German Volker Fischer is a well-known personality in Thailand, no doubt because he’s been here since 1963 and held several high positions during his years in the kingdom.
This year Fischer celebrated his 80th birthday in August. There were several birthday parties held, most of them in Bangkok. But since Fischer has an apartment in Pattaya and stays most weekends there with his wife Monika, his local friends insisted on another party at Bruno’s restaurant in Jomtien Beach.
He followed his welcome speech with a tongue-in-cheek Powerpoint presentation on his life. His son Nicolai then lauded him.
The younger Fischer told how his father was born in a small Black Forest town called Freudenstadt but grew up in Bad Mergentheim. His family was deeply religious and each Sunday they played music together and sang before going to service.
In fact, the elder Fischer almost became a priest, but chose business instead.
He moved to Thailand to work for Berli Jucker, reaching the position of senior vice president and taking a seat on the board of directors. He also served as treasurer and board member on the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Seventeen years ago, he bought boutique Pharmaceutical Company Polipharm and presently employs 320 Thai nationals.
Fischer is a keen golfer and caddies now recognize his loud scream when the ball flies off course. Nonetheless, he has won several trophies and made three holes-in-one within 18 months. His second love is football and was the founding captain of the German All-Stars in Bangkok.
He also had a long track record of community service, financing a community center for children born to HIV parents and presently supports a combined church community building at a previous leprosy institute in the north.
Fischer summed up his philosophy in 11 words: “If you live accordingly, you will be a happy person.”
