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ISSUE 10 VOL 14. OCTOBER 2026

T MAGAZINE

Luxury Living and Exclusive Lifestyle

BILL HEINECKE, A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT

BANGKOK BECOMES THE GALLERY

A LONGEVITY CONVERSATION WITH DR PYONG

A WILDER KIND OF ELEGANCE

Editor’s Note October has us thinking about what makes a life well lived. Building a global hospitality empire is one approach. Staying strong enough to enjoy the journey is another. And occasionally, it helps to wander into a Bangkok temple and discover something that makes you reconsider everything. A fairly ambitious monthly agenda, admittedly, but we have never believed in setting the bar at merely getting through Tuesday. We begin with Bill Heinecke, whose Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the Tower of London provides a splendid excuse to revisit an extraordinary career. At 17, he was establishing an advertising agency and an office cleaning business in Bangkok. Decades later, Minor’s reach spans continents, while Anantara continues to carry its Thai beginnings into the world. Calling the company “Minor” now feels like a particularly accomplished piece of understatement. Yet the details beyond the boardroom are equally revealing: scholarships that widen young people’s opportunities, support for elephants and their mahouts, and an enduring enthusiasm for beautiful cars. There is something rather reassuring about discovering that the teenager who loved go-karts still appreciates a very good engine. Some passions deserve to grow old disgracefully.

Which brings us, with unusually convenient timing, to Dr Pyong. In our conversation with the rehabilitation specialist, the subject of longevity becomes refreshingly personal: the freedom to travel, play golf and remain independent. His ambition is to bring the lessons of rehabilitation into people’s lives earlier, helping preserve the capabilities that make those lives fulfilling. Even he admits that protecting his own sleep can be a challenge. Apparently, knowing better does not automatically persuade a busy brain to switch off at bedtime. Meanwhile, Bangkok is preparing to exercise a different set of faculties. Opening on 29 October, the fifth Bangkok Art Biennale brings 72 artists and collectives to 11 venues under the theme Angels & Mara. Temples, museums and commercial spaces become places to consider desire, compassion and the less angelic corners of human behaviour. Among the materials finding new purpose are broken pickleballs. Anyone who has ever lost a fiercely contested game may find that particularly satisfying. Across these pages, there is much to admire in people who keep building, questioning and finding fresh possibilities. A lifetime award can mark another beginning; a familiar city can still surprise. October seems an excellent month to remain curious, leave room for a long lunch and make plans that require a little energy. Enjoy the issue.

"Tanya” Nakawatjidapa Editor, HOT Magazine

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William E. "Bill" Heinecke. Image courtesy of Minor International.

What’s inside?

Bangkok Becomes The Gallery

Bill Heinecke,

A Longevity

Conversation with Dr Pyong

A Lifetime of Achievement

The Hotel Bar

Becomes the Evening

104

Beaute

Living Well At Sea

A Wilder Kind of Elegance

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Dine Delight Discover Welcome to the culinary playground of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Sip on signature cocktails at BKK Social Club, crowned Asia’s number 1 spot by The World’s 50 Best Bars, or savour the flavours of Cantonese cuisine at Yu Ting Yuan. Dive into the Italian charm of Riva del Fiume or experience the Parisian chic of Brasserie Palmier, where every bite is a work of art crafted with passion and precision.

DISCOVER THE JOURNEYS Fourseasons.com/bangkok | +66 (02) 032-0885

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THE TWINHOUSE

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A Season of Celebration at Rain Tree Café Halloween mischief and Thanksgiving warmth bring two distinctive evenings to the table at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. Seasonal celebrations take on contrasting personalities at Rain Tree Café this autumn, as The Athenee Hotel Bangkok marks Halloween and Thanksgiving with two special dinner buffets. One embraces the playful spirit of dressing up and gathering after dark; the other centres on familiar flavours and the pleasure of a leisurely meal with family and friends. Both draw on the restaurant’s international repertoire, bringing seafood, carving stations and freshly prepared dishes into the occasion. On 31 October 2026, the Trick or Feast Halloween Buffet gives the dining room a mischievous culinary makeover. Seafood and freshly shucked favourites share the spotlight with premium meats, live cooking stations, Thai and Asian specialities, and international

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classics. Made-to-order dishes add another layer of choice, allowing guests to move between familiar comforts and different flavours throughout the evening. Halloween-inspired desserts and spooky sweets provide the suitably theatrical finish, with costumes adding to the festive mood. Served from 6pm to 10pm, the Halloween buffet is priced at THB 2,180++ per adult and THB 1,090++ for children aged six to 11. Children aged five and under dine complimentary. The generous selection makes the evening particularly suited to mixed-age gatherings, with plenty of scope for younger guests and adults to find their own favourites before reconvening over dessert. Thanksgiving brings a gentler atmosphere on 26 November 2026, also from 6pm to 10pm. Roast turkey with savoury gravy, creamy mashed potatoes and traditional accompaniments forms the heart of the celebration, complemented by seafood, premium

carving selections, Asian specialities and international dishes. Seasonal desserts round out a menu that balances the reassuring rituals of Thanksgiving with the breadth of an international buffet. Adult dining is THB 2,599++, while children aged six to 11 dine for THB 1,300++; those aged five and under dine complimentary. Across both evenings, Marriott Bonvoy members receive a 10 per cent discount, while Club Marriott members receive 30 per cent. Reservations are available through athenee.co/RTCHalloween and athenee.co/ThanksgivingDinner respectively. Whether the occasion calls for Halloween costumes or the comfort of a traditional turkey dinner, Rain Tree Café gives each celebration its own character, with a generous table and time spent together remaining the common pleasures.

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An Evening of Wine and Halloween Flavours at EKKALUCK Italian wines, Thai rice wines and a menu spanning two culinary traditions shape a convivial Halloween gathering in Thonglor. Halloween takes a sociable turn at EKKALUCK, where Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection presents Cheers & Thrills on 31 October 2026. Running from 6pm to 9.30pm, the evening brings together free-flow Italian wines, Thai rice wines and Halloween-inspired cocktails, accompanied by a selection of chef-curated bites. Priced at THB 1,353 net per person, the gathering places tasting and conversation at the centre of the celebration, giving the seasonal occasion a distinctly culinary focus. A wine expert from Orion Fine Wines will host an interactive tasting, encouraging guests to consider different flavours, share impressions and discover new favourites. The inclusion of both Italian wines and Thai rice wines gives

the evening a particularly interesting point of comparison. Alongside the pleasure of a familiar glass, there is an opportunity to explore another expression of winemaking and consider how each selection sits with the food on the table. The chef’s menu follows a similarly varied course, moving between Thai and Western flavours. Tuna tartare and chicken liver pâté introduce two contrasting preparations, while larb nuea brings a Thai beef dish into the selection. Roasted pork leg with red curry sauce continues the interplay of culinary influences, offering a combination that invites guests to revisit their glasses and explore a different pairing as the evening progresses. Stir-fried mushrooms with Thai herbs and truffle paste add another dimension to the menu, bringing the fragrance of herbs together with the distinctive character of truffle. A marshmallow

chocolate croissant provides the sweet conclusion. Presented as a collection of bites, the selection lends itself to an exploratory approach, with guests able to move between dishes, compare combinations and let conversation develop around the flavours. The appeal lies in that freedom to taste across the menu over the course of the evening. Halloween-inspired cocktails supply a playful seasonal thread, complementing the wines and giving the gathering its festive character. Set in Thonglor, Cheers & Thrills offers an occasion for friends to come together around shared culinary interests, with expert guidance adding substance to the tasting. Reservations are available through sevn.ly/xZmaPmuq. For an evening built around wine, food and easy conversation, EKKALUCK’s celebration brings a thoughtful sense of discovery to the Halloween calendar.

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A Riverside Loy Krathong at Royal Orchid Sheraton Four dining settings, Thai performances and fireworks frame a festive evening beside the Chao Phraya. The Chao Phraya provides the setting for Loy Krathong at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok on 24 November 2026. Beginning at 6pm, the celebration brings together four dining experiences, live entertainment and Thai cultural traditions, with fireworks illuminating the river later in the evening. Each couple receives a complimentary handcrafted krathong, linking dinner by the water with the festival’s most recognisable ritual. At Thara Thong, a seven-course Royal Thai set dinner offers a fitting culinary setting for the celebration. Priced at THB 2,500 net per person, the meal is accompanied by traditional Thai puppetry and a drum dance, with performances running from 7pm to 9.30pm. The restaurant’s Thai pavilion gives

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this experience its particular character, pairing a structured dinner with cultural entertainment in surroundings that complement the evening’s heritage. It is the most explicitly Thai expression of the hotel’s four celebrations. Giorgio’s takes a livelier approach, serving an international buffet with Italian-inspired selections alongside Thai cultural performances, a Thai boxing show, fire dancing and a full live band. Entertainment runs from 6.45pm to 10pm, with indoor dining at THB 2,788++ per person and outdoor seating at THB 3,288++. The combination gives guests a choice between an interior setting and an open-air evening, while the programme moves between music and performance throughout dinner. Siam Yacht Club’s Loy Krathong Moonlit Dinner offers a premium buffet across three seating areas. The Gallery is priced at THB 1,888++ per person, the

Riverside Terrace at THB 2,888++, and Riverfront Reserve at THB 3,588++. A DJ and full live band provide entertainment from 6pm to 11pm. Feast, meanwhile, serves an international dinner buffet with free-flow soft drinks, priced at THB 1,600++ indoors or THB 2,500++ outdoors per person. An alcoholic beverage package is available for an additional THB 990++. Across the four venues, the choice ranges from a Royal Thai set menu to generous buffets and an evening of riverside music. Reservations are available through qrco.de/ROSH-Dining. Prices marked ++ are subject to a 10 per cent service charge and applicable government tax. With a handcrafted krathong for each couple and fireworks above the Chao Phraya, the celebration draws its atmosphere from the river itself, offering several ways to experience one of Thailand’s most evocative festivals.

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Mexican Flavours Meet Ringside Theatre at El Santo Live Lucha Libre brings masked rivalries, aerial drama and a spirited dinner occasion to Sukhumvit Soi 29. Dinner acquires a theatrical edge at El Santo Mexican Restaurant & Bar, where Santo Slam brings live Lucha Libre to Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 29. Held on the last Thursday of each month, the event combines Mexican cooking with the spectacle of masked wrestling, turning the restaurant into an intimate ringside setting. The result is an evening in which the action unfolds close to the tables, placing food, performance and the energy of the crowd within the same experience. Four luchadores compete across three matches, drawing on the aerial manoeuvres and dramatic storytelling that give Lucha Libre its distinctive character. The encounters bring heroic Técnicos and villainous Rudos into opposition, with their rivalries providing a narrative alongside the physical display.

