By V. Sivaji
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will launch its first hotel under the ASAI Hotels brand name.
Dusit’s new affordable lifestyle brand hotel is for millennial-minded travellers, in a prime location adjacent to Yaowarat Road – one of the world’s most renowned street food destinations.
This is following the signing of a long-term lease agreement with I m Chinatown Co., Ltd. to develop and operate ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in the heart of the city’s renowned Chinatown district.
Alongside ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, five more properties are already confirmed in the pipeline.
This also includes three ASAI Hotels in Cebu, Philippines (in Mactan, Oslob, and IT Park); one hotel in Yangon, Myanmar (in the historic Yankin Township) and a second hotel in Bangkok (in the stylish Sathorn district).
All of these properties are expected to open from mid-2020 onwards.
Meanwhile, the spanking new ASAI Hotel will immerse guests in the old-world atmosphere of this bustling district, the property will offer easy access to many fascinating temples and shrines, various art galleries and museums, hip bars and coffee shops, lively fresh markets, and an incredible selection of streetside eateries.
The new Wat Mangkon MRT (underground) station which connects the area to the rest of the city is only 100 metres from the property.
In line with the four key pillars of the ASAI brand – Thoughtful Essentials, Common Ground, Authentic Connections and a Sustainable Ecosystem – ASAI Bangkok Chinatown will feature 224 thoughtfully compact rooms (ranging from 18 – 22 sq m) whose contemporary, Thai-Chinese-inspired design will emphasize the essentials, such as superior quality beds and
high-pressure rain showers.
A large communal space, meanwhile, will include a comfortable and efficient workspace, a fitness centre, a bar highlighting craft beers and creative cocktails and a pop-up restaurant concept featuring a seasonal farm-driven menu curated in collaboration with Paolo Vitaletti and Jarrett Wrisley of Appia, Peppina and Soul Food Mahanakorn restaurants in Bangkok.
The hotel’s chefs will also be able to use fresh herbs and vegetables
from an exclusive on-site organic garden.
To further promote sustainable agriculture, the hotel has partnered with Akha Ama, a socially empowered enterprise growing coffee in northern Thailand, to source 100% Arabica beans from the project.
“Our investment in ASAI Bangkok Chinatown highlights our commitment to providing broadened experiences for our customers across the lodging spectrum and delivering sustainable, enduring value for all our stakeholders.
“With its strong community focus and strategic location in one of Bangkok’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the hotel is perfectly positioned to capture the attention of millennial-minded travellers, establish our presence in the affordable lifestyle market, and prepare the ASAI brand for further expansion within the city and throughout Southeast Asia.” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International.
Meanwhile, Siradej Donavanik, Managing Director, ASAI Hotels added that each ASAI hotel is being carefully designed to reflect the fabric of the neighbourhood and appeal to the needs and expectations of today’s generation of travellers and consumers who are constantly on the lookout for authentic, local experiences, as well as brands with value-driven credentials which they can connect with in more meaningful ways.
“ASAI Bangkok Chinatown’s distinctive offerings, fascinating surrounds, and excellent location near the new underground station make it a strong debut for
the brand.
“We now look forward to introducing travellers and locals alike to our vibrant
neighbourhood with its endless array of hidden delights.” he said.
Dusit International was founded in 1948 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok’s Charoenkrung Road.
Today the company is a leader in hotel management and hospitality education and comprises a unique international portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts operating under four brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess and Dusit Devarana.
Alongside growing its operations globally, with more than 50 properties in the pipeline across key destinations, Dusit International is also expanding its business to provide new experiences for customers across the lodging spectrum.
The company recently entered the vacation rental market with the full acquisition of Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, and it also announced plans to enter the lifestyle market with the launch of ASAI Hotels, a distinctive new brand designed to link curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in vibrant cities and resort destinations worldwide.
The company also operates the signature Devarana Spa and has a fast-growing Education Division.
The latter, established in 1993, comprises Dusit Thani College, which offers vocational and postgraduate hospitality degrees at campuses in Bangkok and Pattaya; and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School.
In 2019, Dusit International will redevelop its flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel as part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use project comprising residences, an office building, retail areas, and a new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel.
The new hotel is expected to open in 2023.