Dusit International celebrates Grand Opening of Dusit Thani Maldives

10 September 2012, Bangkok – On the auspicious date, 8 September 2012, Dusit International celebrated the grand opening of its flagship resort, the Dusit Thani Maldives, in a ceremony that saw His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives, and First Lady, Madam Illham Hussain, as the guests of honour. Also in attendance was the honourable Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Dusit International CEO, Chanin Donavanik, and Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited along with the board of directors of DMS Property Investment Private Limited, were also on hand  to mark this milestone.

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, in his opening remarks, commented on the deep commitement that Dusit International has made to his country, “The Republic of the Maldives will not only benefit from economic gains and job creation as a result of Dusit International’s investment, but equally, if not more important, is the legacy afforded by the education opportunities that Dusit International will introduce to this country.”  H.E. Dr Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik continued, “the group has created a blue print to develop their well established and highly successful hospitality college in the Maldives.”

Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International said, “It has always been the dream of Dusit International to establish a hotel property on this beautiful island destination. To realize this dream is a source of tremendous pride and achievement for the entire Dusit group.”

Mr. Donavanik reflected on the long history of the company and the vision of  Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, founder of Dusit International, who opened the first Dusit Thani College in 1993. Furthermore he confirmed that Dusit Thani College is in the process of being established in the Maldives.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé and only 10 minutes by speed boat from the new domestic airport opening in late 2012. It is also just a short boat ride away from Hanifaru Huraa, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  

General Manager, Desmond Hatton commented, “It is a natural environment that has inspired and motivated the design of Dusit Thani Maldives to ensure that it co-exists in harmony with the magnificent Maldivian biodiversity. We are also doing everything we can here to set standards for sustainability. Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme using pioneering, green energy solutions.”

The fully operational Dusit Thani Maldives comprises a luxurious collection of 100 exclusive guest villas and residences. The resort also features three restaurants, two bars and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa, uniquely elevated above a grove of coconut palm trees.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Guests above include First Lady, Madam Illham Hussain (2nd from left), His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives (3rd from left), Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (4th from left), Mr. Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Dusit Thani Public company limited (3rd from right) and Mr. Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International (2nd from right)

Grand Welcome

A warm welcome to His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives by the resort management and staff

Ceremonial planting to mark a birth of Dusit Thani Maldives

Picture shows from left to right: Mr. Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International, Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives and His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives.

Exclusive Resort Tour

Mr. Chanin Donavanik (1st from right) together with Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives conduct an exclusive resort tour to His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives (2nd from right) and honorable guests