The legendary Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok kicked off its 140th anniversary celebrations in style on Jan 27 with a gala event presided over by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The heads of the famed hotel's majority owning companies -- Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's Chief Executive Edouard Ettedgui and Senior Executive Vice-President of Italian-Thai Development Co Nijaporn Charanachitta -- welcomed 500 esteemed guests, including Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, captains of industry, celebrities and many of the hotel's loyal international patrons.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana graciously presided over the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s 140th anniversary celebration. Back row from left, Yuthachai Charanachitta, director of OHTL; Aswin Kongsiri, independent director and chairman of Audit Committee of OHTL; Adam Keswick, deputy managing director of Jardine Matheson and director of OHTL; and Edouard Ettedgui, group chief executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Front row from left: Dr Pisit Leeahtam, director of OHTL; Nijaporn Charanachitta, senior executive vice-president of Italian-Thai Development and chairperson of OHTL; Amanda Hyndman, managing director of OHTL; and Stuart Dickie, director of OHTL.
Apart from the lavish gala dinner on the Riverside Terrace, guests were also treated to a live band with singers performing beautiful songs throughout the evening. A special stage performance was also curated to signify the grandeur of the evening, along with spectacular finale fireworks over the Chao Phraya River.
Highlight of the evening was a moving tribute to the fabled old hotel's history narrated by members of staff, or affectionately known as "The Oriental Family" and their executives. The visual presentation depicts the story of the hotel since it first opened in 1876 as a seaman's lodge along the majestic Chao Phraya River.
Each chapter of the captivating visual presentation tells the story of the hotel and its many distinguished guests who helped create it, which is also a story of Thailand. It was during this period that the hotel's unique role within the cultural and social life of Bangkok first evolved. Functions to celebrate the various national events of resident expatriates were held here and became a tradition. Royalty, statesmen, politicians, businessmen, authors and performers all found some special affinity with La Grande Dame.
Performances by musicians, actors and dancers became regular events on the hotel's calendar, and since the hotel's centenary, it has been accredited in many overseas journals for its exceptional service and style. More than offering just accommodation, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok became a focal point for Bangkok's residents and an internationally acclaimed iconic hotel with heritage and service excellence.
During the gala, Amanda Hyndman, the hotel's general manager, paid tribute to the hotel's history, saying: "The delicate balance of staying true to our heritage and preserving the mystique of a bygone era while remaining sensitive to our customers' evolving needs has been the key to the hotel's success for many decades. Tonight we celebrate our achievements and look forward to the future."
The evening's warmest applause, however, was reserved for Ankana Kalantananda, the hotel's longest serving employee, who joined the property in 1947. She recalled: "In those days a room cost approximately 100 baht per night, and The Oriental, as it was then known, was considered a luxury hotel because it had electric fans in the rooms."
The gala marks the start of a series of bespoke literary, music, fashion, art and culinary events throughout 2016 to celebrate a far-reaching restoration of the hotel's historic 140-year-old Authors' Wing and Garden Wing. February will see the unveiling of the Royal Suite and 12 brand new suites with balconies in the Garden Wing. Le Normandie French fine dining restaurant has also been rejuvenated and the Authors' Lounge has been restored to its classic late 19th century design.
Built in 1876 and ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has been an inspiration to a host of world-renowned writers from Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham to Wilbur Smith and John Le Carre. The hotel boasts an international reputation for splendid service, style and grace and facilities, including eight restaurants.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana arrives at the Riverside Terrace, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
