Bangkok, Thailand – Dusit Thani Bangkok details the development of the reimagined hotel in its new docuseries titled ‘An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries.’ The ten-episode series has been launched on Dusit Thani’s Facebook and YouTube, with new episodes being released every Tuesday throughout September.
While the new structure has been modernised, it left traces of iconic elements that speak of the hotel’s heritage. Its signature golden spire inspired by Wat Arun Ratchawararam or Temple of Dawn can still be found inside. It also houses paintings of Thai National Artist Paiboon Suwannakudt.
The 39-floor flagship hotel is situated at the centre of Dusit Central Park, which will also house the Dusit residences, office tower, retail centre, and roof park in 2025.
“When talking about the Dusit Thani Bangkok, many people think about my mother, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, who built the original hotel following her vision to uniquely deliver gracious Thai hospitality to the world. Back in 1969, when the hotel was being built, people questioned the strange building she was constructing. It was neither Thai nor Western in its architectural style. However, as the years passed, Dusit Thani Bangkok, with its unique identity and personality, established itself as one of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks. And it stood tall and proud for over 50 years,” Chanin Donavanik, vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee at Dusit International, said.
“The original property was also distinguished by my mother’s belief in the strength of Thai culture and hospitality, and how these could be leveraged to create a hotel that could compete in the international market. The new Dusit Thani Bangkok continues her vision to create a recognised landmark in Thailand, reflecting the nation’s culture while delivering service and hospitality with true Thai heart and soul,” Donavanik added.
Suphajee Suthumpun, group chief executive officer of Dusit International, said, “There have been so many changes in our industry over the past 50 years. To bring back the past glories of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok within a modern context, we knew thoughtful change was essential. Under the concept of ‘An Icon Reimagined,’ we have worked to create an innovative and modern hotel that retains the beloved identity of the original property. Three key pillars have guided our approach: ‘The legacy continues – Gracious, now and always;’ ‘Iconic grandeur for a new generation;’ and ‘Luxury redefined through distinctive experiences.’ These pillars define the new paradigm of rest and relaxation offered at the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, with design, facilities, and service elevated in every way.”
“Maintaining Dusit Thani Bangkok’s valued iconic identity has been our mission from the very start. The preservation of artworks, woodwork, and landscaping from the original property ensures various areas of the new hotel will remind guests of the hotel’s storied past. Visitors can also relive their Dusit memories on our Heritage Floor, which features a virtual library dedicated to the history of the hotel and the Silom area. Moreover, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok features artworks by talented artists from Silpakorn University, who drew inspiration from their memories of the original hotel to create a diverse range of paintings. These preservation efforts are all highlighted in the docuseries,” Suthumpun added.
After undergoing a five-year redevelopment, Dusit Thani Bangkok is set to reopen on Sept. 27. The hotel originally opened in 1970.
