Unlike most sons however, there are 13 restaurants, a bunch of awards and most recently placement in the In Residence magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in Thailand, to prove that his mother, Nooror Somany Steppe, is indeed an exceptional woman.
The relaxed and bright-eyed son of the founder of the Blue Elephant brand visibly swells with pride as he shows me his mother’s photo in the magazine, before inviting me to survey the grounds of the exquisite Blue Elephant restaurant that occupies a former mansion in the heart of the Old Town.
It’s been a little over three years since the Blue Elephant first opened in the fabulous colonial-style mansion on Krabi Road. I had the pleasure of meeting Kim back then, when the Belgium-born young man had just moved to Phuket to make it his home.
“I always said that when we first came to Phuket we brought all our Bangkok baggage with us and we needed a while to find our own distinctive style.
“In Bangkok,” explains Kim, “The food and style is much more subtle. In Phuket it has much stronger flavour and is more rustic. It’s much more like a ‘Grandma’ style of food.”
On the way to the rear of the garden, as we tour the grounds and interior of the building, Kim points to a vegetable patch and herb garden very much in full swing.
“We’ve planted a lot, “ he says, “We’re just waiting to see what sticks.”
The organic garden is just one of the major plans that Kim has for the future of Blue Elephant, Phuket, which include introducing a Phuket-style staff uniform more reflective of local culture.
Another aspect he wants to improve is accessibility to the restaurant. Currently there is only one narrow and old gate through which guests enter the grounds. Although this is something that, at least until the upcoming high season, Kim would like to remain tight-lipped about.
There are however things that Kim has resolved to not change.
“Members of the Blue Elephant board paid a visit recently and wanted me to change the front gates, but I was adamant that I wanted to leave it how it is, it’s more rustic and traditional.
“I don’t want to change too much about the exterior of this wonderful property.”
Indeed, it’s the premises’ unique and cultural ‘Old Town’ colonial style and atmosphere combined with the fact that Blue Elephant is a Thai brand, that Kim believes means the venue is often the location of choice for visiting dignitaries, government officials and important cultural events and meetings.
This weekend’s Baba wedding is one such event.
“We feel we have a responsibility to host such events and are very proud to do so. On June 23, we’ll be hosting the main Baba Wedding dinner on the front lawn, where we expect about 80 guests. It’s going to be great.”
After a relatively short time on the island, Kim, born to a Thai mother and Belgium father, has become quite the host, something he attributes to his unique cultural heritage, which he believes places him in a privileged position.
“I think [being mixed race] is a positive thing. I feel like it’s the best of both worlds, I can enjoy and see both perspectives.”
Case in point: Kim recounts one official meeting he recently attended to discuss a Phuket Town parade. In reference to what he saw as a Thai reluctance to upset the apple-cart, he says, “I find in these meetings, very few people actually want to speak against the main idea or speaker.
“I went to this one meeting where they were discussing that they wanted to transport sand and turtles from the Similan islands and put them in a glass case to feature them in a parade.
“I put my hand up and told them, respectfully, that I disagreed with such plans and explained why.
“I said I believed that Thailand has great resources and stunning, beautiful nature now... But perhaps not so much in the future unless we preserve the nature in this generation.
“The older people in Phuket Town actually stood up and clapped for me,” said Kim with a smile.
He explains, however, that he is quite aware that often the older generations of Thai people will excuse or perhaps even humour him as he is “not fully Thai”, but regardless he believes that the growing number of Thai citizens with dual heritage is undoubtedly a good thing for Thailand.
“It will bring some new ideas to the way that things are and is ultimately good for Thailand.
“It will also work both ways as well and if they decided to stay in Europe or wherever, the Thai influence will also be a positive.”