Proximity is central to the occasion: diners follow the movement and theatrical exchanges at close quarters, while the response of the audience becomes part of the atmosphere surrounding each contest. The restaurant’s connection to the sport extends beyond the monthly programme. Named in homage to the celebrated Mexican wrestler El Santo, the venue draws on the Lucha Libre spirit as part of its identity. Santo Slam gives that association a live expression, creating a setting where the name, the entertainment and the food feel closely connected. It is a distinctive premise for a Bangkok dinner, particularly for groups seeking an evening with a sense of shared occasion. In the kitchen, traditional tacos, rich mole and freshly made guacamole anchor a menu centred on bold Mexican flavours. Regional character and spice remain at the forefront, giving the cook-

ing a presence of its own alongside the ringside drama. The combination invites a meal that moves easily between attention to the plates and attention to the performers, with each new match supplying another talking point around the table. Dining and spectacle become the two rhythms of the evening. Artisanal tequilas, smoky mezcals and handcrafted margaritas carry the Mexican theme through to the bar. Together, the drinks, dishes and masked contests give Santo Slam its exuberant personality, bringing a recurring cultural spectacle into the city’s restaurant calendar. At El Santo, the last Thursday of the month offers a particularly animated way to gather: an evening of Mexican flavours, colourful rivalries and live performance in the heart of Sukhumvit.

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Sunset and Seafood at Spectrum Lounge and Bar Above Sukhumvit, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s rooftop venue brings together skyline views, generous seafood dining and evenings that move effortlessly from sunset cocktails to live music. Bangkok rewards a change of perspective, especially as the afternoon light softens and the skyline begins to glow. High above Sukhumvit, Spectrum Lounge & Bar at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a setting in which to enjoy that transition, with an evening that can begin quietly over an aperitif and gather momentum as the city lights come on. Spread across indoor lounges and an open-air rooftop, the multi-level venue allows guests to find their own rhythm. There is room for an unhurried catch-up after work, a dinner for two or a gathering that stretches well beyond the first round. Panoramic city views provide the backdrop, while soulful

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live bands and resident DJs shape the mood as sunset gives way to Bangkok after dark.

suited to a leisurely evening, with the changing skyline offering good reason to pause between plates.

An Appetite for the Ocean

From Aperitifs to After Dark

For those making dinner the centrepiece of the evening, Spectrum Rooftop Grill’s Ocean’s Finest All-YouCan-Eat Seafood Experience offers plenty to linger over. Available Thursday to Sunday from 6pm to 9pm, it is priced at THB 2,888+ per person.

Signature cocktails, a curated wine selection and premium spirits accompany the dining experience, whether the occasion calls for a sunset drink or another round as the music picks up.

The selection draws on an appealing range of seafood, from Andaman rock lobster and Alaskan king crab to Fine de Claire oysters and caviar service. Garlic butter-grilled scallops, tiger prawns, Atlantic salmon and tender cuttlefish add further variety, alongside seafood pasta. The grill also extends beyond the ocean, with Wagyu rib eye, lamb chops and pork ribs, while foie gras adds another indulgent option. It is a spread

With the hotel directly connected to BTS Nana Station, reaching this elevated corner of Sukhumvit is straightforward. The pleasure lies in allowing the evening to unfold: arriving for the last of the daylight, settling in for dinner and staying to enjoy the city in its after-dark element. For reservations, call +66 2 098 1234. Further updates are available on Instagram at @spectrumrooftopbkk.

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A Taste of Friuli at Akira Back Bangkok Zorzettig’s northeastern Italian wines meet contemporary Asian cooking in a five-course dinner at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The umami richness of miso halibut, the gentle heat of gochujang butter and the depth of slow-cooked Wagyu set the scene for an evening exploring Italian wine through Akira Back Bangkok’s distinctive Asian cooking. On Friday, October 30, the restaurant atop Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park welcomes Zorzettig for a five-course dinner showcasing wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia. With more than 150 years of winemaking heritage, Zorzettig brings a sense of provenance to the table. The winery’s export manager, Boris Riccardo, will personally present the wines, guiding guests through the evening’s selections and their relationship with each savoury course.

A welcome glass of Zorzettig Sauvignon opens proceedings before New Style Sashimi introduces Japanese white fish with nambanzu and Parmesan. Paired with Zorzettig Rosato, the opening course brings together fresh flavours and the dry rosé’s fruity character.

For the main course, Wagyu short ribs are slow-cooked for 48 hours and served with potato purée, root vegetables and braising jus. Zorzettig Cabernet Franc brings dark-fruit and black-pepper notes to the pairing, accompanying the beef’s tender texture and savoury depth.

The menu then moves into bolder territory with Hokkaido scallop served in its half shell, accompanied by kimchi, bacon and gochujang butter. Zorzettig Pinot Grigio provides a gentle, vibrant pairing for this richly accented dish.

The final course turns to AB Chocolate in a Cup: a Gianduja hazelnut brownie with rum and raisin ice cream and banana foam. Tea or coffee accompanies this indulgent finish.

Miso halibut follows with garlic spinach and green asparagus, matched with MYO Friulano, the winery’s flagship white. Its fuller body complements the fish’s pronounced umami character, offering one of the evening’s most intriguing combinations.

The Zorzettig Wine Dinner takes place on October 30, 2026, from 6pm to 10pm, priced at THB 4,500++ per person. Seating is limited; reservations can be made through the restaurant’s booking page or by calling 02 059 5999.

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A Golden New Arrival for Thonglor Opening for a soft launch in December 2026, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor brings expressive design, neighbourhood dining and rooftop evenings to one of the capital’s most characterful districts. From morning coffee and Japanese dining to creative hangouts and latenight discoveries, Thonglor moves through many moods. Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor will embrace that changing rhythm when it begins welcoming guests in December 2026, introducing a 250-room, pet-friendly address at the junction of Sukhumvit Road and Thonglor. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ boutique lifestyle brand, the hotel draws inspiration from its surroundings through a molten-gold design theme. At the entrance, a semi-fluid gold sculpture forms the hotel’s name, setting the tone for interiors where dark, textured materials meet warm metallic finishes.

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Steel, copper and marble feature beneath an immense glass wall, while suspended gold drops and a sculptural handrail following a spiral staircase carry the concept through the lobby. Guestrooms and suites will offer varied layouts and views encompassing Sukhumvit’s passing Skytrain, pockets of greenery and Bangkok’s skyline.

From Coffee to Cocktails Beginning on the ground floor and spanning three levels, LAYR is conceived as a neighbourhood living room. Morning coffee, lunch and after-work beers will sit comfortably alongside informal meetings and afternoon work sessions, supported by high-speed WiFi, accessible power points and flexible seating. Higher above the city, TAAFFE takes inspiration from the rare gemstone taaffeite. Its three levels will move from neighbourhood-inspired breakfast on the 38th floor to cocktails and globally

influenced dining with a Thai twist at The Loupe Speak Busy Bar and gastropub on the 39th. Above, Top of TAAFFE will bring sunset views, music and rooftop socialising to the 40th floor.

Space to Unwind A semi-indoor swimming pool on Level 35 will offer a quieter perspective on the skyline, with refreshments and poolside bites from DIP TALK. The Gym, one floor below, will welcome hotel guests around the clock. An integrated pedestrian bridge will connect the hotel directly to BTS Thong Lo Station, making the EM District’s shopping and dining destinations easily accessible. Closer to home, Thonglor’s cafés, restaurants and creative spaces will provide plenty of reasons to explore on foot, with the hotel offering a new base from which to discover the neighbourhood.

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Italy Takes Its Place at Park Hyatt Bangkok From white truffles and regional wines to Sicilian chocolate and Italian coffee rituals, a month-long celebration explores the country’s culinary heritage across the hotel. Italian food culture finds much of its character in the rituals surrounding the meal: gathering at the table, sharing regional specialities and appreciating the people who make them. These traditions shape Italian Heritage at The Park, a collaboration between Park Hyatt Bangkok and the Italian Cultural Institute Bangkok, running from 20 October to 19 November 2026. Presented as part of the XI Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the programme extends the hotel’s connection to Italy beyond Embassy Room La Marina, its Italian coastal restaurant, with experiences devoted to craftsmanship, provenance and the pleasure of discovery.

White Truffles at the Table On 5–6 November, Embassy Room La Marina will host a White Truffle Four-Hands Dinner bringing together Chef Alessio Banchero and Chef Leonardo Zambrino, Executive Chef of the two-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio Shanghai. Their collaboration will explore the prized seasonal ingredient through a specially curated menu inspired by Italian culinary heritage and contemporary technique. Dinner begins at 6pm and is priced at THB 9,500++ per person.

A Taste of Regional Traditions At The Bar, the programme takes a more intimate form. A Modica chocolate workshop on 28 October explores the distinctive texture and craftsmanship of Sicily’s celebrated chocolate, while the Vergnano Experience on 31 October turns to the aromas and rituals of Italian coffee.

Regional wine tastings are scheduled for 23 and 30 October and 6 and 13 November at 6pm. Both the tastings and workshops are by invitation only, with each limited to 15 guests. Elsewhere, the celebration unfolds through smaller indulgences. The Living Room pairs specialty Italian coffee with Tiramisu Cannoncini, while Penthouse Cocktail Bar serves coffee-inspired cocktails created by Fabio Brugnolaro. At The Pool, Coffee Panna Cotta and Campari Granita offer a refreshing expression of the theme. Together, these experiences trace Italy’s culinary identity through its regional flavours and everyday rituals, bringing a sense of conviviality to the hotel’s Bangkok setting. For enquiries and dinner reservations, call +66 2 012 1234 or email bkkph.fb.reservation@hyatt.com.

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The World of Nobu Comes to Bangkok Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns on 24–25 November 2026, bringing seven Nobu destinations together for two evenings that celebrate a culinary journey from Japan and Peru to the Bangkok skyline. Before Nobu became an international dining name, it was the story of a chef learning to see familiar ingredients differently. Japanese training provided the discipline; Peru introduced new flavours and possibilities. That meeting of traditions would become the foundation of a style recognised far beyond the sushi counter. This November, the journey leads back to Nobu Bangkok, where Chef

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Nobu Matsuhisa will join an international gathering of chefs for World of Nobu, followed by a special dinner the next evening.

