed to the scene. Facing the flames that rose dozens of meters high, just getting close to them caused a burning sensation on the skin. After a short while, people would feel dizzy and lightheaded, and the surrounding air was somewhat oxygen-deficient.

Nobody dares to get close to it!
Everyone in the police district knows this is Budipeng's supply depot; they refuel their own vehicles here.

free……

We received a report earlier of explosions and gunshots here, and they were quite intense. It seems something has happened to the Budipon family.

Damn it, when did gang warfare become so brutal!
Crazy!
"Boss, what should I do?"

“The Buddy Peng family is finished. Regardless of the financial loss, someone has to take responsibility for such a huge incident.” The police chief frowned deeply and said after a long while, “The gang’s warehouse was poorly managed and lacked safety awareness, which led to the explosion of the stored fuel.”

"Remember, there is no gang fighting, no explosions or gunshots, understand?"

"Understood!" The assistant raised his hand in salute.

"That's it. Be sure to cooperate with the firefighters in evacuating the public. I'm going back now." After giving his instructions, the director turned and got into his car.

……

The next morning, Wang Yaotang opened his eyes, glanced at the two Thai actresses lying next to him, and reached out to grab them a few times. The cyber beauties were still in their infancy, but they were all real, and they felt quite nice to touch.

Now that Hollywood in Hong Kong is all over Asia, with Wang Yaotang's status, he doesn't even need to ask for anything; people who know his itinerary will naturally take the initiative to coordinate resources.

If you stop playing, he'll thank you.

Young people are full of energy in the morning, but they shouldn't indulge themselves during their prime, lest they regret it when they're frail and weak in their fifties or sixties...

"Still sleeping? Get up and get to work!"

Of course, you need to clean yourself up before doing morning exercises...

After everything was finished, the restaurant's breakfast was served. While Wang Yaotang ate his breakfast, Wei Tao talked about today's itinerary. Of course, he couldn't have come here just for fighting and killing; that wouldn't be in line with his status as a wealthy Chinese tycoon.

"This morning I met with Mayor Ganchana, we had lunch together, Mr. Chen Ziqian invited the boss to have tea in the afternoon, and Mr. Pinapan is hosting a banquet at the hotel in the evening. I have sent you an invitation."

"Chen Ziqian? Who is he? You guys just placed the order for me? Hey, are you the boss or am I the boss?" Wang Yaotang asked speechlessly.

"The time was too short, and we had to make some business arrangements." Wei Tao said with a wry smile, "Chen Ziqian is also in the clothing business, mainly exporting to the United States."

"They make clothes, huh? Okay then." Wang Yaotang shook his head. "What about that Panapan thing?"

"He's in the oil business."

Wang Yaotang scoffed, "He's the person behind the Budipeng family?"

"I don't know. We don't have any influence here and are unaware of the situation behind it."

"Go, why not."

"Good boss."

After breakfast, and after handling some matters in Hong Kong Island by phone, the managers of Giordano, Red Bean Apparel, and Yaoxing Audio-Visual in Bangkok came to visit me.

If Wang Yaotang hadn't come to Bangkok, they wouldn't have been qualified to meet him at all. They were eager to show off in front of their big boss since they finally had the chance.

Giordano is not doing well in Bangkok; it has profits, but they are not high, and it is still in the brand-building stage.

Two years ago, textile processing and exports surpassed rice to become Thailand's largest export industry, mainly to the United States and Europe. The local garment industry is well-developed, so foreign brands need to compete on brand value.

The red bean industry is doing quite well, as Thailand's tourism and sex industry are relatively developed. However, locals have already started to produce large quantities of counterfeit products.

At first, Hongdou even asked Maweixiong to help deal with these counterfeiters, but they gave up after a few attempts.

They're all small workshops, and it's difficult to trace the source of their goods. Even if you find them, they're most likely not in Bangkok. The key is that there are so many of them. If you shut one down, ten more will appear. There's no way around it; the profits are huge, so they're not afraid of dying at all.

On the other hand, Yaoxing Audio-Visual has opened three stores in Bangkok and is doing quite well. Because it owns shares in PolyGram, EMI and other companies, and is a Hong Kong monopoly, they are the only ones who can distribute tapes and records of foreign pop singers and videotapes of Hollywood and European movies here.

With products and distribution channels, of course things will go well.

After listening to their reports, Wang Yaotang didn't offer any guidance. The company had its own operating logic, and his meddling would definitely not be a good thing.

After everyone had left and they rested for a while, the motorcade went downstairs and headed to the Bangkok City Hall. The mayor and a group of people personally greeted them downstairs at Kanchanaburi.

The car came to a smooth stop on the red carpet. Wang Yaotang got out of the car with a smile and shook hands with Ganzha Na, while reporters snapped photos.

