Once a treasured residential villa for guests, the architectural gem and its surroundings have been extensively renovated, heralding a new era and purpose for this historic structure.
Nestled amongst The Siam’s private pool villas stands Connie’s Cottage, a two-story century-old Thai teak house with rich history and character.
Bangkok’s most recognized and award-winning urban retreat, The Siam, enters its second decade with a unique new initiative. Charismatic men founded both brands with a deep love for Southeast Asia and boundless creativity – a perfect pairing for The Siam.
Delightfully, The Siam announces partnerships with two iconic brands that will soon take residence at Connie’s Cottage.
Bensley Gallery at The Siam
Before we started building The Siam, the owner Kriss and I took a boat upriver to find these century-old Thai teakwood houses belonging to OSS agent Connie Mangksau.
On the upper level, guests will find the artwork of Bill Bensley, the Hotel’s fantasist architect and designer, at the ‘Bensley Gallery at The Siam’. Following 30 years of creating some of the world’s most incredible hotels and gardens, Bill found a new passion for painting three years ago and has been unstoppable ever since.
Visitors will find highlights from his prolific collection of eclectic and striking artworks, which will be curated and rotated through the Gallery for them to admire and purchase. Bill’s proceeds from his art go to the Shinta Mani Foundation and Wildlife Alliance to support conservation and wildlife protection, causes very close to his heart.
Once upon a time, they entertained the likes of Roger Moore, Jackie Kennedy and Henry Ford – and I am honoured that now they will welcome my very own artwork!
Jim Thompson at The Siam
This year, the brand has signalled a new chapter by launching Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, Bangkok’s brand-new lifestyle destination, which features an iconic “Museum About the Man”, a Home Furnishings Exhibition, a café and a new retail shop all located right next to Jim Thompson Art Centre.
Thailand’s most iconic lifestyle brand, Jim Thompson, will occupy the ground floor, creating a showcase of its latest fashion and homeware designs. I could not be happier that we are partnering with such iconic brands as Jim Thompson and Bill Bensley, both of which bring additional style, energy and passion to the very centre of our hotel.
‘Jim Thompson at The Siam’ and the ‘Bensley Gallery at The Siam’ will open to visitors from mid-December 2022. Over the next year, Jim Thompson will unveil revitalized dining experiences, allowing guests of The Siam to receive exclusive access and benefits. The opportunity to open Connie’s Cottage for the benefit of all guests and visitors was ultimately irresistible. This space will tempt and entice guests to explore the world of Jim Thompson.
General Manager of The Siam, Nick Downing shares, “There is always something happening at The Siam”.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
