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The new Dusit Thani Bangkok echoes the spirit of the original hotel, which opened in 1970, and reinterprets its classic qualities through a modern lens

The Dusit Thani hotel, one of Thailand’s oldest and most iconic establishments, originally opened in 1970 and holds a special place in the memories of many Thais, having hosted numerous weddings, royal events, and family celebrations over the decades. Recognizing the need for a major update, the Dusit group decided on a complete transformation. Instead of a simple renovation or refurbishment, the original structure was entirely demolished to make way for a new, larger complex. The first phase of this development, which includes the hotel and event spaces, has now opened.

Acclaimed designer André Fu, known for his work on projects such as Claridge’s London, The Upper House Hong Kong, and the prestigious Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, was hired to oversee the interior design.

During an exclusive sit-down interview with the designer, he shared the biggest challenges and achievements of the design process. The interview was followed by a walk-through of the new premises during which he pointed out some of the hotel’s distinctive design elements.

The hotel's deep-rooted connection to the community is reflected in the vibrant mural by rising Thai artist Sakon Malee.

Designed as a new 'living room' for Bangkok's society, the main lobby serves an elegant gathering space.

The main lobby features a dusty-golden hexagonal ceiling inspired by lotus leaves.

This project was particularly personal for Fu, who was invited to Bangkok by the Dusit Thani family in 2018. He describes it as “a long, rewarding journey” of discovery and collaboration that bridges Thai heritage with modern, globalized design. “I felt an immense responsibility,” he states, “not only to uphold the original legacy but to celebrate Thai culture on an international stage.” Fu recognizes the hotel’s significance in Thai society, noting that “so many people have an emotional connection to the hotel—it’s more than a place to stay; it’s a landmark.” This emotional resonance added complexity to the project as the team worked tirelessly to honor these memories without merely replicating the past while navigating the balance between international and Thai influences.

Working on such a formidable project involved various challenges, from reimagining the ballroom’s iconic chandelier to ensuring the design respected Thai culture and did not appear as though it were created by an outsider. The aim was to infuse the property with international luxury standards, resulting in a design that feels both fresh and familiar.

Reimagining a property as storied as Dusit Thani involved extensive research and a delicate balance of preserving heritage while pushing boundaries. “Every motif, every color had to be reconsidered,” Fu explained. He describes the design journey as a “curation” where heritage motifs and elements, such as the famous hexagonal gold ceiling and intricate Thai columns, were carefully selected and integrated into a cohesive yet contemporary design.

Two beautifully preserved antique pillars, once part of the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant and adorned with intricate paintings by master neo-traditional Thai mural artist Paiboon Suwannakudt, grace the entrance to the hotel.

An important aspect involved the preservation of the hotel’s iconic columns, which were removed, carefully preserved, and reinstalled in the new design. “To tear down a flagship is a huge deal for any hotel group,” André noted. “But the original Dusit Thani wasn’t just a building; it was a symbol.” This meticulous attention to detail and respect for heritage resonated with both the design team and the Bangkok community. The lobby’s striking features, including the diamond-shaped ceiling and the preserved columns, serve as a threshold to the guest’s journey, reinforcing the architect’s vision of the hotel as more than just a luxury space but as a layered experience to be discovered over time.

This commitment to thoughtful design is reflected in other elements of the hotel, particularly in details such as the golden ceiling, which transformed what was once a simple white surface into a signature piece. "The original ceiling was actually white, not gold," Fu explained, adding that the new look emerged from a detailed study of materials like gold leaf and the intricate steps of the application. The process required mock-ups, experimentation, and a collaborative spirit, often facilitated through video calls during the pandemic.

Working closely with both local and international architects and artists, the team remained dedicated to creating a space that feels contemporary while retaining an unmistakable Thai identity. As Fu remarked, “It’s a process of extracting elements, colors, and motifs, almost like piecing together a collage. We wanted guests to feel both familiarity and freshness.”

Guestrooms include a large cantilevered picture frame window that provides uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park, allowing guests to fully experience the Bangkok skyline.

A standout feature are the guestroom’s expansive five-meter-wide windows, a single pane of glass that frames Bangkok’s landscape in a way that feels almost cinematic. "I wanted to create this long daybed by the window—like a sala—where guests can sit, look out, and experience this dialogue between the past, present, and future," he described. The view of Lumpini Park juxtaposed with the city’s skyline creates a visual narrative that captures the essence of the property—a continuous interaction between nature and urban life, heritage and modernity.

One notable feature of the Pavilion restaurant on the ground floor is the arrival pergola, marked by a custom ceiling pendant with 85 glowing glass globes.

The restaurant includes a speakeasy bar, offering guests a cozy, vintage-inspired experience.

A mystical bohemian forest landscape mural by Studio Jew+ creates a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

The property’s color palette is thoughtfully mixed, drawing on greens inspired by Lumpini Park and traditional Thai hues like sapphire blue, mustard yellow, and celadon green. Each area within the hotel offers a distinctive atmosphere, creating a sense of discovery for guests. "It’s not like a fashion collection where everything has to look synchronized,” the designer explained, enjoying the freedom to play with different intensities and moods as guests move through the property.

In designing the Dusit Thani, Fu and his team have crafted a project that transcends traditional luxury hotel experiences. By carefully intertwining Thai cultural heritage with a forward-looking, global design language, they have created a destination that resonates with both locals and international travelers. “My goal was to showcase Thai hospitality in a way that’s familiar yet surprising,” he says. “I want visitors to feel connected to Bangkok and to experience a side of Thailand they haven’t seen before.”

Designer André Fu

URL: www.dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok/main/
Instagram: @dusitthanibkk

André Fu Studio

URL: https://andrefustudio.com/
Instagram: @AndreFuStudio