After exchanging pleasantries and introducing his entourage, he briefly answered questions from reporters, beginning by expressing his optimism about Bangkok's economic recovery under Mayor Kanchanaburi's leadership, with the textile, tourism, and port industries all flourishing. He explained that he had come to visit Kanchanaburi Market precisely because he had witnessed Bangkok's development, intending to invest in the city.

Mayor Kanchanaburi smiled and praised Wang Yaotang's remarkable achievement of rising from nothing to become one of Asia's super-rich in just a few years, calling it a miracle. He said Wang's story has inspired countless young people and he is the best role model for them. He also mentioned that Wang Yaotang's identity as a music, entertainment, and fashion tycoon is a perfect fit for Bangkok and expressed his high expectations for the meeting and discussions.

After both sides showered each other with compliments, the interview ended, and Ganzha personally led Wang Yaotang and his entourage into the office building.

The meeting room had already been decorated in a typical tea party style. While preparations were underway in Bangkok, Wang Yaotang smiled and looked at A-Jie and A-Ji, "How does it feel?"

"Tsk tsk, this is different." Ah Jie gently twisted his neck and breathed a sigh of relief. "I was more nervous than when I first went to kill someone."

“Yes.” Ah-Jie coughed twice to clear his throat. “Back in Hong Kong, you were always the one to step up when things happened, so we didn’t really feel anything. But the mayor of Bangkok, who’s practically the governor of Hong Kong, and the official media filming him, it’s all so formal. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”

Wang Yaotang chuckled gloatingly, "The 'leadership' and 'head of state' stuff are nothing compared to this. This is the daily life of a big shot. Every move they make is at the national level. Let me tell you, in a few days I'm going to the palace to be received by King Rama IX." "I'll take it!" the two exclaimed in low voices.

"Isn't this about dealing with the Bangkok branch? Do we have to go this far?" A-Jie asked in a low voice.

"If I were the head of Sheng Yi, I wouldn't even have the chance to meet the mayor of Bangkok. But who am I? I'm a tycoon of audio-visual products, entertainment, clothing, and stone, and a future tycoon of docks, shipping, and hotels. I'm a little Siam king. When it comes to assets, uh... I really can't compete, hahaha."

After a few jokes, Ganzha returned with his men. They first exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business.

Ganzha's previous statements to the media were not just empty boasts. He invited Wang Yaotang to meet as soon as he arrived, clearly hoping to attract investment.

"As videotape technology becomes more widespread and video recorders become more affordable, I believe the audio-visual market has a very promising future. My company, Yaoxing, is currently working on its IPO, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete the process within two months. In the company's plan, the Southeast Asian market is the next key area for development," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

This is no exaggeration; the core story behind the IPO is the creation of Southeast Asia's largest chain of audio-visual product sales outlets.

While the north does have a larger population, its economy and policies are unsuitable and too conservative. Therefore, the only option is to develop towards Southeast Asia. Bangkok, as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, has a population of over 500 million and a huge market potential.

Ganzha became interested. In the information about Wang Yaotang's assets that he had obtained before, Yaoxing was marked with a red label.

In Hong Kong, Wang Yaotang's title of "King of Quarries" is more influential because it can affect the local economy, but in Southeast Asia, it is not as useful as the title of "King of Audio-Visual Products".

In shaping a country's or region's international image, if we calculate the influence factor based on the same product price, ordinary products have a 10% influence factor, military equipment has a 300% influence factor, and audio-visual products have a 10000% influence factor.

A movie that grosses 30 million at the box office is far more valuable than 3000 billion in imported and exported products.

The influence of Hollywood movies is particularly evident in this regard.

Cultural propaganda is the battleground!
Wang Yaotang gradually realized this in his later conversation with Ganzana, and he was clearly more interested in Yaoxing.

"Has Mr. Wang considered selling books in the audio-visual store?" Ganzana asked with a smile.

"Selling books?" Wang Yaotang raised an eyebrow; this was something he had never considered before.

The store and staff are readily available. As for the consumer group, although there is no data report from a research company, Wang Yaotang felt that the main group of book buyers is young people and housewives, which overlaps quite a bit with audio-visual products.

As for men in their 30s, their minds are filled with car loans, loan sharking, and student loans. When they finally have a little free time, they'd rather sit in their cars and daydream. How could such a person be in the mood to buy any books?

No wonder many companies are abandoning the male market and promoting the idea of ​​female independence; men really don't have the purchasing power for some products!
The main challenge is that bookstores require a relatively large space, which increases the burden of rent and labor costs.

As for stocking up, well, isn't that the publisher's responsibility?
Wang Yaotang slapped the armrest of his chair, stood up, and said excitedly, "Dear Mayor, I must sincerely say that you are truly a business prodigy whose talents have been wasted on politics. I sincerely invite you to join Yaoxing. What do you think of the position of general manager? Annual salary of 200 million, plus 5% stock options!"

