In brief
- Location: Ao Nang, in the Krabi province of Thailand.
- Figures: A 158-room hotel scheduled to open at the end of 2026.
- Key players: The IHG Hotels & Resorts group and local owner Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd.
- What’s new: First-time deployment in Thailand of the brand’s ‘Generation 5’ design.
In brief
- Signing of the hotel, a 158-room property.
- Extended partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and local owner Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd.
Key takeaways
- First-time introduction in Thailand of the next-generation Generation 5 (Gen 5) design.
- Scheduled to open by the end of 2026 following a complete conversion of the site.
Hotel group IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the expansion of its portfolio
Hotel group IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the expansion of its portfolio in Thailand with the signing of the, a 158-room property located in one of the country’s most popular coastal destinations. This strategic 158-room conversion stems from a renewed partnership with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., which already owns the nearby Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach. The official opening under the Holiday Inn Express brand is scheduled before the end of 2026.
- Hotel group: IHG Hotels & Resorts
Owner & partner: Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd
- Owner & partner: Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd.
- Capacity: 158 rooms
- Architectural concept: Generation 5 (Gen 5) design
- Location: Ao Nang, Krabi (Thailand) · 1 km from the beach and 40 minutes from the airport
- Timeline: Opening late 2026
A consolidated partnership on the Krabi coast
A strengthened strategic partnership in Krabi
The signing of this agreement reflects the strength of the relationship between IHG Hotels & Resorts and investor Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd. The successful operation of the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach has laid the foundations for an expanded collaboration aimed at covering a broader spectrum of travellers. This complementarity allows the owner to establish its position on the local hotel scene while leveraging the commercial ecosystem of a global leader.
For the leaders of both groups, this project reflects renewed trust between the two players. The alliance between the owner’s deep knowledge of the local market and IHG’s international distribution power is a key lever for capturing diverse tourist demand, ranging from leisure stays to seaside getaways.
The dynamics of conversions in the Thai market
The transaction is part of a fundamental trend characterised by the rapid rise of conversions of independent or existing hotels to international brands in Thailand. During 2025, conversions accounted for nearly 40% of IHG’s room signings in the country. This attractive model allows owners to secure their assets and optimise their operational performance.
By joining the IHG ecosystem, converted properties immediately benefit from the power of global distribution channels and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. This conversion strategy meets the needs of investors wishing to enhance the value of their infrastructure while reducing the time required to access the global network.
First appearance of the Gen 5 concept in Thailand
A next-generation design for the property
Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang stands out as the very first hotel of the brand in Thailand (and the second in Southeast Asia) to adopt the next-generation design named Generation 5 (Gen 5). This modern architectural approach offers intuitive and flexible social spaces, designed to adapt to the requirements of contemporary travellers.
Before its inauguration at the end of 2026, the property will undergo a comprehensive renovation and repositioning programme. The property will notably integrate the first application of the Gen 5 design in Thailand within its communal spaces. Guests will find an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.
A key location at the heart of the Ao Nang hub
Prime location in the heart of Ao Nang
Positioned in the heart of the Ao Nang tourist area, the hotel enjoys a strategic location one kilometre from the beach. Located along the main shopping thoroughfare, the property offers direct access to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Ao Nang is the ideal starting point for exploring the iconic islands of the Andaman Sea, such as Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Hong Island, or the Railay peninsula. Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Krabi International Airport, the hotel meets the expectations of families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
IHG’s sustained expansion in the Kingdom of Siam
The sustained expansion of the IHG group in Thailand
With the addition of this address to its portfolio, IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its network across Thailand. The group currently operates 42 hotels and has 39 projects under development across 11 brands throughout the country, affirming its commitment to supporting the sustainable growth of national and international tourism.
A pioneer of the essential and functional hotel segment since its creation in 1990, the Holiday Inn Express brand remains the group’s fastest-growing development vehicle globally, offering simplified stays focused on connectivity.
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