Dusit International is joining hands with Thailand’s Silpakorn University to preserve the architectural and artistic heritage of Dusit Thani Bangkok, the company’s flagship hotel which will be redeveloped next year as part of a landmark mixed-use development.
The project, named Preserving Dusit Thani Bangkok’s Artistic Heritage, will see experts from Silpakorn University identify, document, dismantle and preserve key items of historical or artistic value in the property for use in the new version of the hotel, which is slated to open in 2023.
Dusit Thani Bangkok, which opened in 1970, is said to be an early exemplar of contemporary Thai architecture, blending western modernism with traditional Thai design that is inspired by Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
Speaking at the launch of the Preserving Dusit Thani Bangkok’s Artistic Heritage project, Chanin Donavanik, vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee, Dusit International, said: “With the hotel now about to undergo a significant change for a new era of tourism, we would like to preserve as many items of historical and sentimental value as possible. I believe our past is the inspiration for a sustainable future…”
Suphajee Suthumpun, group CEO, Dusit International, added: “ This joint effort aims to preserve meaningful memories of the hotel and bring them to life once again in the next four years when the new Dusit Thani Bangkok opens its doors. We hope that the artefacts we preserve will create a warm atmosphere that delights new guests seeking new, impressive experiences, as well as regular guests who have an emotional attachment to the original hotel.”
Dusit Thani Bangkok will hold its last full day of operations in its current form on January 5, 2019. During this time, data and photographs of the project will also be presented in a digital book for those keen to learn more about the original building.