"Hahaha," Ganzha laughed loudly, his mouth stretching all the way to his ears, his little tongue clearly visible.

He had no chance of going, but this invitation was the greatest compliment to his abilities and the best proof of his business acumen.

Absolutely true!

Behind Ganchana, the secretary quickly made a note: this must be the headline of all newspapers sold in Bangkok tomorrow!

Based on this invitation alone, Wang Yaotang is Ganzha's closest friend, and he will give Yaoxing the green light for its expansion in Bangkok and provide as much assistance as possible within his authority.

Ah-Ji and Ah-Jie breathed a sigh of relief. They were really nervous when Wang Yaotang invited them, afraid that he would agree but couldn't even speak Chinese. But after listening to the rest, they realized that Yao-ge was just making empty promises.

After chatting for a while, Wang Yaotang finally revealed his main purpose for coming: to invest in Bangkok's port.

To develop port properties, one cannot focus solely on Hong Kong. Currently, the positioning is as a raw material port. Wang Yaotang plans to develop in this direction, first acquiring and building ports in major Southeast Asian cities to create a Southeast Asian raw material port network, and then extending from ports to shipping.

Once this goal is achieved, the prices of various raw materials in Southeast Asia, including futures prices, will be in his hands.

Taking Bangkok as an example, the textile industry is now a pillar industry of the country's foreign exchange. However, Thailand does not produce cotton and relies entirely on imports, including from the United States, Australia, India, and Pakistan. All imports and exports depend on sea freight. If imported cotton is delayed by 10 to 15 days due to logistics issues, the prices of raw materials such as yarn and cotton fabric in China will rise. A large number of small and medium-sized businesses that rely on exports may suffer losses or even go bankrupt because of this price increase.

In 2023, Thailand's textile industry experienced an 18% delay in order delivery due to port congestion, leading to the bankruptcy of a large number of businesses.

With such a powerful weapon in hand, Wang Yaotang will be a guest of honor wherever he goes, receiving high-level treatment.

"Does Mr. Wang still do port business?" Gan Zha sat up straight.

“Yes, we started getting involved this year. The port for oil, fuel, and hazardous chemicals on Tsing Yi Island in Hong Kong, and the port for sand, coal, steel, and cement imports in Tuen Mun. A few days ago, I reached a cooperation agreement with the Fourth Harbor Engineering Bureau in the north. They will be in charge of the design and expansion of Tuen Mun Port.” Wang Yaotang recounted the Fourth Harbor Engineering Bureau’s past achievements, which made Gan Zha Na nod frequently.

Even in its most destitute times, China's influence in East Asia was unparalleled, and the countries on the Southeast Asian peninsula never dared to underestimate China.

Thailand has been a nation for 200 years, but it suffers from a host of serious internal problems. Its infrastructure capabilities are extremely weak. It didn't have its first subway line until 2004, and even then, the construction was funded by the government and banks, which were struggling financially.

The situation with highways is complicated. As for railways, their mileage was 3500 kilometers in 1945 and approximately 5013 kilometers in 2025, an increase of 1500 kilometers in 80 years. In 2023, port congestion led to an 18% delay in the delivery of textile orders, causing a large number of businesses to go bankrupt.

Therefore, when Ganzha Na heard that Wang Yaotang was investing in Bangkok's port, he immediately became excited.

The port is not like the audio-visual store mentioned before, where you can just rent a storefront and open it up. There are too many issues to consider, and it cannot be decided in just a few words. It is a major matter. Right now, it is just an intention, and further investigation and communication are needed.

Around noon, Ganzha invited Wang Yaotang and his group to lunch. Before lunch, the secretary approached Ganzha and whispered something in his ear, "Several cases last night..."

Not far away, Wang Yaotang, with his sharp ears, heard some of it, but his face remained expressionless.

Ganchana's eyes showed some surprise and doubt, but he quickly suppressed it. "Mr. Wang, I'm sorry that some social ills in Bangkok have given you a bad impression. The existence of these ills has polluted Bangkok's business environment and hindered the further development of society. As the mayor of Bangkok, I apologize here and hope you don't mind. Bangkok will be launching a crackdown on organized crime in the coming period and will severely punish these criminals!"

“Mayor Kanchanaburi, there’s no need to apologize. Every city has sewers for garbage disposal; it’s unavoidable. You don’t need to take the blame yourself. The garbage in these sewers is just disgusting; it won’t cause any real impact, nor will it affect my investments in Bangkok,” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

Ah Jie and Ah Ji exchanged a glance. A few months ago, the police would cause trouble for a small matter. But look at them now, committing murder and arson in the capital of another country, causing such a big incident, and the mayor of that country had to personally apologize. It's different now, the treatment is completely different!
That's a real man! Even Chen Jinnan would salute him! (End of Chapter)