ALL IN THE FAMILY
AN INHERITED RIVERFRONT PLOT IS TRANSFORMED INTO BANGKOK’S HIPPEST NEW HOTEL.
Originally acquired over 40 years ago as a simple spot to moor his boat along the Chao Phraya River, Kamala Sukosol’s father bequeathed the plot to his daughter and grandchildren. After leasing it to a successful seafood restaurant for several years, the Sukosol’s decided not to renew the lease in hope of designing something new and different for their established hotel brand.
With neighbors including the Crown Prince and beloved historic sites such as the awe-inspiring Vimanmek Teak Palace Museum (built by King Rama V in 1900), the authenticity and unlimited potential of his grandfather’s Dusit land lured Kriss, the youngest Sukosol, into joining the family business. Not to mention he needed a place to store a massive antique collection.
With the help of renowned American architect Bill Bensley, and consult from Jason Friedman, The Siam’s General Manager, Kriss and his team worked together to create a new look: modern Art Deco fused with historic Bangkok – centered around the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when the city was ruled by King Rama V. With art as its muse, the team looked to the timeless design of the Musee d’Orsay in Paris for the hotel’s Main Residence. The first thing guests notice about The Siam is a lack of signage telling you which way to go. As Sales and Marketing Director Donald Wong points out, ‘The property unfolds before you, allowing you to construct your own path of discovery. The longer our guests stay, the more layers are uncovered, and the more addicted clients become to coming back.”
Touted as Bangkok’s first ‘destination resort’, Kriss and his team have succeeded in creating a unique lifestyle at The Siam. From their private pier located next to the historic Krung Thon Bridge, the hotel’s luxurious teakwood barges leisurely transport guests to and from the city. With Bangkok’s only luxury Muay Thai boxing ring, The Siam provides guests with a first hand opportunity to experience something fresh. As Friedman explains, “Muay Thai is the country’s national sport, and it’s also a great workout for body and mind. We strive to provide our guests with a stylish, yet authentic experience. Safely ensconced away from the shopping and nightlife, many of our clients already know Bangkok and are looking for a new perspective.”
Offered to Kamala and her family once word spread about their new hotel, The Siam’s signature Chon Thai Restaurant and Cooking School proudly display a cluster of three, century-old Thai teakwood houses that were once part of antique dealer and OSS agent Connie Mangksau’s home. Known as one of Bangkok’s most popular socialites – and confidante to the city’s legendary Jim Thompson – Connie’s teak home was a magnet for the international who’s who including the likes of Jackie Kennedy, John Rockefeller, Roger Moore, William Holden and Henry Ford to name a few.
Book a private cooking class with Executive Chef Blair or take in a view that has gone mostly unchanged for centuries. As you revel in The Siam’s historic ambience, sip upon Connie’s favorite ‘Thai Tipple’ of whisky soda. One thing’s for sure, The Sukosol’s veritable slice of the good life in Bangkok is contagious.