A Journey Written in Flavour Born in Saitama and trained in Tokyo, Matsuhisa travelled to Peru as a young chef, encountering ingredients that encouraged him to adapt his Japanese repertoire. Later ventures took him through Argentina and Alaska before he established Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills in 1987. The restaurant attracted a devoted following, including Robert De Niro, whose enthusiasm eventually led to

their collaboration on Nobu in New York’s Tribeca in 1994. What followed was an expanding restaurant and hospitality business, built around a culinary identity that could travel while retaining its character. That history gives the Bangkok gathering its significance. Seven destinations will come together around a shared approach to food, each contributing its own expression of the Nobu style.

Seven Destinations Above the City On Tuesday, 24 November, the 57thfloor Event Terrace will welcome Chef Nobu alongside teams from Nobu

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Bangkok, Nobu Dubai, Nobu One Za’abeel, Nobu by the Beach, Nobu Tokyo, Nobu Kuala Lumpur and Nobu Singapore. World of Nobu will take the form of a standing culinary experience, with no assigned seating. Guests can move between live chef stations, sample freshly prepared signature dishes and observe the teams’ craftsmanship at close quarters. The opportunity to meet Chef Nobu adds a personal connection to an evening devoted to his culinary philosophy. Food will be served from 7pm to 10.30pm, with the celebration continuing until 11.30pm. Nobu sakes will accompany the experience, while a live

band gives way to a DJ as the evening progresses.

to experience the restaurant during his visit.

Early-bird tickets, available until 31 October, are THB 2,900 net for food or THB 4,300 net with sake. From 1 November, the respective prices are THB 3,800 and THB 5,800 net. These include a 10% service charge and applicable government taxes; additional Megatix fees apply.

Across three floors, including The Empire’s rooftop, Nobu Bangkok pairs panoramic city views with Rockwell Group interiors inspired by Thai and Japanese aesthetics. It is a setting suited to a cuisine shaped by encounters between cultures.

A Second Evening at the Table On Wednesday, 25 November, a special dinner will offer an exclusive selection of Osusume dishes, or chef’s recommendations, from the same seven destinations. Chef Nobu will also be present, providing another opportunity

For two evenings, the skyline will frame a gathering that connects the chef’s personal journey with the kitchens carrying his ideas forward. Book World of Nobu tickets or reserve a table for the 25 November dinner online. Advance dinner booking is recommended.

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Childhood Flavours at The House of Smooth Curry At The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, Chef Montri draws on his upbringing in Nakhon Sawan for a seasonal menu rooted in family, community and the pleasure of sharing food. For Chef Montri, the foundations of cooking were laid in the kitchens of his childhood in Nakhon Sawan. Preparing meals at home and helping cook for local charity events and religious gatherings, he discovered how closely food could connect family and community. Those early experiences continue to inform his cooking, finding a personal expression in The Flavors from Childhood Memories at The House of Smooth Curry. Available for lunch and dinner from 1 October to 31 December 2026, the seasonal menu revisits dishes and flavours from Thailand’s upper central region.

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Chef Montri brings the knowledge developed throughout his career to these familiar favourites, using premium ingredients and refined techniques while preserving the comforting character of the recipes he remembers. The appeal lies in that connection between memory and craft. These are dishes with a place in the chef’s own story, shaped by the meals, gatherings and traditions that first drew him into the kitchen. Crispy diced red tilapia is served with fresh herbs and a spicy dipping sauce, placing texture and lively seasoning at the forefront. Spicy grilled pork neck with onions and mint leaves offers another expression of the menu’s familiar flavours, while Wagyu beef curry with sweet potatoes brings a richer dimension to the selection.

Together, the dishes offer a glimpse into the food culture of Chef Montri’s upbringing and the ways those early influences have evolved in his hands. The setting may have changed, but the warmth of preparing food for others remains central to the experience. The Flavors from Childhood Memories is priced from THB 420++, with a 10% discount for Marriott Bonvoy members and a 30% discount for Club Marriott members. The House of Smooth Curry is located within the Epicurean Hub on the third floor of The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. For reservations, book online, email THOSC.TheAthenee@ luxurycollection.com or call +66 2 650 8800.

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A Little Riviera, A Little Hua Hin Azure brings Italian warmth and beachfront elegance to the festive season at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. Some festive celebrations call for a change of scenery. Trade the city bustle for a sea breeze, the crowded calendar for an unhurried evening, and suddenly December takes on a rather more appealing rhythm. At Azure, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort’s beachfront Italian restaurant, the year’s final chapter promises good company, generous tables and a distinctly Sicilian sense of occasion. With tables set on the sand, strings of lights overhead and the Gulf of Thailand stretching into the distance, the setting needs little embellishment. Live music carries across the terrace, while the beach provides an inviting backdrop for everything from a family reunion to a festive dinner for two. The culinary personality behind the celebrations is Sicilian-born Executive Chef Mario Caramella, whose approach begins close to home. Seafood is handpicked at Hua Hin’s Chatchai Market, then prepared with the restraint of

Italy’s coastal kitchens, allowing the quality of the catch to lead. Alongside handmade pasta and authentic Italian cooking, it is a meeting of local ingredients and Mediterranean sensibility that feels particularly suited to the seaside. “In Sicily, the festive season means the whole family around the table, with the sea on the menu and no one in a hurry to leave,” says Caramella. That spirit sets the tone for a programme beginning on 27 November 2026 with the Italian Riviera BBQ. Freshly grilled seafood, Italian favourites and live music come together for a relaxed Friday evening by the water—a tempting introduction to the season ahead. Christmas Day brings a festive beachfront BBQ, offering families and friends the chance to gather over a generous meal within easy reach of the waves. For those whose ideal Christmas involves a little less formality and a little more sea air, the appeal is easy to appreciate.

New Year’s Eve takes a more elegant turn. Azure will welcome guests for a seven-course Italian dinner, inspired by the Italian Riviera and served overlooking the Gulf. A dedicated seaside countdown area provides the setting for the final moments of 2026 and the first toast to 2027. There is also good reason to make plans early. Reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day BBQ receive a 20% saving when booked by 24 November 2026. For New Year’s Eve at Azure and the resort’s Retro Riviera New Year’s Eve Gala, the 20% early-booking offer applies until 21 November 2026. Whether the occasion calls for Christmas with the family or a beautifully paced farewell to the year, Azure offers a persuasive invitation: pull up a chair, enjoy the catch, and let the evening linger. For festive reservations: festive. huahin@ihg.com or +66 (0)32 616 999. Explore the programme at huahin. intercontinental.com/festive-celebration.

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Seaside Wellbeing at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Club privileges, restorative spa treatments and time on the tennis court shape a balanced escape on the Hua Hin coast. A stay by the sea takes on a restorative rhythm at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, where the Regency Club Spa Retreat combines Club accommodation with treatments at THE BARAI Spa. Available for stays from 5 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, the offer balances relaxation and recreation, with tennis and other activities adding an energetic counterpoint to time beside the water. Guests staying in a Club Room or Suite receive access to the Regency Club Lounge, with personalised concierge service, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails with canapés. Access to the Regency pool and private beachfront relaxation areas creates further opportunities to slow the pace. Set within the resort’s tropical grounds,

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the accommodation is conveniently placed for the beach and lagoon pools, allowing the day to move naturally between the lounge, the gardens and the shoreline. At the heart of the retreat are two complimentary 60-minute massages at THE BARAI Spa, included per room, per stay. The selection encompasses Aromatherapy, Vitalizing Swedish, Balancing Foot and Traditional Thai massages. A 20 per cent saving on selected à la carte Wellness Signature Experiences extends the possibilities throughout the stay. Together, the inclusions make spa time a central part of the visit, with scope to build a more individual programme around it. For those drawn to a more active seaside break, the tennis courts open daily from 8am to 7pm. Court rental starts at THB 200++ per hour for guests bringing their own equipment, while private les-

sons are available from THB 1,200++ per hour. These separately priced options offer opportunities for an informal game or a focused coaching session. Archery, Muay Thai, yoga, Pilates and fitness classes broaden the resort’s recreational offering, giving guests several ways to balance quieter moments with movement. Located in Khao Takiap, within walking distance of Cicada Market and approximately three hours by car from Bangkok, the resort provides a setting for a coastal escape that can be shaped around personal preferences. Reservations for the Regency Club Spa Retreat must be made by 31 December 2026 using offer code CLSPA, with further information available at hyattregencyhuahin.com. The appeal lies in the flexibility of the experience, from a massage and a leisurely lounge visit to time spent practising on court.

HOT AROUND HUA HIN

Stella Brings Italian Dining to Hua Hin’s Skyline Contemporary Italian cuisine, panoramic sea views and the changing colours of dusk set the scene on the 27th floor of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. An evening at Stella begins with the view. High above Hua Hin, the coastline stretches into the distance while the city gradually lights up below. Arrive before sunset and there is time to appreciate that transition, as daylight softens and dinner takes on the leisurely rhythm of an evening spent in good company.

Located on the 27th floor of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Stella pairs its panoramic setting with contemporary Italian dining. Inside, the restaurant offers an inviting space for an intimate dinner or a celebration with friends. Outdoors, the terrace opens onto the ocean and skyline, with an evening breeze adding to the pleasure of dining above the city. The kitchen draws on Italian culinary traditions, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, balanced flavours and considered presentation. It is an approach well suited to the setting, where the

food and attentive service complement the outlook rather than compete for attention. For a special occasion, the rooftop location gives the evening a natural sense of ceremony. Yet its appeal extends equally to a quieter dinner for two or an unhurried gathering with family. With the coast in view and the bustle of Hua Hin far below, there is every reason to settle in and let the evening unfold. Stella is open daily from 5pm to midnight. For reservations, call 032 809 999 or 032 809 949, or visit theskyhuahin.com.

