Celebrated jazz singer, dedicated philanthropist, and founder of Thailand’s most extraordinary hotels, including The Siam in Bangkok, Khun Kamala Sukosol is now the inspiration behind a character in The White Lotus Season 3. Discover the Singing Hotelier’s remarkable story.
The Siam, set on three verdant acres along the Chao Phraya River, is a monochromatic masterpiece known for its devotion to the arts. Here is where Khun Kamala Sukosol combines her two passions – hospitality and singing. As president of the family-run Sukusol Group, fondly dubbed the ‘musical hoteliers’ of Thailand, Khun Kamala’s performances are but one of the enriching aspects of the guest experience:
‘The philosophy behind The Siam is our love of art. Guests will find artefacts everywhere. My youngest son, Krissie (Khun Noi), ensured they were beautifully curated and explained so guests could truly appreciate them. My favourite piece is the horse and carriage displayed in the atrium. It dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). A true treasure!’
—
Immersive Luxury
Alongside the intriguing collection of antiquities that offer a sense of walking through a living museum, The Siam is home to a Vinyl Room where guests can unwind while listening to 20th-century icons such as Ella Fitzgerald or Elvis Presley, and The Curio, a shop filled with eclectic, one-of-a-kind souvenirs. As part of the thoughtfully curated experience, guests can return home with an authentic Thai tattoo, inked by a master at the on-site Sak Yant Studio. Yet the most important consideration for Khun Kamala is the art of connection:
‘Our outstanding guest service is the heart and soul of The Siam. That’s one reason we’ve received so many awards and so much recognition.’ Indeed, the hotel has amassed accolades to rival its art collection, named in Fodor Travel’s The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World in 2025, listed in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, and awarded the Michelin Guide’s coveted 3 MICHELIN Keys.
From its architectural homage to Bangkok’s Art Deco era, creativity is meaningfully integrated into The Siam’s aesthetic. Music, especially, is a non-negotiable for Khun Kamala, who grew up watching Shirley Temple movies and would leave the theatre singing the songs she had just heard:
‘My mother noticed my musical talent and signed me up for classical piano lessons, which I took for the next seven years. I eventually gave up classical music when I realised my performance of Chopin’s Etude No. 12 was the weakest among my peers. From then on, I started playing by ear – mostly pop songs of the time – and discovered my love for jazz.’
A Musical Life
After five years at boarding school in England, Khun Kamala moved to the US, spending two years at Boston University before transferring to Miami University, Ohio: ‘That’s where my singing journey truly began. I auditioned for the university’s annual musical with I Wanna Be Evil, made famous by Eartha Kitt. The director couldn’t resist my “charm” and created a speciality act just for me. My performance made me quite a recognisable figure on campus.’
Despite later being touted by a talent agency in New York, Khun Kamala never pursued music professionally, knowing her parents would never approve, and her father had a clear vision for her hotelier career: ‘At first, I was thrilled – but then reality set in and I turned it down. That was the end of my potential showbiz career. If I had another life? Yes, I would love to be a singer! But I don’t think I’d enjoy an easy life without obstacles. In the end, I think I’d still prefer to be me – Kamala – enjoying the chance to sing whenever the opportunity arises.’
Khun Kamala recently had an opportunity to rekindle that showbiz flame, after meeting with filmmaker Mike White when he was scouting locations: ‘Ten minutes into our conversation, I realised Mike wasn’t really interested in The Siam – he was fascinated by me! He kept asking if I could act. I told him flat-out that I was a singer, not an actress. The next evening, we ran into each other again, and he asked once more, “Are you sure you can’t act?” My answer remained the same: “Absolutely positive.” He followed up with an email and even came to my house for dinner, where we just had a lovely time chatting.’
Instead, actress Patravadi Mejudhon will portray the ‘Singing Hotelier’ inspired by Khun Kamala: ‘Of course, I was flattered and proud to have inspired the character, but I was also a little sad I couldn’t fulfil Mike’s wish. I’ve admired him since School of Rock, which I’ve watched at least ten times. He had a small role in it (Mr Schneebly), but was the creative genius behind it. Mike is such a genuine, down-to-earth guy, and you never want to disappoint a friend like that.’
—
Rhythms of The Siam
Music plays a significant role at The Siam, reflecting the creative vision of Khun Kamala’s son, Khun Noi. If she had an afternoon to relax in the hotel’s Vinyl Room? ‘I’d put on some Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday. Both have had a huge influence on my singing. I adore the sound of big bands like Count Basie’s, Duke Ellington’s, and Benny Goodman’s – I always perform with a big band orchestra. And Stan Getz? His saxophone playing is as smooth and sultry as it gets, especially with bossa nova.’
Thailand will forever be a beloved destination for travellers with a bohemian spirit, who seek a transformative experience. They’ll find it at The Siam. A hotel with heart, music, incredible dining – Khun Kamala recommends the Gai Yang (Thai-flavoured roast chicken) with Somtum (spicy Thai green papaya salad) at the Chon Thai Restaurant – and a wonderful sense of humour that reflects that of its owners.
Visit the original venue of the ‘Singing Hotelier’ with a soulful stay at The Siam.
