This time around, I've gotten Wisrute to fill in the questionaire. We have all gotten to know Wisrute for his very professional looking website (currently offline I think) and for his contributions in the tech lounge, I was a tad curious about who was hiding behind the screen name
Forum name
Wisrute B.
Real name
Wisrute Buddhari
Age
32
Occupation
Employee of a beverage company, bottling and distributing a leading carbonated softdrinks in Thailand
Lives
Bangkok, Thailand
Marital Status
Married
What cars do you drive and why?
Alfa Romeo 156 – It’s fun to drive, do I need any other reasons?
Toyota Hilux Vigo pick-up – It’s a diesel, it’s reliable, and I need it for work.
Would you describe yourself as passionate about Alfa Romeo?
Yes, but I’m only at the beginning stage. I can see a few more Alfas to come, given the right timing and opportunities.
What or how started your passion for Alfa Romeo and…
… do you think it’s fundamental to own one to have the passion?
Several years ago, I was having a quick lunch at a street side noodle shop. I heard a very sweet mechanical engine note approaching. I turned around and saw a shiny dark grey 155 Twin Spark cruising past. I told myself that I had to have one of these some days. Around the same time, my old car (Volvo V70 T-5) was giving me a lot of trouble (yes, t-r-o-u-b-l-e), and opportunities came to replace it. Later in late 1999 after I’d placed an order for my 156, I was introduced to a few Alfistis in Thailand, and it all started from there.
How popular is Alfa Romeo in your neck of the woods?
Not very popular at all. It’s probably like the rest of the world. Alfa is a very niche brand. In Thailand, Alfa Romeo’s faith is in the hands of the third distributorship, having had two unsuccessful attempts in past few decades.
What do you like best about Alfas?
Design, dynamics, and the engines.
What do you like least about Alfas?
Rattles, and after-sales service
What would be your dream cars?
Modern car: The 8C Spider
Classic car: 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7
What would be your ideal drive in an Alfa (destination, passenger, driving music, etc)? Ideally, I’d love to visit Tuscany, or Napa Valley, California will do. I’ll take any Alfa Romeo Spider (old or new), and spend several days wine-tasting and just enjoy the experience. Music-wise, anything in my iPod will do nicely! Passenger? See marital status.
Any humorous Alfa or car-related stories you wish to share with us?
During my wilder days back in California after receiving two speeding tickets, I was minding my own business, driving down San Francisco streets in my Acura (Honda) Integra. At a traffic light I noticed a police car pulled up on my right hand, and a moment later one of the two officers signaled me to lower my window. The first thing that came to my mind was, ‘what now? Are you going to find faults with my car and give me another ticket?’
Then the officer said, ‘Hey buddy, that’s a very nice car you got there. Is it a VTEC?’ I thought to myself, “Duh!” but quickly replied, ‘Thanks. It’s a VTEC.’ Just as I was expecting the next words to be about my car not having a front license plate or being too low, the officer said, ‘Just be careful and drive safe.’
I immediately said okay, waved goodbye and rolled up my window. My roommate who was riding along looked at me and said, ‘what the f$&#!?’
What interests do you have outside of Alfas?
1) Photography, I studied B&W film photography for several years, but never pursued it professionally. I almost had a darkroom built at home, but figured that I probably wouldn’t have enough time for it, not yet anyway. I’d really like to take a break from work, travel, and take pictures for a month or so.
2) Watches, I see them as jewelry for men. I’ve always been fascinated by watches since I first saw early Swatch models in the 80’s. Obviously I didn’t know better, and lost my first Swatch ages ago. I’m leaning towards sport watches, but also like some dress watches.
Tell us something nobody knows about you. (e.g. special skill, ever been on TV, etc)
In my 3rd year in university, I spent approximately $400-500 in total, playing the Daytona USA arcade game (50cents / game, I think). And I should have competed in the tournament because my lap times were right up there with the winners. Oh well.
What do you like most about the Alfaowner forum? Any favourite threads, episodes or posts you wish to share?
I like AO for diversity of its member. There’s usually a good mix of perspectives and viewpoints on just about every forum. The technical help and problem-solving posts are usually very helpful even if sometimes go off-topic very quickly.
Thank you Wisrute 
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