Asset World Corp (AWC) plans to convert a Bangkok hotel to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Ruby brand in 2027, giving the lifestyle label its first Asia-Pacific property, the Bangkok Post reported.
The selected site is Holiday Inn Express Sathorn, one of two AWC hotels currently operating under IHG brands. The other is InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. AWC’s plan centers on upgrading an existing property as it looks to attract guests who spend more.
AWC President and CEO Wallapa Traisorat told the Bangkok Post that the company wants to reposition selected hotels in the premium segment. She said the Bangkok property already has strong occupancy and that a brand change could support higher room rates. AWC also works with international hotel chains to reach their loyalty program members, the report said.
The company plans another IHG brand conversion at Imperial Hua Hin, which is set to become Kimpton Hua Hin in 2028. AWC has six additional IHG hotels in development: two in Chiang Rai, two in Bangkok’s Chinatown, and one each in Pattaya and Hua Hin.
IHG Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Korea Vivek Bhalla said Ruby has more than 40 hotels globally and aims to grow that number to more than 120 within 10 years, focusing on major cities. Across Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG operates 152 properties and has 90 in its pipeline. Bhalla said luxury and lifestyle hotels make up about 40% of both groups.
Thailand is IHG’s largest market in the region, Bhalla said, with 42 operating properties and 40 in development. The Ruby conversion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, followed by the Kimpton Hua Hin project in 2028.
