BANGKOK — Dusit Thani’s founding family is locked in a bitter corporate battle that threatens one of Thailand’s most prestigious hotel brands, with an extraordinary shareholder meeting set for September 26, 2025 to potentially remove heir Chanin Donavanik from the board.
The 76-year-old hotel empire faces unprecedented turmoil as Chanin, son of late founder Lady Chanut Piyaoui, accuses his two sisters of orchestrating an “unjust takeover” in partnership with Central Group. The company has called the meeting to consider his removal as director and restructure board powers.
Family Legacy Under Threat
The conflict began after Lady Chanut’s death, when Chanin’s authority as the designated family business overseer was systematically dismantled. His siblings voted to dilute his signing power and removed him from Chanat and Children Co., the major Dusit shareholder, despite his role as estate co-executor.
“My mother entrusted me as the pillar to oversee the family businesses for more than 30 years,” Chanin said. “Now they’re using their control to reject financial statements and appoint outsiders linked to Central Group.”
The siblings had agreed during COVID-19 to split the family empire three ways, with Chanin receiving the Dusit-controlling company. However, they later reneged after the unexpected success of the Dusit Residences project, which is now 92% sold.
Central Group Connection
Chanin alleges Central Group, which holds 17.09% of Dusit shares, is maneuvering for greater control through his sisters. He claims Central previously tried to acquire 22.5% without notice, only backing down after family negotiations.
“Several sources confirmed Central Group and Chanat and Children have held discussions about acquiring more shares,” Chanin said. “This could create serious conflicts of interest given our competing hotel and property businesses.”
Central Pattana Public Company later firmly denied the allegations Tuesday, calling its shareholding a legitimate investment to protect its stake in the 20 billion baht Dusit Central Park project. The company said director nominations are “normal shareholder practice,” not takeover attempts.
“Dusit Thani is managed under the leadership of its major shareholder group, Chanat and Children Co., Ltd. Central Pattana confirms that it has no involvement in the decision-making of Chanat and Children Co., Ltd.,” it stated.
High Stakes Battle
Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun emphasized operations continue normally while assuring shareholders the meeting follows proper governance. However, Chanin warns the dispute could destabilize the successful Dusit Residences project and undermine buyer confidence.
“This is not a personal dispute but a fight to protect a Thai brand with promising future,” Chanin declared. “I will not go anywhere. Even if removed as director, I’ll stay in another role, using every legal right to fight back if new directors harm Dusit Thani.”
The September 26 meeting will determine whether Thailand’s hotel royalty can resolve their family feud or if the kingdom’s hospitality crown jewel faces an uncertain future under new leadership.
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