I t was fitting that with the wide choice of Centara venues, Suthikiati Chirathivat, chairman of the board of Centara Hotels and Resorts, decided to celebrate the hotel chain's 30th anniversary at the Vibhavadi Ballroom, Centara Grand Central Plaza Lat Phrao, Bangkok. After all, this is where the story of Centara began.
Somkamol Vejjajiva, Suthikiati Chirathivat, Supakorn Vejjajiva and Thirayuth Chirathivat.
It was a nostalgic day for Mr Suthikiati, who three decades ago initiated almost single-handedly his very first hotel venture, with blessings from his large family.
Over the years the business has grown from that single hotel to a chain of luxury accommodations that spans the globe, with 55 hotels and resorts in eight countries.
The guest of honour was Privy Councillor Kasem Watanachai, who joined the thousand guests thronging the ballroom. They were welcomed by Mr Suthikiati, Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels and Resorts, and other top management.
The hosts went out of their way to create a memorable evening for their guests by providing a tremendous variety of food and beverages and live entertainment including a concert by Jennifer Kim and Koh Mr Saxman.
As a special highlight, guests were surprised by a special computer graphics-assisted presentation of Mr Suthikiati jumping off the roof of Centara Grand Central Plaza Lat Phrao. He then appeared unscathed on the stage to a big round of applause.
CORRECTION: Last week we incorrectly named Boonchai Bencharongkul as Vichai Bencharongkul. Our apologies to Mr Boonchai.
