BANGKOK, 4 January 2018: Dusit Thani Bangkok, will now remain open until 5 January 2019 instead of 16 April 2018 as earlier announced by Dusit International.
The hotel was due to be demolished in July to make way for a new mega mixed-use building that would take three to four years to complete.
The hotel’s press statement says the delay would allow “Dusit and its partners more time to add even greater value to the new version of the hotel.”
It is understood that there were delays in planning and negotiations between Dusit and its partners over what will ultimately be a massive THB 36.7 billion mixed-use project built and operated in a partnership with Central Pattana PLC.
No mention of the revised closure date for the iconic hotel appeared on the Thailand Stock Exchange, or the investor relations page on Dusit International’s website, although the public listed company is obliged to update the market on changes that could impact on trading or share value.
Founded by Chanut Piyaoui and opened 27 February 1970, the 510-room Dusit Thani Bangkok was once the city’s tallest and largest hotel.
Commenting the decision to delay the closure and demolition, Dusit International group CEO, Suphajee Suthumpun said: “While the majority expressed excitement about our next chapter, there were also those who wondered how we could possibly embrace our heritage and continue our legacy in a new building.
“The answer, of course, lies in taking our time to ensure we get it right… our scrupulous attention to detail means we must extend the project timeline by eight months.”