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HOT AROUND KOH SAMUI

Two MICHELIN Keys for Banyan Tree Samui and Krabi The sister resorts retain their recognition for a third consecutive year, with wellbeing and a strong connection to place shaping each stay. Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi have retained Two MICHELIN Keys for the third consecutive year, recognising the character, design and service of the two southern Thailand retreats. The distinction highlights an approach to hospitality that brings the coastal setting into the experience, from restorative wellbeing programmes to Thai dining overlooking the sea. Across both properties, the sense of retreat extends to the way guests spend their days. On Krabi’s Tubkaek Beach, limestone formations rise from the waters of a marine national park. The Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary offers a personal route into that restorative setting. Pioneered by the Krabi and Samui resorts in October 2021, the programme com-

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bines leisure with activities designed to support mind and body, complemented by nutritious food and individual consultations. Meditation, yoga, Thai boxing, nature trails and sailing lessons are among the wellbeing experiences. Guests staying in Wellbeing Sanctuary Pool Villas and Suites can explore an itinerary of healthy-living experiences, including the Rainforest hydrotherapy facilities available at both resorts. Vitality pools, steam rooms, saunas and ice fountains bring different temperatures and sensations into the spa experience. Alongside massage and other treatments, these facilities give wellbeing a physical presence within the stay, with opportunities to alternate activity and relaxation according to individual interests. Thai culinary heritage finds its expression at Saffron, the signature restaurant at each property. At Banyan Tree Samui, the hillside setting overlooks the Gulf of

Thailand, while the kitchen works with Thai herbs and spices in dishes including crisp rice noodle-wrapped prawns, pomelo salad with tamarind sauce, and Massaman of slow-braised Wagyu beef. At Banyan Tree Krabi, an electric funicular carries guests to Saffron above the resort, where views stretch towards uninhabited Andaman islands. Three Bird’s Nest tables among the trees add a distinctive setting for afternoon tea or sundowners. The resorts’ commitments extend to marine conservation in Koh Samui, support for local fisheries in Krabi, and the elimination of single-use plastics. These sit alongside the warmth of Thai hospitality and the consistency of service emphasised by their general managers. With Two MICHELIN Keys retained, the sister resorts offer two expressions of a shared philosophy, shaped by their coastal landscapes, Thai culinary traditions and opportunities for personal renewal.

BEACHFRONT DUPLEX PENTHOUSE

KHAO TAKIAB / HUA HIN

Baan Lonsai Beachfront living, reimagined.

COASTAL LIVING | DESIGN CONCEPT

333 m²

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The view is yours. Make it your own. Across the 22nd and 23rd floors, this beachfront duplex offers four en-suite bedrooms, a guest bathroom and seven balconies with sweeping Gulf views. Offered unfurnished, it is a canvas for your own coastal retreat, with a beachfront pool and Khao Takiab’s restaurants and shops close at hand. BAAN LONSAI | ACTUAL BUILDING

GLASS & CHROME | CONCEPT

Enquire for current photographs and a private viewing.

KITCHEN | CONCEPT

BEDROOM | CONCEPT

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THB 68,000,000

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Interior images are AI-generated design concepts illustrating potential renovations and furnishings, rather than the property’s current condition. Window views are based on actual photographs taken from the unit. Building photograph shows the existing development.

EXPERIENCE REMARKABLE JOURNEYS. The Swift Trawler 54 is a spacious family home on the water, perfect for long-range cruising. It offers exceptional outdoor space, ample storage, and innovations like Sleipner Vector Gen 3 fins for stability and 360-degree control. Enjoy the journey and the destination. PRIMUS MARINE | info@primus-marine.com | +66 (0) 98 825 1000

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PHOTO: © JEAN BAPTISE D’ENQUIN

37 - 41 - 48 - 54

Patrick Jacobs,

An Artist With A Lens

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Hua Hin, Thailand

To view more of Patrick’s work visit, facebook.com/Fotosbypatrick.jacobs Patrick is reachable at patrickhasselt@hotmail.be

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Hua Hin, Thailand

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Hua Hin, Thailand

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Hua Hin, Thailand

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Let’s Meet, Serge Cuypers HM: What is your full name, and your current Job Position? SC: Serge Cuypers, Cluster General Manager for Anantara Hua Hin, the original Anantara property and brand foundation, and NH Hua Hin. HM: How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin? SC: Living in Hua Hin is very recent… but I have visited Hua Hin several times since 1996 when I first lived in Thailand. HM: What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here? SC: To me it is Thailand’s original seaside resort destination and one cherished by the Bangkok residents for its tranquil coastal charm. HM: What do you like most about your profession? SC: Whilst this trade has allowed me to travel the world and experience many diverse cultures, it has above all allowed me to meet some incredible people… from Hollywood A-listers, Royal family members, intriguing discerning travelers, to the humblest and most dedicated colleagues I have cherished working with. Also, every day provides a new perspective and experience… fun and unpredictable. HM: What do you like least about your profession? SC: That’s a tough question… Hoteliers are passionate professionals that handle challenges and pain points in stride on daily basis… nothing in particular. HM: What do you like most about Hua Hin? SC: The Hua Hin residents are very friendly and welcoming, the town is very clean, lots of great local food… and having just relocated from Phuket, I find the lack of mad traffic is a real blessing. HM: What is your favorite restaurant and why? (please don’t promote your own restaurants)

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SC: Since I have only been living in HH since a couple of weeks, I feel I could not give you fair answer… so far, I have enjoyed dining at Pane & Focaccia for its delicious authentic Italian fares, at Praça for a creative take on Thai favorites and Aowtakiab for great Thai seafood… and looking to discover many more. HM: What do you like to do in your free time and why? SC: Usually, I start the day early in the gym, followed by a nice beach walk with my wife and dog or a bike ride… then the day is dedicated to my wife to either discover new local sights or catching up with friends around a nice meal and bottle of wine. HM: What would you recommend newcomers to do in Hua Hin and why? SC: Whilst mainly a beach destination, a nice drive up to the many waterfalls or National Parks and Monsoon Valley always provides a great day out, followed by one of the many night markets to experience some real local street food. HM: Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you? SC: My work life spans very diverse industries and experiences, from ski instructor, part-time construction worker, professional chef to a traveled luxury hotelier. HM: What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done? SC: I have practiced many extreme sports in my native Swiss mountains, but what is really outlandish nowadays when you see people queuing up Mount Everest. What has left the strongest memories, has been the privilege to meet wild gorillas in Rwanda, and working with ‘retired’ elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle… nothing like nature!

Let’s Meet

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Dusit Thani Bangkok Receives HOT Magazine Signature Award 2026

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Best Luxury City Hotel in Bangkok HOT Magazine is delighted to present the 2026 Signature Award for Best Luxury City Hotel in Bangkok to Dusit Thani Bangkok, recognising a landmark return that has redefined one of the capital’s most cherished addresses. For more than five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok occupied a singular place in the city’s skyline and social imagination. When it first opened in 1970, its distinctive golden spire, Thai-inspired architecture and gracious hospitality established it as a symbol of modern Bangkok. Its return, rebuilt from the ground up and reopened in September 2024, has preserved that emotional connection while creating a hotel suited to a new generation of international travellers. Dusit Thani Bangkok The achievement lies in the intelligence of the transformation. Rather than treating heritage as a decorative reference, the new Dusit Thani has woven original elements into its contemporary identity. The celebrated golden spire has returned, while treasured murals, carved teak ceiling panels, decorative pillars and details from the original hotel have been carefully preserved and reinterpreted. André Fu Studio’s interiors bring a calm, contemporary elegance to this inheritance, using warm tones, refined materials and subtle Thai motifs to create spaces with both memory and momentum.

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Its position opposite Lumphini Park remains one of Bangkok’s great advantages. All 257 guest rooms look towards the park, with cantilevered window seats designed to make the green expanse part of the stay. In a city where scale and movement are constant, that direct relationship with landscape gives the hotel a rare sense of calm. The hotel’s renewed dining and social life strengthens its role as a destination beyond its guestrooms. From its heritage spaces to the new Spire Rooftop Bar, positioned beside the reinstated golden spire, Dusit Thani Bangkok has returned as a place where Bangkok can gather, celebrate and look outward. This Signature Award recognises more than a successful reopening. It honours a hotel that has managed the difficult task of becoming new without losing its soul—an enduring Bangkok icon, reimagined with confidence, craftsmanship and unmistakable Thai graciousness.

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BANGKOK ART BIENNALE 2026

Along the Chao Phraya, temple spires rise above the river traffic. In Siam, the Skytrain arrives amid a landscape of glass, fashion and glowing screens. Bangkok’s beauty emerges through these changing scenes, each revealing a city where devotion, commerce and imagination have long shared the streets. This October, the Bangkok Art Biennale invites a closer look, bringing contemporary art into some of the capital’s most distinctive settings.

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Running from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027, the fifth edition takes the theme Angels & Mara. More than 200 works by 72 artists from 29 nationalities will be presented across 11 venues. Among them are Siam Paragon, Wat Pho, the National Museum Bangkok, One Bangkok and Wat Prayoon. Together, these locations make the Biennale an invitation to explore the capital, with the journey between exhibitions becoming part of its appeal.

The title draws on Bangkok’s identity as Krung Thep, the City of Angels, and on Mara, the Buddhist figure associated with temptation and the obstacles to enlightenment. Its possibilities extend well beyond a contest between virtue and vice. Beauty can conceal unease, pleasure can become excess, and an apparently familiar image can reveal something unexpected about the person looking at it.

Art along the river Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, gives the programme a setting rich in craftsmanship and spiritual meaning. Beside the Grand Palace, its decorated chedis and temple courtyards offer an absorbing encounter with Bangkok’s artistic heritage. The celebrated reclining Buddha stretches 46 metres, its gilded surface and mother-of-pearl-inlaid

soles rewarding attention to scale and detail. Contemporary art enters a place where images already carry profound significance, giving the Biennale’s questions about desire and enlightenment a particularly resonant context. The National Museum Bangkok adds another layer to that conversation. Housed within the former Front Palace, or Wang Na, in the historic

Phra Nakhon district, it places the exhibition within a setting shaped by royal history and Thailand’s artistic traditions. A visit invites the eye to move between the language of contemporary art and the architecture of the palace complex. Here, Bangkok’s past becomes an active part of the experience, lending perspective to the new ideas unfolding within it.

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Across the river in Thonburi, Wat Prayoon brings the Biennale into a different rhythm of neighbourhood life. Its great white, bell-shaped chedi rises above the temple compound, an elegant landmark within the historic Kadeejeen area. The restoration of the chedi and adjoining pavilion received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage conservation Award of Excellence in 2013. As an exhibition venue, the temple offers a compelling meeting of living heritage and contemporary creativity, while encouraging a longer look at the communities along the river. These riverside settings establish a thoughtful context for the artists’ explorations of appearance, belief and human appetite. The works themselves range from meticulously staged fantasies to images that make the familiar city feel newly mysterious.

The seductive surface Few artists make visual extravagance as intriguing as AES+F. The collective works across photography, film and digital media, constructing elaborate worlds that examine contemporary culture. In The Feast of Trimalchio: Bacchanalia with Parrots (2025), a grand architectural setting becomes the stage for a densely populated tableau. White clothing, immaculate uniforms and brilliant birds give the scene an almost impossibly polished finish.

