Kwanrudee "Kwan" Maneewongwatthana is the executive director of marketing and communications of Country Group Development. She is currently spearheading all marketing activities for Chao Phraya Estate, which includes Four Seasons Private Residences, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Capella Hotel Bangkok. We catch up with her to find out what's in store for the highly anticipated 32-billion-baht riverside project.
Tell us about your role in the project.
My main responsibility is geared towards planning, developing and implementing marketing strategies for the Country Group. This also includes all types of marketing communications, along with public relations activities for corporate and development projects. I have also been developing both short- and long-term plans, which include strategic budget allocation for the marketing and communications division, ensuring strong performance in a sustainable and cohesive manner.
WHAT ABOUT THE PROJECT EXCITES YOU MOST?
Although I've been working in Thailand's luxury property market for over a decade, this is my first branded residence and hotel project. I'm extremely excited and proud to be collaborating with Four Seasons, one of the best hotel brands in the world. Our aim with this project is to create an iconic hotel and private residence that curates a meaningful, unmatched waterfront experience in the market, ultimately redefining and setting a new benchmark for luxury living in Asia.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER?
Of all the rivers in Thailand, none is more revered or valued than the majestic Chao Phraya. Home to numerous historic estates, world-class hotels and emerging landmark developments, the Chao Phraya River is blessed with culture and heritage, and has always been the flowing lifeline of Thailand.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE THE RIVERSIDE'S ENVIRONMENT?
Our aim is not only to redefine waterfront living in Bangkok and Asia, but to also make a positive, timeless contribution to the revival of the Chao Phraya River.
There are a few strong non-profit organisations working on the revitalisation project, for example the Urban Design and Development Centre (UDDC). The company has sent senior management, including myself, to participate in discussions as to how the area should be cultivated.
Country Group has also decided to be one of the main private industry sponsors of Joshua David's trip to Bangkok. Joshua is the co-founder of the Friends of the High Line project in New York, and was in Bangkok to share his story of turning the High Line into a world-famous, dynamic, 2.3km public space featuring a myriad of gardens, walkways and vistas. There are many similarities between the High Line and Bangkok's own planned regeneration of the Yannawa Riverfront by UDDC, and it's very unlikely that a project like this can succeed without support from private sectors. We have invested our efforts in this because we have an incredible amount of passion and respect for our city's rich culture and history, and our desire to see it be renowned as one of the greatest urban waterways in the world.
WHEN WILL THE DEVELOPMENT BE COMPLETED?
Chao Phraya Estate is due for completion at the end of 2018. We think the Chao Phraya Estate will become one of Bangkok's most exclusive addresses — an iconic property that maximises the best of waterfront living as a legacy to future generations. Both hotels (Four Seasons Hotel and Capella Hotel) will also exemplify our ongoing commitment to innovation and to redefining luxury in order to meet the evolving needs of our discerning guests.
