Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, Founder and Honorary Chairman of Dusit International, was bestowed the
SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The award was presented to Thanpuying Chanut, now 97 years old, in Bangkok in February 2018. At a ceremony held in her honour at Hotel ICON on 22 June, Thanpuying Chanut was represented by her son Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dusit International.
The SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the SHTM to honour outstanding persons who have contributed substantially to the
development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and around the world. In bestowing this award, the School seeks to recognise true leaders who help define the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry. The inaugural award was presented to Mr Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, in 2016, and last year's recipient was The Honourable Sir Michael Kadoorie.
Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui is the pioneering visionary who established Dusit International in 1948. Her
life's work began with the opening of Bangkok's first modern hotel with a swimming pool, The Princess on New Road in Bangkok, during 1949, where she experimented with offering luxury hospitality with a distinctively Thai touch. After perfecting this formula, she opened the five-star Dusit Thani Bangkok in 1970.
Building on the success of this property, Thanpuying Chanut opened more five-star hotels in major tourism destinations in Thailand and overseas. She also branched out into hotel
and culinary education with the Dusit Thani College in 1993 and launched a joint venture with Le Cordon Bleu in 2005. Not forgetting those less fortunate, she has contributed generously to numerous charitable causes and various royal projects throughout the years.
For her efforts in hospitality and education, on 5 May 2000, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand conferred upon Chanut the highest royal decoration for a civilian: Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, Higher
Grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, and with it, the right to bear the title "Thanpuying," the equivalent of the title "Dame."
Today, Dusit International is a leader in hotel management and education with a unique international portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts. Rooted in Thai culture and tradition, the company continues to deliver the brand promise that Thanpuying Chanut established in 1948: "Delivering an experience that enlivens the individual spirit, no matter the journey."
The SHTM shares a similar vision and passion with Thanpuying Chanut, who is a truly deserving
recipient of the award. The School does not rest on its laurels but continues to scale new heights, playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent for the advancement of the entire industry. With steadfast support from industry partners, the SHTM is committed to nurturing all of the bright minds who will become employees, entrepreneurs and future leaders in this very exciting global industry.
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