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The wider Trimalchio project imagines an extravagant resort and examines the relationship between its guests and those who serve them. Its appeal lies partly in the precision of that seduction: the scene attracts the eye before its choreography of leisure, labour and privilege begins to register. Within Angels & Mara, it offers a particularly apt way into the uncertain territory between pleasure and appetite. Mandy El-Sayegh brings a different kind of density. The London-based artist builds paintings and installations from layered materials, drawing on newspapers, advertising, maps and calligraphy. Her work makes the fragments through which we absorb the world feel physically present, sometimes overwhelming. Her installation for the 2025 exhibition 00:00:01 at Public Gallery in London occupied a shopfront, extending into its signage and graffiti. Paintings from her Burning Square series appeared alongside found objects and material from her personal archive. The resulting view rewards close attention: lettering competes with colour, objects interrupt the painted surface, and the boundary between an artwork and an ordinary street frontage becomes difficult to settle. It is a revealing introduction to an artist concerned with how meaning accumulates.

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Behind the face The theatrical image takes a more confrontational turn with Yasumasa Morimura. Across four decades, the Japanese artist has transformed himself through photographic self-portraits, inhabiting figures from art history and popular culture to question identity, gender and the authority of familiar images. Mother (Judith III), made in 1991, holds the eye through its extraordinary styling. Against a vivid red ground, an elaborately adorned figure carries a sword; flowers surround the severed head below. Gold surfaces and carefully staged costume lend the photograph a seductive richness, while its subject unsettles that first impression. Morimura’s transformations invite a second look at the roles an image asks us to accept, and at who has the freedom to occupy them. Nazanin Pouyandeh approaches self-representation through painting. Born in Tehran and based in France, she places the female figure at the centre of compositions that draw freely across cultural traditions and move between recognisable reality and dream. In Self-portrait With Mask and Mirror (2023), a small mirror and a vividly coloured mask frame the artist’s face. Another mask hangs above, introducing a further watchful presence. The painting’s direct gaze anchors

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its carefully arranged ambiguities. What appears at first to be a portrait becomes a study in the many ways a self can be revealed, reflected or concealed. Its intimate scale provides a compelling counterpoint to the Biennale’s more expansive visual spectacles.

Bodies in colour and motion For Chetsada Phuwiang, intimacy emerges through the painted surface. The Suphan Buri-based artist uses materials including sand, acrylic and oil, combining textured passages with soft colour transitions to explore queer sensuality and the fleeting nature of closeness. Monochromatic Night 2 (2023), made with acrylic and sand on canvas, brings cool blues and greens into contact with glowing reds and orange. Rounded forms seem to pass into one another, suggesting bodily presence without resolving into a fixed scene. Its grain and atmosphere encourage a slower kind of looking, in which sensation matters as much as recognition. The work gives desire a language of texture and colour. The body becomes more assertive in Manop Suwanpinta’s sculpture. His practice considers the relationship between physical existence and the human spirit, using the figure to encourage reflection on the balance between material concerns and inner life.

Coyotes Dance (2006) presents a group of larger-than-life figures in painted fibreglass. Their metallic appearance, elongated proportions and poised gestures give the ensemble an arresting rhythm. Seen together, the figures suggest a performance held momentarily still, with their turning bodies directing attention around the group. The sculpture’s immediate appeal opens onto a more searching consideration of the body as an object of display. Udom Taephanich introduces a more mischievous visual register. Widely known for stand-up comedy, he has sustained an artistic practice alongside his performances, treating both as ways of observing the world and reflecting it back to others. The colourful sculptural world pictured in his 2025 solo exhibition Lost in DOMLAND reveals that sensibility at exuberant volume. Glossy, curving forms and improbable characters occupy white plinths with a confidence all their own. Their humour offers an accessible point of entry, while the unfamiliar shapes keep the encounter open-ended. In a programme concerned with human contradictions, playfulness has a useful role: it can draw us towards questions we might otherwise resist.

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Bangkok in another light Two photographers with longstanding connections to Bangkok bring the city itself into focus. Cedric Arnold combines a documentary background with experiments in moving image, sound and mixed media. His work examines how we experience time, memory and reality. The dramatic sky above the city in the 2021 still from Not T/here lends an everyday skyline a charged, unfamiliar atmosphere. The project began with a prelude during the pandemic and has developed into an experimental documentary concerned with the stories through which people understand their lives. Its full presentation is due to launch at the 2026 Biennale. That evolution gives the earlier image a particular resonance: it records a moment of uncertainty within a longer enquiry into how the past is remembered. Ralf Tooten’s Bangkok Noir turns towards the quieter discoveries of darkness. The German photographer, based in Bangkok since 2003, has explored the city through portraiture, architecture and documentary projects. In the photograph reproduced here, open shutters frame a dim interior and a glimpse of the illuminated street beyond. Much of the scene remains in shadow. Looking becomes an act of adjustment, as details gradually emerge and the familiar city acquires a more private atmosphere.

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The contemporary capital The atmosphere changes again at Siam Paragon. Positioned beside Siam BTS station, this luxury shopping destination brings the Biennale into one of Bangkok’s busiest meeting points. Fashion, dining and the movement of the city surround an encounter with contemporary art. Within an exhibition exploring temptation and desire, that setting has its own resonance: the experience of looking unfolds amid the carefully composed allure of modern consumer culture. One Bangkok introduces another expression of the contemporary capital. At Wireless and Rama IV Roads, close to Lumphini Park, the district combines striking towers with landscaped public spaces, shopping and dining. Its place in the Biennale extends an existing commitment to art within the urban environment. The setting encourages an unhurried visit, with time to take in the architecture and greenery between exhibitions, and to see how creativity can become part of a developing neighbourhood’s identity.

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Elsewhere, Wat Arun, Museum Siam, Alliance Française Bangkok and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre add further perspectives to the programme. Taken together, the venues trace a city through its sacred spaces, cultural institutions and gathering places. There is pleasure in planning a day around those changes of scene, allowing an exhibition visit to lead towards a riverside lunch, a walk through the old city or an evening beneath the lights of Siam. Angels & Mara gives that journey a thoughtful focus. A theatrical portrait may remain in the mind while crossing the river; the shadows in a photograph may sharpen awareness of a familiar street after sunset. Through such encounters, the art changes the way Bangkok is seen, while Bangkok gives each encounter a character of its own. The city’s splendour, contradictions and restless energy remain present throughout, with ample reason to explore a little further. Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 runs from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027. For venue details and programme updates, visit bkkartbiennale.com.

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Limited Plots Remaining in one of Hua Hin’s Most Sought-After Community’s

Highland Villas continues to be the choice for buyers who value quality construction, space, privacy, and a refined Hua Hin lifestyle - where modern living meets mountain air and effortless access to town, beaches, golf, and international schools.

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Bill Heinecke, From Bangkok Beginnings to a Global Legacy 58

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From teenage entrepreneur to global hotelier, Minor International’s founder has built a remarkable legacy encompassing hospitality, philanthropy and a lifelong passion for beautiful cars.

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At the Tower of London on 1 October, William E. “Bill” Heinecke received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards. For the founder and chairman of Minor International, it was recognition of a career that has helped carry Thailand’s hospitality onto the world stage. The evening brought two further honours: Anantara was named Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year, while Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas won Best New Hotel in the World. It is quite a distance from an office cleaning business in Bangkok to a celebration beside the Crown Jewels. Yet the connection is unmistakably Heinecke: an appetite for opportunity, followed by the determination to turn a promising idea into something substantial. His entrepreneurial instincts emerged early. Arriving in Bangkok with his family in 1963, aged 14, he developed an enthusiasm for go-karting and persuaded the Bangkok World newspaper to let him write about it. The arrangement required him to sell advertising, too. He proved remarkably good at that part of the assignment, discovering that commercial ambition could fund a personal passion.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

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In 1967, at just 17, he established an advertising agency, Inter-Asian Publicity, and an office cleaning company, Inter-Asian Enterprises. These were the beginnings of the business that became Minor International. The name reflected his legal status: its founder was still a minor. Few corporate names have become quite such an enduring understatement. Hospitality followed in 1978 with the Royal Garden Resort in Pattaya. Restaurants became another important strand, with an international pizza franchise arriving in 1980 and The Pizza Company launching in 2001. Heinecke’s achievement lay in recognising opportunities across different parts of everyday life, then building businesses with the scale to serve them consistently. International expansion gathered momentum through acquisitions including Oaks in Australia, Tivoli in Europe and South America, and NH Hotel Group in 2018. Today, Minor Hotels reports more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 67 countries. What began with small businesses in Bangkok now reaches across continents.

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Anantara Hua Hin Resort

When HOT sat down with him for a one on one interview, he described building a business much as one builds a wall: begin with a successful idea, then add carefully to it. Trying to imagine the entire structure from the outset, he suggested, could prevent the work from beginning. Such growth has demanded resilience as well as imagination. Heinecke has guided the group through the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis and the extraordinary disruption of COVID-19. Speaking at Singapore Management University in 2020, he described the importance of remaining calm, securing liquidity and establishing priorities. Behind the glamorous destinations sits an entrepreneur thoroughly acquainted with difficult decisions. He has also been candid about the time involved. At the same university discussion, he cautioned against compressing decades of experience into a handful of years. Teams, knowledge and judgement need time to develop. For all his readiness to seize an opening, patience has been essential to sustaining the result. For Anantara, the first brick stands in Hua Hin. In 2001, the Royal Garden Village was rebranded as Anantara, becoming the first Anantara hotel anywhere in the world. The distinction gives Anantara Hua Hin Resort a special place in contemporary Thai hospitality. Before the brand’s international collection, there was this seaside retreat, drawing its character from the country in which it began. Its gardens were designed by the internationally renowned Bill Bensley. Across approximately 14 acres, tropical planting, lagoons and lotus ponds frame a resort conceived in the spirit of an ancient Thai village. Low buildings and gabled roofs sit within the landscape, allowing greenery and water to shape the experience. The pleasure lies in the relationship between the architecture and its setting: a garden view, a shaded passage, the sea beyond. Here, luxury has room to breathe. The landscape makes an impression through atmosphere and intimacy, qualities that help explain why the original Anantara remains significant after a quarter of a century.

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The resort relaunched following a comprehensive renovation in November 2025, bringing renewed rooms, refreshed pools and new family facilities to its established setting. Its continuing evolution offers a useful insight into Heinecke’s wider approach: heritage provides a foundation, while changing expectations require fresh attention. That balance is visible in Anantara’s latest award winner. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas occupies an island setting in Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi, with 148 suites, beachfront pool villas and sea-view penthouses. Its Best New Hotel in the World title brings another international distinction to the brand’s Thai roots. The pleasure of such recognition is easy to understand. More revealing, perhaps, is how Heinecke’s success has created opportunities beyond the business itself. Education has been a longstanding commitment. Established in 1995, the Heinecke Foundation supports children and young people through scholarships, helping families overcome financial barriers to study. Minor’s 2025 sustainability report records 1,814 scholarships worth more than THB 12 million that year, supporting employees’ children and communities surrounding its operations in Thailand.

