BANGKOK — Dusit Thani Public Company Limited announced major leadership changes Friday, with the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Suphajee Suthumpun and the appointment of her replacement, effective immediately.
The company’s Board of Directors Meeting No. 11/2025, held on September 12, approved several significant resolutions following Suphajee’s departure from her dual roles as Director and Group CEO.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Chanin Donavanik has been appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Suphajee who cited “other commitments requiring her full-time dedication” as the reason for her resignation.
The board also approved the appointment of Pakhawat Kovithvathanaphong as Director, filling the board position vacated by Suphajee’s departure.
Board Restructuring
In additional changes, Somprasong Boonyachai was appointed as Independent Director, replacing Nualphan Lamsam who had previously resigned from the position.
The leadership transition also required updates to the company’s signing authority structure. The board approved changes to reflect the new composition, with signing power now held jointly by any two of three directors: Chanin Donavanik, Sinee Thienprasiddhi, and Pakhawat Kovithvathanaphong.
Immediate Implementation
All appointments and changes to the directors’ signing authority took effect on September 12, 2025, ensuring continuity in the hotel group’s operations during the leadership transition. The announcements were made in compliance with Stock Exchange of Thailand notification requirements, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency in corporate governance matters.
Corporate Battle Intensifies
The leadership changes come amid a bitter family feud within Dusit Thani’s founding dynasty. The 76-year-old hotel empire faces unprecedented turmoil as the founding family remains locked in a corporate battle, with an extraordinary shareholder meeting scheduled for September 26, 2025, that could potentially remove newly appointed CEO Chanin Donavanik from the board entirely.
Chanin, son of late founder Lady Chanut Piyaoui, has accused his two sisters of orchestrating what he calls an “unjust takeover” of the family business. The appointment of Chanin as CEO appears to be a strategic move in the ongoing power struggle, though his position remains precarious with the upcoming shareholder vote that could determine control of the luxury hotel group.
Political Appointment
Suphajee’s resignation becomes clearer in light of her acceptance of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s proposal to serve as Commerce Minister in the new administration. The former CEO’s move from corporate leadership to a cabinet position explains her cited reason of “other commitments requiring her full-time dedication.”
Suphajee Suthumpun outlined her priorities during a September 12 press conference, emphasizing her intention to leverage both domestic and international experience to address Thailand’s multifaceted economic challenges.
Acknowledging the limited timeframe of just four months before the general election, Suphajee stated her commitment to fast-tracking key policies that can deliver rapid results. She specifically highlighted cost-of-living concerns and broader macroeconomic issues as priority areas requiring immediate attention.
Meanwhile, the corporate infighting at Dusit Thani has cast uncertainty over the future direction of the luxury hotel group, which operates properties across Thailand and internationally, making the leadership crisis particularly significant for the broader hospitality industry.
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