Chanut calls on rival parties to unite for sake of country

Considered Thailand's hospitality matriarch, Thanpuying Chanut, acclaimed locally and internationally for establishing the first truly international Thai hotel, the Dusit Thani, in 1948, said she did not typically speak out on such issues.

The situation was such, however, that she felt she must call on all her compatriots to move forward for the good of the whole Kingdom.

 Thanpuying Chanut spoke early last week about the country's problems, which flared up a few years ago and have spiralled into political turmoil. She said it created a poor image of Thailand, once renowned as "The Land of Smiles", as lacking foresight.

"It is time for the country to unite as one and ensure growth, development and prosperity for all our people, especially the next generation," Thanpuying Chanut said.

"The country's leaders must help us before we sink into deeper water," she said.

The political conflict had tarnished the overall view of Thailand, but with Thais' famous hospitality ethic, the country would endure, she said.

"At the age of 88, I'm very sorry about the problems happening in our country. And now I would beg all people and all of the country's administrators to stop hurting the Kingdom," Thanpuying Chanut said, reaching her hands out to a journalist while giving an interview.

Thanpuying Chanut said she had never wanted to stop operating the hotel business she built with her own hands and has operated for more than six decades. This time, it seems she is not thinking about herself or Dusit, but the nation.

As a Thai hotelier, she said, she believed Thais must offer the best and most faithful service to all guests, and that the reputation for hospitality had taken a long time to build. Visitors from around the world have experienced this Thai hospitality and it had brought them much happiness, she said.

"Now, political problems that should not have arisen have led many to lose confidence in our country," she said.

However, Thanpuying Chanut said she still believed that a bright future lay ahead for Thailand.