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The emphasis is practical and enduring. A scholarship can influence the course of a young person’s life long after a presentation ceremony, widening choices that might otherwise remain beyond reach. His attachment to Thailand also extends to its elephants. The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, established in collaboration with Anantara Golden Triangle in 2006, supports elephant welfare alongside the livelihoods of mahouts and their families. Its work includes veterinary care, food and shelter, research and conservation partnerships. Caring for the animals and supporting the people responsible for them are treated as connected responsibilities. Minor’s Founder’s Day brings that spirit into the company’s annual calendar. In 2024, more than 3,000 employees contributed over 10,000 volunteering hours through its associated community initiatives. The reach of the business gives these local efforts an international dimension.

Bill with his wife Kathy and son John on Founders Day.

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Away from hospitality, Heinecke’s love of cars offers another view of his enthusiasm for craftsmanship and experience. In his HOT interview, he spoke of a collection of around 33 cars in Europe and the United States, and confirmed that he still owned a Ferrari previously belonging to Clint Eastwood. And Bill's passion for classic motoring continues to grow: a May 2026 profile in Soul of Hospitality placed his collection at approximately 40–45 cars, alongside 10–15 motorcycles. There is an appealing continuity between the teenager writing about go-karts and the collector enjoying exceptional machinery decades later. The scale has changed; the fascination with driving remains. In 2026, that passion found a public expression through the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma. Hosted by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, the event brought rare Italian automobiles to the Eternal City, placing automotive heritage within a setting of hospitality and architectural grandeur. It was a natural meeting of interests for a hotelier whose work so often turns on the character of a place. Beautiful cars acquire another dimension when they are enjoyed in surroundings worthy of their design. A lifetime achievement award necessarily looks backwards. Heinecke’s story, however, still invites attention to what comes next. Its beginnings remain wonderfully modest: a teenager selling advertisements, two small Bangkok businesses, a first hotel. From those foundations came a global group, a distinctly Thai luxury brand and opportunities reaching well beyond its guests. In Hua Hin, the gardens of the first Anantara offer a fitting place to consider that journey. A lasting vision can begin on a surprisingly human scale.

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Strength for Life: A Conversation with Dr Pyong A full round of golf, an ambitious travel itinerary, the freedom to live independently: the rewards of ageing well are often found in the experiences we can continue to enjoy. For Dr Kantaphong Thongrong, known as Dr Pyong, preserving that freedom is the driving ambition behind a new chapter at PYONG Rehabilitation Group. A specialist in rehabilitation medicine and the group’s Founder and CEO, Dr Pyong has spent his career helping people rebuild their lives after illness, injury and neurological conditions. That experience has shaped a broader ambition: to apply the principles of rehabilitation earlier, helping people maintain strength, mobility and resilience before declining function begins to limit everyday life. Located on the 11th floor of Bangkok’s Gaysorn Tower, the Proactive Longevity & Human Performance Lab brings that philosophy to the heart of Ratchaprasong. Its approach centres on a personalised “Longevity Blueprint”, translating health assessments into an individual plan for care and daily habits. Alongside it, the PYONG Proactive Longevity Society introduces a private setting where health appointments, recovery and social connection can become part of a regular routine. At the heart of modern wellness lies an increasingly important question: how can we not only live longer, but live better, preserving the strength, independence, and mental clarity that allow us to embrace life's experiences to the fullest? As advances in rehabilitation medicine and personalised healthcare contin-

ue to reshape approaches to healthy ageing, the pursuit of longevity is becoming as much about the quality of our years as the number we live. It was therefore with great pleasure and genuine anticipation that HOT Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Pyong for an exclusive interview exploring his distinctive approach to rehabilitation, proactive healthcare, and the pursuit of lifelong vitality. Drawing on his extensive experience helping patients recover from debilitating injuries and neurological conditions, Dr. Pyong shares the philosophy behind his latest venture, the Proactive Longevity & Human Performance Lab, and explains how personalised assessments, innovative rehabilitation technologies, and carefully considered lifestyle changes can help individuals maintain their physical and cognitive well-being. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Pyong offers fascinating insights into the possibilities and limitations of modern rehabilitation, the importance of taking a proactive approach to ageing, and the everyday habits he believes are essential to preserving quality of life. In a particularly personal moment, he also reveals which of his own wellness principles he finds most challenging to follow. HM: Your background is in rehabilitation medicine. What did helping people recover from illness or injury teach you about ageing, and how did that inspire the new Proactive Longevity & Human Performance Lab?

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Dr. P: Throughout my career as a physiatrist, treating patients recovering from strokes, neurological conditions, and severe musculoskeletal injuries, I noticed a sobering pattern. Traditional medicine is mostly reactive; we catch patients at the bottom of the cliff, waiting for the machine to break down before we try to fix it. Helping people fight to regain their independence taught me that "ageing" and physical decline are rarely sudden events. They are the slow, silent accumulation of cellular damage, micro-injuries, and biomechanical imbalances over decades. This realization inspired the Proactive Longevity & Human Performance Lab. I wanted to apply the "Rehabilitation Mind", the rigorous science, advanced technologies, and intense protocols we use to restore function in patients with severe conditions to healthy individuals before they decline. We call this "Health-data-driven Prehabilitation." By combining world-class robotic and hi-tech rehabilitation (Outside-In) with deep cellular healing (Inside-Out), we aim to extend not just lifespan, but healthspan, helping people actively re-engineer their bodies for peak performance. HM: “Longevity” and “rejuvenation” can mean different things to different people. For someone in their sixties or seventies who wants to keep travelling, playing golf and living independently, what can longevity medicine realistically offer? Dr. P: For this active demographic, longevity isn't about chasing science-fiction immortality; it is about uncompromising functional independence and an exceptional quality of life. Realistically, longevity medicine offers the ability to decelerate biological wear and tear so your body never becomes a barrier to your lifestyle. For the enthusiastic golfer or global traveller, rejuvenation means addressing the silent loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), joint degradation, and vascular decline. We don't just offer wellness advice, we apply targeted approaches. By pinpointing exact biomechanical limits, we might use Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) for deep cellular tissue repair or zero-impact aquatic therapy to correct movement mechanics without joint friction. We realistically offer the preservation of power, balance, and the freedom to play a full 18 holes without spending the next two days recovering in pain.

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HM: Your approach begins with a personalised “Longevity Blueprint”. Could you walk us through a first consultation, explaining which assessments genuinely help guide care and how the results become a practical plan for everyday life? Dr. P: Sustainable health cannot be built on guesswork. A standard annual check-up tells you if you are sick; our Longevity Blueprint tells you exactly how well you are ageing through a 360-degree bio-analytical mapping of your body. During a first consultation, we measure everything with precision. We perform a 3D AI Full Body Structural Analysis to detect hidden postural misalignments and Advanced

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to evaluate muscle-to-visceral-fat ratios. We also dive into Advanced Systemic Blood Profiling, looking beyond basic cholesterol to measure silent inflammaging (hsCRP), vascular risks (ApoB), and executive stress hormones (Cortisol). This intense data translates into a practical, "Curated by Experts" Lifestyle Prescription. If we find your vascular markers are declining and muscle mass is dropping, your plan will dictate an exact dosage of specific resistance training, targeted nutritional adjustments, and perhaps high-intensity clinical therapies. It is a hyper-personalized, actionable roadmap for your daily life.

HM: People sometimes accept declining strength, stiffness or poor balance as simply part of getting older. How do you distinguish changes that deserve medical attention from those that can be improved through targeted exercise and rehabilitation— even when someone is starting later in life? Dr. P: I would strongly reject the mindset that severe stiffness, pain, or poor balance are "just part of getting older." To distinguish between natural age-related changes and treatable mechanical failures, we rely on objective diagnostics like High-Resolution Ultrasound, force plates, and AI movement tracking.

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If the ultrasound reveals a structural tear, severe cartilage degradation, or nerve compression, it requires direct medical attention, such as our ultrasound-guided regenerative injections to repair tissues at the source. However, if the data shows neuromuscular deconditioning (the brain isn't firing the muscle properly), it requires targeted rehabilitation. Even later in life, the nervous system has incredible neuroplasticity. We use advanced technologies like our Zero-Gravity hoists, dynamic robotic balance training platform, robotic exoskeletons, or Aquatic Treadmills (Hydrotherapy) to offload up to 80% of body weight. This allows older adults to train balance and strength at the proper dosage and intensity with zero risk of falling or joint friction, rebuilding profound neuromuscular control safely. HM: Preserving memory and mental sharpness is an important part of ageing well. What does your cognitive health programme involve, and how do you distinguish everyday concerns from symptoms that require specialist investigation? Dr. P: Physical vitality means little without a razor-sharp mind. Everyday concerns, like "Brain Fog," are often reversible symptoms of silent stress, poor deep sleep, or hormonal imbalances. However, when memory issues disrupt executive function or spatial awareness, it requires specialist investigation. At our Cognitive Restoration & Brain Health Center, we use advanced brainwave (EEG) assessments to distinguish between stress-induced fatigue and

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genuine early-stage neurological decline. For executive burnout and stress, we utilize neuromodulation technologies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to balance neurotransmitters, improve sleep architecture, and regulate mood. For cognitive decline, we integrate revolutionary Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), which delivers safe acoustic pulses deep into the brain to physically stimulate neuroplasticity and neural pathways associated with memory. HM: The centre offers treatments including intravenous therapies, hyperbaric oxygen and red light therapy. Which uses have the strongest clinical evidence, where is the science still emerging, and how do you assess suitability and risks for older patients taking regular medication? Dr. P: Every modality at PYONG Rehabilitation Center is governed by strict clinical evidence and administered with the correct dosage, intensity, and spec. Red Light Therapy (Mitochondrial Photobiomodulation) has exceptionally robust evidence; we use devices emitting multiple specific wavelengths that penetrate deep into joints to stimulate ATP (cellular energy) production with 7 full body panel covering for assuredly maximizing the body to trigger that pathway within just 10-15 minutes per session and accelerate tissue repair. Intravenous (IV) therapies, when properly formulated with ALA, High-Dose Vitamin C or BCAAs, are highly evidence-based for acute fatigue reduction and post-exertion recovery.

