STREET WISE
Jam-packed in high society
Among the many five-star hotels in Bangkok, the Nai Lert Park Hotel is less talked about than the others. But that does not mean its services are in any way inferior, at least to the royal family of Bhutan.
The hotel's managing director, Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, recently paid another visit to that country, which has been a dream destination for Thais ever since the visit of "Prince Charming" Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Her mission was to give advice on how hotels in Bhutan should welcome guests and provide food and beverage service next year, when there will be a big ceremony welcoming the new king. Bhutan's current king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, recently announced his intention to abdicate in 2008 and pass on the throne to his eldest son. "They are small hotel operators with little experience in hosting such a big ceremony," said Bilaibhan. She does not think her trip was extraordinary, given the long relationship between her family and the royal family of Bhutan. Her mother, Thanphuying Lersak, has known the family for some time. Bilaibhan herself recalls seeing the Crown Prince running around the Nai Lert Hotel when he was barely 10 years old. At 59, she has been to Bhutan nearly 10 times and always welcomed personally by members of the royal family. She recalled one incident when a temple caught on fire during her visit. "It was such a pity, and I felt so sorry for the princesses, who were crying. We put up all the money we had to help them reconstruct the temple and sent them more when we returned home." Marking their close relationship is the fact that a variety of fruit jams from Bhutan has been exclusively distributed by the hotel. They are not from any ordinary jam-maker, but rather hand-made products from the crown prince's grandmother, who calls Bilaibhan "my Thai daughter". For years, the Sampatisiri family has been supplied with jams and honey sent from Bhutan. Once the hotel changed management from the Hilton to the Raffles Group, Bilaibhan came up the idea to fascinate guests with something new. "She loves to make merit," Bilaibhan said, referring to the crown prince's grandmother. "So, I suggested she put her portrait on the labels on her jam jars and sell them exclusively here. Then she could use the money to make merit." Now the jams are a hot product in Thai high society. Sometimes, an entire lot is completely reserved before it reaches Thai shores. This is also successful way to make people think about the Nai Lert Hotel. Connections count in whatever business.
achara_d@nationgroup.com
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