A glimpse inside The Siam, Bangkok’s most enchanting luxury hotel.

In a city overflowing with some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotel brands, it takes a true visionary to design a property that not only rivals the best but also offers something truly unique and memorable.

This is exactly what Krissada Sukosol Clapp has achieved with The Siam, a 39-suite luxury urban oasis along the Chao Phraya River, brought to life under his family’s Sukosol hotel brand.

Since its opening in 2012, The Siam has remained one of Bangkok’s premier destinations. It was honored as the 2019 'Hotel of the Year – Asia Pacific' by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which presented its prestigious 2019 Awards of Excellence this week.

Krissada collaborated with the renowned architect and designer Bill Bensley to craft this Art Deco-inspired gem, blending architectural brilliance with stunning landscapes.

The hotel’s striking black-and-white color scheme provides a perfect backdrop for Krissada’s vast collection of antiques and unique treasures, many of which he has gathered over his lifetime.

As a result, The Siam is often hailed as the city’s most stunning luxury hotel, a sanctuary brimming with antiques. Yet, calling it simply 'beautiful' hardly captures the essence of this place—and these aren’t your typical art pieces.

There’s an element of wonder at every turn, whether you’re watching a film in the screening room alongside an E.T. statue or receiving a sacred 'sak yant' tattoo in the resort’s specially blessed space.

Destination: Thailand

Going head-to-head with the industry giants

Krissada sees The Siam as an indie hotel, a reflection of his musical roots and the challenges of being a smaller player in a competitive market.

“When we started, we were up against the heavyweights. I don’t mean to use a metaphor, but we’re not the Four Seasons, the Marriotts, Park Hyatts, or the Orientals... We were just a local family-run hotel, and nobody knew who we were,” says the humble celebrity.

“So, how do I stand out? How do I do something unique and true to myself? How do I carve out my own identity among the industry giants?”

“We have to be a little unconventional, put in the effort, and build a loyal following—much like an indie band or a great indie film making its way through film festivals. You grow that audience, and hopefully, it pays off. Sometimes it doesn’t, but sometimes it does... I’m hopeful it will for us.”

So far, it seems his vision is on track.

We asked Krissada to guide us on a personal tour of his cherished indie hotel, sharing the stories behind some of its most intriguing pieces, which you can explore in the video below.

1940s Myanmar Wooden Dental Chair

“The English brought their engineering expertise to Burma, and when paired with the country’s exquisite teak wood and craftsmanship, the result was a collection of remarkable tools and furniture.”

Thai Military Helmets

“The six military helmets displayed behind the reception desk at The Siam date mostly from the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910). I have a particular fascination with ‘hats’ because, historically, they were a symbol of identity, often speaking more about a person than their clothing.”

“While this was more prominent in Europe, hats and helmets gradually became more common during the colonial era, even though Siam remained an independent kingdom.”

Trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand, evokes the glory days of old Siam.

Leopard Skin

“This leopard statue sits on top of our piano in the Vinyl Room. It’s likely from the 1960s… though, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure!”

“I purchased it from a dealer in Bangkok. Items like these are often not originally from Thailand, but were brought here by past owners over the years.”

Herbal Medicine Cabinet

“This piece comes from a 1920s medical shophouse in Bangkok's Chinatown.”

“These ‘multi-layered drawer’ cabinets were once used to store herbal roots and leaves for traditional healing practices. What makes this one special to me are the handwritten labels on each drawer. It’s a shame that such beautiful calligraphy has lost its appreciation in today’s modern world.”

WWII Gramophone

“This WWII-era ‘His Master’s Voice’ (HMV) gramophone serves as a nostalgic reminder of how we used to experience music. I found it in the UK. It’s a piece of history about how music was made and enjoyed.”

“As a musician, this holds special meaning to me, especially in an era when music is transmitted through ‘airwaves,’ without the tactile connection we once had. Much of The Siam is about honoring the past while embracing modern comfort and service.”

1904 Bangkok Guidebook

“This was one of the first guidebooks ever published about our country. When we think about preserving history, books and printed works are the most fragile—more so than pottery or wood.”

“As we all know, paper can vanish in an instant. So when it’s preserved through time and captures how we live, it becomes incredibly precious to me—that’s why I cherish it so much.”

A glimpse from the top of Thailand’s new tallest building

Wooden Seated Buddhas

“These statues hail from Burma, dating back to the early Shan period of the 16th century. They are two of the most remarkable antiques in the hotel! I was fortunate to acquire them 20 years ago—today, it would be nearly impossible to find such authentic pieces, as most antiques in shops are replicas.”

Japanese Military Uniforms

“These uniforms are from early 1900s Japan.”

“During this time, most of these uniforms were actually produced in England or France and then shipped to Japan. Today, they are displayed behind our historical Siamese books showcase in the library.”

1930s Parisian Bar Cart

“There was a time when cocktail presentation had to be both functional and inventive, especially in cafes. I think humor always adds a nice touch, which is why we have this charming little automobile next to our snooker table.”

Photo of the Siamese Twins

“This is an original photograph of the famous Siamese twins from the early 1900s.”

“It’s one of the latest additions to the hotel. For me, the hotel feels like a big home—a place where antiques are constantly rotating in and out. You find fascinating pieces, want to showcase them, and hope that others can enjoy them too.”

Jazz Album Collection

“These jazz vinyl records were given to me by Hugh Van Es, a photographer known for capturing the iconic image of the US evacuation from Saigon during the Vietnam War.”

“He gifted me his collection of vinyls before he passed away about four or five years ago. I wanted to honor his music, so I decided to create a vinyl room dedicated to his collection.”

“I’m showcasing most of his jazz albums, along with all the other items he left behind.”

The Siam, located at 3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok. For inquiries, call +66 2 206 6999.

This feature was contributed by Amanda Sealy of Dinogo.