Where we differ entirely from other settings is our strict Clinical Governance. Because these are medical-grade interventions, patient safety is absolute. Before prescribing any systemic therapy, our physicians conduct a comprehensive review of the patient's lab panels—meticulously checking liver and kidney function (like eGFR) against their current medications. This ensures that every intervention is perfectly calibrated, effective, and impeccably safe for their specific biology. HM: The photographs suggest a setting where people can relax and socialise, and your Longevity Society encourages regular visits. How do you turn that appealing experience into sustained health improvements, and what measurable changes would you look for over six or twelve months? Dr. P: We intentionally designed the PYONG Proactive Longevity Club as an "Elite Third Space" with a "Medical Luxury" ethos. Traditional hospitals remind you that you are sick; PYONG reminds you of your potential. When the environment is cozy, private, and relaxing enough, patient compliance skyrockets. They actually want to come in, which allows us to deliver the sustained intensity and dosage of prehabilitation required for real results We turn this lifestyle habit into physiological change by continually tracking objective data. Over six to twelve months, we look for highly measurable changes: a quantifiable increase in VO2 Max, an optimized muscle-to-visceral-fat ratio, lowered systemic inflammatory markers (hs-CRP), visually corrected structural alignment on our 3D scans, and most importantly, vastly improved functional independence and a pain-free life. HM: Beyond the new longevity lab, PYONG’s services include neurorehabilitation, pain management, sports medicine and men’s wellness. Could you introduce the other specialist centres and explain the kinds of patients each is designed to help? Dr. P: To offer a truly holistic ecosystem of care, we operate 8 Centers of Excellence bridging from muscle to brain:

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● PYONG MEN (Advanced Performance Center): Dedicated to male executives, utilizing a 4-Dimensional Framework (Structural, Neurological, Vascular, Hormonal) to decode and optimize peak masculine performance, vitality, pelvic strength and sexual health. ● Pain Interventional Management & Regeneration Center: For those with chronic musculoskeletal pain or sports injuries. We move beyond endless painkillers by using ultrasound-guided regenerative injections (Hydrodissection, Prolotherapy, PRP, Growth Factor, HA, Atelocollagen), western-style acupuncture (dry needling) and hi-tech physiotherapeutic machines like Focused Shock Wave, Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS), High-Power Laser and Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) to repair tissues at the source. ● Stroke Intensive & Parkinson’s Movement Centers: Handling complex neurological cases using advanced robotics (like Upper Limb/Lower Limb Exoskeletons) and novel brain stimulation (TMS, TPS, tDCS, CES) to maximize neuroplasticity and restore independence. ● International Medical Excellence Center: Designed for our global patients, offering multilingual support and intensive, accelerated 4-hour rehabilitation immersions. Arabic, Myanmar and Chinese translators are on-duty. HM: For someone whose plans for an active retirement have been interrupted by persistent pain, surgery or a neurological condition, how do your teams coordinate care? Could you share an anonymised example that illustrates both the possibilities and the limits of rehabilitation? Dr. P: Because we assemble transdisciplinary teams—rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and specialized doctors (neurologist, cardiologist, gynelogist, psychologist) under one roof, coordination is seamless. We function as one unified brain. Consider "David," a 68-year-old executive whose retirement dream of travelling was halted by severe right knee osteoarthritis and compensatory lower back pain. Surgery was recommended elsewhere, but he wanted a proactive approach. First, our rehab doctors utilized precise, ultrasound-guided regenerative injections to aggressively manage intra-articular inflammation and lubricate the joint. Simultaneously, our physiotherapy team transitioned him into

our Hydrotherapy underwater treadmill and isokinetic mode of exercise. The buoyancy offloaded 80% of his body weight, allowing him to rebuild the supporting leg muscles with zero friction at the right intensity. The limit of rehabilitation is that we cannot reverse chronological time or instantly create a brand-new biological joint if it is entirely bone-on-bone. If surgery is ultimately required, our prehabilitation ensures a vastly superior post-operative recovery. However, the possibility we achieved for David was reducing his pain by over 70% and giving him back the ability to travel comfortably, entirely without surgery. HM: Away from the clinic, what three everyday habits would you prioritise for someone over sixty who wants to age well— and which do you find most challenging to maintain yourself? Dr. P: Intentional, Dosed Movement (Resistance Training): Don't just walk. Muscle mass is the currency of healthy aging; it protects your joints, regulates metabolic health, and stimulates growth hormones. Prioritize resistance training at an appropriate intensity. Managing "Silent Stress": Actively regulate your nervous system. Protecting your deep sleep architecture is vital, as this is when the brain clears out toxic metabolic waste associated with cognitive decline. Endothelial-Friendly Nutrition: Prioritize a diet that protects your blood vessels and manages systemic inflammation. Vascular health dictates the health of every other organ, including the brain. Personally, managing "silent stress" and protecting my sleep is my greatest challenge. As a founder balancing clinical leadership, patient care, and driving healthcare innovation across our hospital group, it is incredibly easy to let the mind race into the night. It requires immense personal discipline to practice what I preach, ensuring I carve out time to unplug, reset my own nervous system, and apply the "Rehabilitation Mind" to my own life.

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When the Hotel Bar Becomes the Evening

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Bangkok’s most compelling nightcaps now unfold in rooms where heritage, design and theatre matter as much as what is in the glass.

Bamboo Bar

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There was a time when a hotel bar was simply the civilised place to wait before dinner, or to retreat after it. Bangkok has moved far beyond that modest role. Its finest hotel bars have become destinations in their own right: rooms with a point of view, where old ritual meets contemporary cocktail culture, and where a welltimed drink can offer an unusually vivid reading of the city. The original grand hotel bar remains The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Opened in 1947, it was Bangkok’s first jazz venue and still has the confidence of a place that does not need to announce its importance. Its dark, bamboo-lined interior and live music conjure a slightly cinematic version of the city, while the current Evolution cocktail menu uses local ingredients to refresh the story rather than preserve it under glass. A live band takes the stage most evenings, and the atmosphere rewards an unhurried arrival: order a classic, settle in, and let the room do what it has done for generations. Over the decades, Bangkok's legendary Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental has seen its fair share of music royalty drop by, unwind, and occasionally jump on stage for an unscripted session.

Bamboo Bar

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Bamboo Bar

Because it has served as a premier institution for live jazz and blues since 1947, impromptu moments and surprise celebrity visits have featured legendary names such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Dionne Warwick, alongside rock icons like Mick Jagger, who have all been known to frequent or grace the venue. The most enduring story is that Ray Charles may have joined the house band for an impromptu session during a 1977 visit—a tale best treated as part of the bar’s rich lore rather than a strictly documented performance. What is beyond question is the room’s long-standing ability to bring musicians, travellers and Bangkok society together in the same intimate late-night setting.

Bamboo Bar

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Bangkok Social Club

At Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, BKK Social Club takes a distinctly more international route. Its Mexico City-inspired glamour, polished brass and late-night energy make it feel less like a hotel amenity than a standalone social address with exceptionally good service. The bar’s cocktail programme draws on Mexican spirits and stories, but its appeal is in the balance: the drama is real, yet the room remains warm rather than self-conscious. It is also Bangkok’s most decorated hotel-bar export, currently placed No. 20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list. The newest chapter belongs to Spire Rooftop Bar at the reborn Dusit Thani Bangkok. Here, the preserved golden spire of the original hotel becomes more than an architectural reference; it is the emotional centre of the experience. Cocktails designed with the team behind Tropic City bring a tropical, playful energy to the skyline setting, while the view across Lumphini and the city’s changing centre gives the evening a sense of occasion. It is a particularly smart example of how a rebuilt hotel can honour memory without becoming nostalgic.

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The St Regis Bar

A quieter form of glamour is found at 1872, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok’s all-day bar and lounge. Named for the birth year of Nai Lert, the visionary whose legacy shapes the property, it occupies the ninth floor overlooking the hotel atrium and Nai Lert Park. Cocktails move easily into afternoon tea, Thai dishes and Western classics, making it a useful choice for an elegant meeting that may stretch into the evening. As one of the two Aman Nai Lert venues open to non-guests by advance reservation, it offers a rare glimpse into Aman’s composed urban world without requiring an overnight stay. The St. Regis Bar, overlooking the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, understands the enduring pleasure of a ritual. Its Siam Mary gives the St. Regis Bloody Mary tradition a local accent, while the long view over the racecourse and city provides the proper backdrop for sunset. This is not a bar chasing novelty. Its strengths are proportion, polish and the reassuring knowledge that a classic drink, served well, is still one of luxury’s simplest achievements.

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Spire Rooftop Bar

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Waldorf Astoria Bangkok

Bangkok Social Club

At Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, The Loft brings a different kind of heritage to the city. Conceived as a glamorous vintage New York artist’s studio, it reaches back to historic Waldorf recipes and interprets them through modern technique, Thai ingredients and a spectacular elevated view. The result is intimate rather than theatrical: a bar for forgotten cocktails, considered conversation and the point in the evening when Bangkok’s lights begin to outnumber its windows. Together, these bars reveal why the grand hotel remains such an essential part of Bangkok’s social fabric. They offer more than a drink: they provide a setting in which the city’s past, present and appetite for reinvention can be enjoyed one elegant evening at a time.

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A Wilder Kind of Elegance: Bill Bensley and Jim Thompson

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With Wild, Jim Thompson and Bill Bensley bring the rainforest into the wardrobe, pairing expressive art and textile craftsmanship with a personal commit-

ment to protecting Southeast Asia’s wildlife.

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Sometimes a collection reveals its character in the smallest detail. In Wild, the new collaboration between Jim Thompson and Bill Bensley, a turned-up trouser hem exposes a striped lining beneath a densely printed rainforest scene. It is a playful flourish, inviting a second look. Follow that invitation and a larger world unfolds: richly layered foliage, animals with names and personalities, and a designer’s determination to help protect the places that inspire him. Launched this October, Wild brings Bensley’s paintings into menswear, womenswear, accessories and pieces for the home. The partnership has an immediately persuasive logic. Jim Thompson brings a textile heritage rooted in the revival of Thailand’s silk industry; Bensley contributes an imagination accustomed to giving places their own elaborate stories. Together, they explore how much character a piece of cloth can carry.

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Founded in 1951, Jim Thompson has spent decades connecting Thai craftsmanship with an international appreciation of design. Silk remains central to its identity, while its evolution into a broader lifestyle brand has created room for other materials, expressions and creative partnerships. Wild occupies that space with confidence. The craftsmanship provides the foundation; the imagery gives the collection its wonderfully unruly spirit. Bensley’s relationship with the brand began in a garden. His restoration of the gardens at the Jim Thompson House established a creative connection grounded in an appreciation of craft, design and experimentation. There is something fitting about that starting point. Before the rainforest appeared on shirts and scarves, the relationship was already concerned with the possibilities of a living landscape.

