Farewell to the Dusit Thani

BANGKOK, 4 July 2017: Whatever the PR spin, there is a sense of sadness knowing the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok, will be torn down to make way for a new flagship hotel for its owning company Dusit International.

Just over 48 years after it opened to the public in February 1970, the hotel will close 16 April 2018 to allow demolition teams to move in.

I remember the opening party that attracted Bangkok socialites, business leader and the media. I worked at the Bangkok Post at the time, just a block away from the brand new hotel on Rama IV road. At the opening party I was introduced to the general manager who represented the US chain Westin, the only foreign chain ever to manage the hotel. They didn’t stay long enough to make a real impression. Read more

Samet hotels face hammer

SAMET ISLAND, 24 November 2016: A crackdown on illegal properties and hotels on Samet Island, could deter international travellers from visiting the popular island destination during the up coming peak season months.

Local news reports in Thailand suggested a big military swoop on illegal operators would begin this week that would ultimately call on demolition crews recruited to dismantle hotels and guesthouses.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Samet island stands 7 km off the coast in Rayong province, about 100 km from Pattaya. Read more