Kamala Sukosol shares her journey as Thailand’s “Singing Hotelier,” blending hospitality and entertainment in her family’s award-winning hotel group.
In a special episode of Trends, host David Barrett sits down with Thailand’s very own “Singing Hotelier,” Kamala Sukosol, at the stylish Library of The Siam, a luxury property within her family’s award-winning hotel group. Kamala Sukosol, once larger-than-life and now more petite as a veteran of Thailand’s hotel industry, still exudes the same bold, brash energy that has made her a stalwart of Bangkok’s high-end hospitality scene and the undisputed Thailand’s First Lady of Swing.
As President and Owner of Sukosol Hotels Group, Khun Kamala’s journey into the hospitality industry wasn’t born from passion, but pressure. “My father forced me into it,” she admits, recounting how he purchased land in Pattaya and steered her into hotel management. After early success in Pattaya, she took over Bangkok’s Amarin Hotel, which would later be transformed into The Sukosol, the group’s flagship property.
An entertainer at heart, Kamala credits her musical inspiration to greats like Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Michael Bublé. “I’m a belter,” she says with pride, describing her powerful delivery of foot-tapping classics, including her favorite songs in Spanish. But even with music in her soul, Khun Kamala is as much a savvy businesswoman as she is a performer. Under her leadership, the Sukosol Group has flourished, with her family actively involved in the day-to-day operations.
The family dynasty includes her eldest daughters, Marisa and Daranee. Marisa, now Executive Vice-President of Sukosol Hotels and President of the Thai Hotels Association, oversees marketing and development, while Daranee, who honed her skills on Wall Street, serves as Chief Financial Officer. Kamala’s sons, Kamol and Krissada”Noi”, initially found fame in the entertainment industry as singer and actor, but have since brought their creative talents back to the family business. In fact, it was Khun Noi’s vision that led to the creation of The Siam, a 38-room luxurious riverside retreat adorned with vintage collectibles and Art Deco elements, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. The hotel is a stunning blend of luxury, art, and eclectic charm, a testament to the family’s commitment to both hospitality and style. Khun Kamala admits she initially had reservations about building a 38-room hotel as the profitable threshold traditionally was 100 room and more. However, convinced by her son, The Siam was born and has become a multi-award winning hotel, acclaimed as one of the Top 50 Best Hotels in the World.
Khun Kamala’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched only by her philanthropic efforts. She has raised over 30 million Thai baht for charity, recorded the hit song Live and Learn, and has been recognised globally for her generosity. From being named one of Forbes Asia’s ’48 Heroes of Philanthropy’ to receiving honours from both the Russian government and the King of Spain, Khun Kamala’s achievements reach far beyond hotel lobbies.
The Sukosol Group’s story began in 1975 with the opening of the Siam Bayshore in Pattaya, a quiet oasis on the southern tip of Pattaya Bay. It wasn’t long before they expanded with The Bayview, followed by their flagship property, The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok. The crown jewel of their collection, The Siam, opened in 2012 to international acclaim, drawing jetsetters and celebrities alike. Most recently, in 2013, the group launched Wave, a 21-room boutique hotel in Pattaya, radiating Art Deco Miami charm.
Though Khun Kamala was flattered to be approached to star in the upcoming third season of White Lotus, she declined, insisting she’s a singer, not an actress. However, her larger-than-life persona has inspired a character in the show — “The Singing Hotelier” — to be played by a well-known Thai actress. Despite the allure of global TV fame, Kamala prefers the comfort of her empire and the company of her close-knit family.
When asked what advice she would give the young generation of ladies entering Thailand’s hospitality industry, she firmly replied “Have passion!”
At the heart of everything, Kamala Sukosol remains an icon of both hospitality and entertainment, seamlessly blending her passions for music and business. In an industry dominated by change, she stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of family.
Read the full schedule of Trends interviews.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
