Luxury Bangkok Hotel to Become Medical Center

(Source: Internet)

Swissotel Nai Lert Park in Bangkok is closing its doors at the end of the year after welcoming guests for the past 36 years.

Thailand's largest hospital operator, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, has announced plans to spend 10.8 billion baht (US$311.5 million) to buy the hotel and develop it into a holistic services medical centre.

The acquisition includes the land, a six-story hotel, a 12-story office building and a one-story building used for a staff cafeteria.

Managing director Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura said closing Swissotel Nai Lert Park was necessary due to economic conditions, and the tough competition in the hotel business.

In a handwritten note to employees of the hotel, Naphaporn said, “Today, the hotel industry is a tough one, with so many new hotels to compete with at every corner. In the past, the board of directors have fought hard and persevered for the survival of the hotel, but in the end, everything changes. And this will be the biggest change of all.

“So today, I want to inform everyone that the hotel will be closing on the 31st of December, 2016.”

In her letter, Naphaporn writes that every employee will be receiving legal compensation and a one-month bonus. Employees who are interested in continuing their work with the Accor family of hotels will also be evaluated and considered for other possible jobs in its network.

“The hotel wouldn’t be standing here until today without the help from everyone. So now, I hope to leave Nai Lert Park hotel forever in your hearts and your memories,” she wrote.