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The collaboration has since developed through the 2026 Wild Collection by Bill Bensley for Jim Thompson Home Furnishings. This latest chapter carries his visual world into the wardrobe and across a more intimate range of everyday objects. A painting can now be encountered in the movement of a kaftan, the fold of a scarf or the embroidered detail of a cushion. For a designer whose work spans architecture, interiors, landscapes and hospitality, that change of scale offers considerable scope. Bensley is known for environments animated by colour, detail and narrative. His paintings, created during the pandemic, bring those instincts to the rainforest, where foliage becomes richly layered scenery and wildlife takes on the presence of an ensemble cast. Ella the Elephant, Douglas the Dhole, Tony the Tiger and Ollie the Owl are among its imagined inhabitants. Giving the animals names establishes an immediate familiarity. They become individuals to recognise as they reappear across the collection, their markings and personalities woven into its visual rhythm. Humour offers a way into a subject that might otherwise feel distant: the lives unfolding beneath a forest canopy.

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That storytelling survives the journey from artwork to clothing through a thoughtful variety of treatments. Some pieces carry expansive, all-over compositions; others isolate a character or allow a flash of forest imagery to interrupt a stripe. Colour-blocking, contrasting piping and stripes introduce structure around the abundance. The result offers several ways to engage with Bensley’s exuberance, from a single accent to a complete patterned silhouette. In the men’s collection, Hawaiian linen shirts feature contrasting piping at the sleeves and hems. Printed linen jackets and matching trousers give the rainforest a larger canvas, with those striped turn-ups adding another layer of discovery. Striped linen shorts incorporate glimpses of the forest prints, while AQUASILK® swim trunks bring the animal community into vivid combinations of colour. T-shirts give individual creatures their own moment against black, white, navy or forest green.

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The women’s pieces explore the relationship between image and movement. Silk twill and lightweight habotai are used across belted kaftans, wide-leg trousers, blouses, shorts and flowing maxi dresses. A generous silhouette allows a composition to open across the body, while folds introduce changing views of its details. Alongside vivid forest imagery, a blackand-white animal-print silk-twill kaftan offers a different register. An asymmetric cotton-poplin shirt featuring Bensley’s guinea fowl illustration brings the focus back to a single, distinctive subject. Accessories provide another scale of expression. Silk scarves showcase the intricacy of the compositions, allowing the artwork to be folded, draped and rediscovered. Printed linen totes and pouches incorporate embroidery, patchwork and leather trim, giving the illustrations a tactile setting. These details matter in a collaboration built around paintings: they make the transition into objects feel considered, with material and finish contributing to the character of each piece. At home, the collection’s linen placemats, napkins, cushions, fringed coasters and tea towels extend the same visual conversation. There is an appealing continuity between dressing a person and dressing a room when both draw on a recognisable artistic world. A scarf and a cushion may perform very different functions, yet here they share the same capacity to introduce colour, personality and a story.

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On selected cushions, embroidery carries the words “Rewild the World”. The sentiment points towards the commitment behind the collection. Bensley has pledged to donate all proceeds he receives from it towards the salaries of urgently needed armed wildlife rangers protecting Southeast Asian rainforests. The contribution is specific, directing his earnings towards the people working to safeguard the habitat that informs the art. “This is fashion with a joyful face and a serious heart,” he says. That balance gives Wild its substance. Its immediate pleasures are visual and tactile: the sweep of silk, the density of a print, the unexpected glimpse of stripes. Spend longer with it and the animals acquire identities, the forest becomes a place of individual lives, and the conservation purpose comes into clearer focus. The collection’s most compelling quality is the ease with which those elements coexist. Beauty draws attention; character sustains it. In bringing Bensley’s painted rainforest into the familiar rituals of getting dressed and making a home, Jim Thompson gives that world a lasting presence. Even a small detail, it turns out, can open onto something much larger. Discover Wild at Jim Thompson stores and through the official collection page.

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BEAUTE: THE ART OF LIVING WELL AT SEA

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YACHT OF THE M

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There is a particular pleasure in waking aboard a yacht with nowhere urgent to be. Coffee can wait until the coastline catches the morning light; the day’s plans might extend only as far as a swim and a leisurely lunch. The 2020 Majesty 120 BEAUTE offers an inviting setting for precisely this kind of escape, combining the scale of a substantial superyacht with spaces that encourage guests to settle in. Currently lying in Phuket, the Gulf Craft yacht measures approximately 37.5 metres and brings together five guest cabins, generous outdoor living areas and a versatile beach club. Her tri-deck arrangement creates room for different moods throughout the day, from quiet mornings indoors to convivial evenings beneath an open sky. An 8.36-metre beam contributes to the generous proportions that give her accommodation and entertaining spaces their appeal.

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The main saloon makes the surrounding seascape part of the experience. Large windows draw in daylight and frame changing views, keeping the interior connected to the water. At anchor, this becomes a comfortable place to gather while remaining sheltered from the tropical heat. Underway, the passing coastline supplies its own entertainment, lending even an unhurried afternoon indoors a sense of occasion. An additional enclosed saloon on the upper deck introduces welcome flexibility. With several places to spend time, guests can follow their own rhythms: conversation in one space, a quiet retreat in another. For families travelling together, or friends sharing an extended holiday, that choice matters. A yacht feels especially accommodating when everyone has room to enjoy both company and a little privacy.

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The owner’s suite occupies a privileged position on the main deck, extending across the yacht’s full beam. Its walk-in wardrobe provides practical space for a longer stay, while an integrated mirror television keeps entertainment discreetly incorporated into the room. The appeal lies in the combination of generous dimensions and considered amenities, creating a private retreat within the wider social life of the yacht. Below, three double guest cabins and one twin complete the accommodation for up to ten guests. Each cabin has its own en-suite facilities, giving the layout the flexibility to welcome different combinations of family and friends. A seating area in the lower-deck guest lobby adds another thoughtful touch, providing a quiet pause between the cabins and the activity elsewhere on board.

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Separate accommodation for up to seven crew members is arranged across four cabins. This provision supports the service that shapes a comfortable stay at sea, from preparing meals to looking after the yacht’s daily operation. For an owner planning extended time aboard, the relationship between guest comfort and the crew’s working environment is an essential part of the overall experience. Outside, the sundeck is a natural gathering place. Its bar, lounge seating and spa bath offer several persuasive reasons to spend an afternoon above the water. It is easy to imagine the pace here changing with the light: a refreshing drink after a swim, a long conversation with friends, then an evening watching the colours soften across the horizon. Closer to the sea, the beach club brings a more intimate perspective. Equipped with a sofa area and shower, it provides a comfortable waterfront setting around which a day on the water can unfold. Its ability to convert into a garage for a tender and water toys adds a practical dimension, allowing the space to serve different priorities according to the owner’s plans.

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Behind these leisure spaces sits substantial machinery. BEAUTE is powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L diesel engines, each producing 2,600 mhp. A 125 kW Kohler generator and a 55 kW Northern Lights generator form part of her onboard equipment, alongside an 85 hp bow thruster. Navigation and communications equipment includes multibeam sonar, AIS, a FLIR camera and KVH entertainment and telephone systems. For a prospective owner, however, her strongest attraction may be how the spaces work together. The main-deck suite offers seclusion, the two saloons provide options for gathering, and the outdoor areas bring guests back to the sea. There is sufficient variety to make time aboard feel relaxed and personal, whether the occasion is a family holiday or a few days entertaining friends. Offered at €11 million, approximately THB 414 million at current exchange rates, BEAUTE presents an opportunity to acquire a substantial yacht already based in Thailand. (Exchange-rate reference) Her appeal is expressed through the pleasures her layout makes possible: room to host generously, space to withdraw quietly, and a close connection to the water. Private viewings in Phuket can be arranged through Boat Lagoon Yachting.

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THE MONTH A Life Beside The Sea in Phuket

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LIVING AREA: 1,050 M 2 LAND AREA: 2,629 M 2 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 8

180,000,000 THB

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There is a particular pleasure in a home where the sea becomes part of everyday life. Morning coffee comes with an open horizon, afternoons drift between the swimming pool and the shore, and dinner is an invitation to linger outdoors. In Choeng Thale, Phuket, this substantial beachfront residence provides a setting for precisely that kind of living. Set within 2,629 square metres of landscaped grounds, the villa offers 1,050 square metres of interior space, with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Its proportions lend themselves to family gatherings and extended stays with friends, allowing the house to feel sociable while providing room to retreat. The architecture makes a graceful first impression. A white façade, terracotta roof tiles and broad upper-level balconies overlook the pool and lawn, framed by mature palms. Arched openings along the ground-floor terrace introduce a softer, classical note, giving the residence a character that sits comfortably within its tropical surroundings.

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Inside, the mood is bright and composed. High ceilings and expansive glazing bring light into the living spaces, while views towards the garden and ocean maintain a connection with the setting. In the principal lounge, pale blue seating, striped cushions and a striking blue feature artwork establish a coastal palette. A chandelier descends through the lofty central space, adding a decorative flourish above the generous seating arrangement. Multiple living zones give the openplan interior flexibility. There is space for conversation, relaxed afternoons and larger gatherings, with a glassrailed mezzanine adding another dimension to the room. The scale is impressive, yet the arrangement of furnishings creates smaller, welcoming places within it.

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The kitchen continues the light palette with white cabinetry, a central island and integrated stainless-steel appliances. Breakfast seating makes it an informal gathering point, whether for an early coffee or conversation while meals are prepared. Dining areas connect naturally with the wider living spaces and terraces, allowing entertaining to move easily between indoors and out. Across the six bedrooms, canopy or four-poster beds introduce a more romantic touch. Large windows, built-in storage and generous accommodation support the home’s appeal as a place to settle into, whether for a holiday or a longer season beside the sea.

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Outdoors, the blue-tiled swimming pool forms the centrepiece of the garden. Sun loungers and covered terraces offer a choice of sunshine and shade, while the broad lawn and tropical planting give the grounds a sense of openness. Beyond lies the beach, directly accessible from the property. An outdoor dining area seats eight, complemented by a covered pergola and an outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas barbecue. Together, these spaces suggest an easy rhythm of poolside lunches and unhurried evening meals. Furnished balconies provide further places to sit above the garden and take in the ocean views.

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With Bang Tao, Laguna and Layan among the nearby coastal landmarks, the villa’s Choeng Thale location adds to its appeal. Its strongest attraction, however, remains close to home: substantial living spaces, established gardens and the simple pleasure of stepping from a private residence onto the sand. This home is offered fully furnished. Viewings are by appointment only. For further details or to arrange a private viewing, please visit https://thailuxuryliving.com, with reference TLL213934, or contact us at info@thailuxuryliving. com.

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HOT Magazine Issue 10, Volume 14