Hospitality visionary Kamala Sukosol wins Thailand Life Achievement Award

Honoured for her lifelong contributions to culture, community, and the hotel sector

The PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards is proud to present the inaugural Life Achievement Award in Thailand to Khun Kamala Sukosol, President of Siam Hotels & Resorts, in celebration of the programme’s 20th anniversary on 12 September 2025 at Dusit Thani Bangkok.  

Established to honour lifelong careers that have made a lasting contribution to the industry and society, the distinction was introduced this year across selected markets, marking the 20th anniversary of the Asia Property Awards and highlighting the importance of celebrating individuals whose impact extends beyond business achievement. 

A legacy in Thai hospitality 

Khun Kamala Sukosol speaking to the staff in the final days of construction of The Sukosol Hotel in 1990.
Khun Kamala with the staff of her three Pattaya hotels: Siam Bayshore, The Bayview and Wave; donating food, toys, and games to the children at the Teacher Boonchu Home for Special Children in Pattaya, as well as marking the opening ceremony of the Sukosol Memorial Building for “Riam and Liab”, valued at THB1.6 million, for the children to have a place for indoor activities.

Khun Kamala has been a driving force in Thai hospitality for more than four decades, following her father’s footsteps, Thai magnate Kamol Sukosol. Beginning in the 1970s with the establishment of Siam Bayshore Resort in Pattaya, she went on to develop The Bayview Hotel, The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok, The Siam, and Wave. Each property reflects her ability to balance vision with authenticity, creating a distinctive portfolio that has strengthened Thailand’s reputation as a world-class destination. 

Championing culture and tourism  

Khun Kamala with the teams from her Pattaya hotels, awarding annual scholarship funds to support the schooling of staff’s children.

Her contributions extend beyond the walls of her hotels. During “Visit Thailand Year” in 1987, she led a delegation of more than one hundred performers to represent the country at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, bringing Thai culture to an international audience. She has also played a leadership role within the Thai Hotels Association, advancing dialogue and collaboration within the industry. 

The Sukosol Group donated a total of THB3,572,170 to Emeritus Professor Dr. Charan Mahatumarat, Head of the Thai Red Cross Society’s Craniofacial Center, after Khun Kamala’s charity concert in 2024.
The Sukosol Family, together with their group of hotels and affiliated companies, contributed THB1 million in support of the 2025 Mobile Clinic Project by the Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society. Shown in photo: Sukie, Noi, Marisa, Daranee, Kamala, Professor Emeritus Charan Mahatumarat, M.D. (Director of Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center), Mrs. Janprapa Vichitcholchai (Deputy Director of Fund Raising Bureau, Thai Red Cross Society), and Professor Nond Rojvachiranonda, M.D. (Deputy Director, Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center.

Celebrating vision and resilience 

Her recognition this year highlights the values of resilience, service, and cultural stewardship that define the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. As the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary, Khun Kamala’s award serves not only as a tribute to her personal achievements but also as a symbol of the role of hospitality in shaping Thailand’s global identity. 

The prestigious honour will be granted on 12 September 2025, at Dusit Thani Bangkok from 18:00 (GMT+7). Tune in to watch the celebration via the Official Awards channels: asiapropertyawards.com/tv-podcastFacebook, and YouTube. 

Gynen Kyra Toriano, Digital Content Manager at PropertyGuru, wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected]. 

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