Iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel’s bold reimagining as part of Dusit Central Park

The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel is set to reaffirm its status as one of the city’s most beloved and recognised landmarks when its highly anticipated reopening takes places on 27 September.

A docuseries has even been cmissioned that charts the hotel’s bold reimagining as part of Dusit Central Park. Filmed over the past five years, An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries tells the story of the renowned property’s redevelopment.

The 10-episode series will highlight the new hotel’s meticulous development process and offer an intimate look at the vision and dedication passed down through generations. It will culminate in the 50-year-old hotel’s much-anticipated reopening in a new, reimagined form.

“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,” vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee, Dusit International, Chanin Donavanik, said.

“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.

“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.”

Half a century of history

Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO of Dusit International, said there have been many changes in the 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,” she said.

“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.”

The original Dusit Thani Bangkok graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970-2019, with the highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel sitting at the heart of what is now Dusit Central Park/

The prime landmark mixed-use development also comprises ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200sqm Roof Park (all slated to open in 2025).

The newly built, 39-floor, 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites designed by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50sqm, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Lumpini Park.

Guests will also find elevated dining experiences, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar, and banqueting and meeting facilities, including one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, also overlooking Lumpini Park. Other facilities include the Devarana Wellness centre.

The new look Dusit Thani

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok incorporates several iconic elements of its past heritage into the new structure, including the original hotel’s signature golden spire, inspired by the stupa of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, or the Temple of Dawn.

Artworks from Thailand’s National Artist, Paiboon Suwannakudt, have also been reintegrated into the reimagined premises as have the original elaborately carved teakwood ceiling panels, and valuable flora from its renowned waterfall garden.

“Maintaining Dusit Thani Bangkok’s valued iconic identity has been our mission from the very start,” said Suthumpun.

“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.”

Reservations opened on 1 May 2024, and bookings for an opening offer close on 31 October 2024. The stay period runs from 27 September 2024 to 31 March 2025.
* Travel Weekly