Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok enters a landmark year as it opens the first chapter of its 150th anniversary with Unfolding Legacies, a multi-year programme honouring the people, place and pioneering spirit that have shaped the hotel since its beginnings on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Spanning January 2026 to March 2027, Unfolding Legacies brings together a curated programme of experiences inspired by the hotel’s enduring influence and guided by its defining pillars. At its heart, the programme reflects on the passage of time, honouring those who laid the foundations, recognising those who shape the present and inspiring those who will define the future.
A GLOBAL CELEBRATION BEGINS IN BANGKOK
The commemorative year was inaugurated with an Opening Gala Dinner on Saturday, 14 February 2026, held in the Royal Ballroom under the gracious patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Marking the opening chapter of Unfolding Legacies, the evening reflected respect for the past, appreciation of the present and anticipation for the future of one of Thailand’s most important cultural institutions.
The 150th anniversary is both a moment of reflection and a renewed sense of responsibility, “For those of us who lead and work in this hotel each day, 150 years is not a distant milestone. It is reflected in the way we welcome a returning guest, the way we maintain our standards and the way we pass knowledge from one generation of colleagues to the next. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has endured because it has never stood still; it has evolved with care while remaining true to its character.” Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
Presented in collaboration with Club des Chefs des Chefs, the gala brought together an international circle of chefs who serve heads of state and royalty worldwide. A six-course culinary journey reinterpreted state banquet dishes from five nations, concluding with a tribute to Thai culinary heritage by Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak, Thai Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. The evening was accompanied by performance art and orchestral music.
In keeping with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to community and culture, net proceeds from the Gala Dinner will be donated to the Ratchasuda Foundation, which supports the education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. In addition, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has pledged a contribution of THB 1,000,000 to the Foundation. Guests were also invited to take part in a charity auction featuring bespoke 150th anniversary pieces, works by Thai artists and experiences from Mandarin Oriental hotels worldwide.
“Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is where our story began 150 years ago, and it remains the spiritual home of Mandarin Oriental. As we open the first chapter of Unfolding Legacies, we honour not only a remarkable heritage on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but also the generations of colleagues whose legendary service has shaped our identity. This anniversary is a celebration of time and storytelling, of traditions preserved, craftsmanship refined and exceptional experiences continually reimagined. As we look to the future, we are proud that Bangkok continues to inspire our next chapter.”
Source: https://press.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok-150th-anniversary-gala-party/?lang=eng
