AWC to convert Sathorn hotel for Ruby’s Thailand debut
The partnership with IHG would bring Ruby to Asia-Pacific, while a separate Hua Hin hotel conversion is due for completion in 2028.
Asset World Corp (AWC) intends to introduce Ruby to Thailand by converting its Holiday Inn Express Sathorn hotel under a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. The planned opening would give the premium lifestyle brand its first Asia-Pacific location.
Chief executive and president Wallapa Traisorat said AWC wants to reposition selected existing hotels for higher-spending visitors through renovations and upgrades. She said the Sathorn hotel already had strong occupancy and that changing its brand would enable higher room rates.
AWC’s other operating IHG-branded property is InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. Wallapa said Imperial Hua Hin would also undergo renovation to become Kimpton Hua Hin, with work due to finish in 2028. The company’s development pipeline includes six IHG-branded hotels: Chiang Rai and Bangkok’s Chinatown have two each, while Pattaya and Hua Hin have one each.
IHG’s managing director for Southeast Asia and Korea, Vivek Bhalla, said Ruby’s global portfolio exceeds 40 hotels, with expansion plans targeting more than 120 within a decade. He said IHG has 152 operating hotels and 90 planned properties across Southeast Asia and Korea. Thailand is its largest market in that region, accounting for 42 operating hotels and 40 in development.
