Onyx Hospitality Group has signed a joint venture agreement with JR Kyushu Business Development (Thailand), part of Japan’s Kyushu Railway Company, for the development of Shama North Pattaya.
The project will expand Onyx’s serviced apartment portfolio in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), targeting both short- and long-stay travellers. It follows the companies’ existing collaboration on Shama Lakeview Asoke in Bangkok, which Onyx manages for JR Kyushu Group.
Located in North Pattaya, the development will combine serviced apartment facilities with hotel services under the Shama brand. The project is intended to serve growing demand in the long-stay segment, which Onyx expects to continue expanding in 2026 and beyond.
The agreement is Onyx Hospitality Group’s second joint venture with an international partner under its expansion strategy. The company said the partnership reflects continued investor interest in Thailand’s hospitality sector and the EEC, which remains a key tourism and economic zone.
The project will add to Onyx’s existing presence in Pattaya, where the group already operates properties under its Amari and Ozo brands.
According to the companies, the partnership also reflects continued Japanese investment interest in Thailand and the wider development potential of the country’s hospitality market.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, shared: “For Onyx Hospitality Group, growth is not defined merely by the number of projects we develop, but by the strength of the partnerships we cultivate. Our joint venture with JR Kyushu Group reflects a shared vision and a commitment to creating long-term value together.”
He added: “Shama North Pattaya represents another important strategic property in strengthening and completing Onyx Hospitality Group’s presence in Pattaya, a high-potential destination within the EEC.”
He previously served as CEO of Gulf Air Group, and prior to that, as CEO of Star Alliance. He has also held senior leadership roles at International Air Transport Association.
Previously, he held senior roles at Hotel Cipriani Venice, Rosewood Hong Kong and Atlantis Dubai.
Her previous roles include leadership positions at Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Conrad New York Downtown and Park Hyatt Sydney.
He joins from The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, where he most recently served as general manager. He was previously general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort.
He brings more than 15 years of experience in hospitality development, investment analysis, portfolio growth, mergers and acquisitions, and owner relations across South-east Asia, Asia-Pacific and EMEA.
He most recently served as general manager – special task force at PPG, where he led strategic expansion initiatives and partner engagement programmes across the region.
