Describe Dusit International’s Expansion Into The Middle East And India And How It Complements Dusit’s Current Properties.

We recently opened two hotels in the Middle East — Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo and Dusit Princess City Centre Dubai — for a total of five properties in the region, with more to be announced soon. In India, we have joined Bird Group to open five hotels and resorts in New Delhi, Jaipur, Rishikesh and Goa by 2013, including our first-ever Dusit Devarana — our most luxurious brand — as well as the first dusitD2 hotel outside Thailand. Our expanding network will provide an impressive, unique portfolio which will broaden our customer base, channeling new sources of travelers into our existing properties.

How Does Dusit International Set Itself Apart From Other Brands?

Our core values of being uniquely Thai and delivering exceptional products and services are reflected in our five brands: Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess and Dusit Residence. Our blend of heritage and famous Thai hospitality has already captivated thousands of travelers from across the globe. Our distinctive brands represent the needs of each individual traveler, no matter what the journey, yet remain true to our belief of offering the finest experience, wherever they are.

Elaborate On Dusit International’s History And Future Plans.

Our origins date back to 1948 when we opened our first hotel, The Princess. This successful venture represented a major breakthrough for Thailand’s hospitality industry, evolving into what is today the nation’s leading hotel company. Dusit International currently encompasses 22 hotels and resorts in Thailand, Dubai, Manila and Cairo, with seven to be introduced throughout 2010 and 2011 across China, India and the Middle East. To support this expansion, Dusit International branched into the educational field with Dusit Thani College (established in 1993) and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School (opened in 2007), and a hospitality program in cooperation with Lyceum of the Philippines. We believe our top hospitality educational systems will further develop talent and professionals for Dusit’s new projects, at the same time making a positive contribution to improving the industry’s standards.

Tell Our Readers About Your Career.

I came back to Thailand as a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University. During that time, my mother, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui — the company’s founder — was pursuing her vision of distinctive hotels with efficient, gracious and warm Thai hospitality. I have been inspired by her hard work, determination and passion. I asked her a couple of years back how she would like to see Dusit in the future; her simple answer was, “I still want Dusit to grow and for Thai hospitality to make a difference in the world.” I am pursuing her dream with the same passion and commitment. Today we employ 8,000 staff; this will soon grow to 15,000 as our expansion plans become reality.