LEGENDARY HOTEL THE ORIENTAL, BANGKOK KICKS OFF 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH LAVISH PRIVATE GALA

More than 1,200 international and local dignitaries, celebrities and guests gathered at one of the world’s greatest hotels yesterday to celebrate the historic occasion of the 125th anniversary of The Oriental, Bangkok.

The exclusive dinner gala reception signalled the commencement of the year-long anniversary celebrations. Guests of honour ranged from Royalty to international celebrities including The Earl of Lichfield, cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and internationally-renowned photographer; acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten whose culinary skills were inspired whilst chef of the Normandie kitchen at age 23; Patrick Vuitton, great-great grandson of Louis Vuitton; international celebrity and 60's fashion icon Twiggy; famed businessman David Rockefeller of Chase Manhattan; HRH Princess Soraya Esfandiary, former Queen of Iran and H.E. Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, ex. Prime Minister of Thailand.

Champagne flowed as Bangkok’s Symphony Orchestra commenced with a classical performance, followed by a private gala dinner on the famed Terrace overlooking the River of Kings. As guests arrived - some by private yacht via The Oriental pier - they were greeted to a fanfare of oriental mystique and turn of the century charm - adorning the driveway of jasmine were traditional Thai dancers, two auspicious elephants and the country’s most valuable collection of vintage cars.

An advocate of Thai tradition and culture, The Oriental symbolically officiated the 125th anniversary celebrations on the morning of the gala with a moving gesture to the local community. Kurt Wachtveitl, one of the world’s most respected hoteliers and general manager of the hotel for 33 years, presented with his team, food offerings to 125 Buddhist monks.

Other highlights of the evening included a spectacular fireworks display, dancing, live music and an international fashion extravaganza - Scent of The Oriental - featuring more than 125 Thai silk designs created especially for the occasion by Jim Thompson in collaboration with Thailand’s renowned designer Nagara.

Guests were also treated to an exclusive “Savoir Faire” exhhibition and demonstration by Louis Vuitton, presenting 146 years of luxury craftsmanship, similarly sharing with The Oriental, more than 125 years in delighting the luxury traveller.The hotel also launched on the evening The Oriental Cookbook - a limited edition for the 125th anniversary year featuring the signature recipes of Chef Norbert Kostner, who has delighted guests with his gastronomic skills for more than 30 years.

The award-winning hotel - which has recently completed a luxurious room renovation - has been home to some of the world’s most famous faces since opening its doors in 1876 from royalty and celebrities to literary greats such as Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad to Leonardo DiCaprio. Various events have been planned for the hotel’s historic anniversary year, and the hotel is offering an enticing anniversary room package, combining luxurious accommodation with all inclusive benefits ranging from pampering treatments at The Oriental Spa to private back-of-house tours.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s finest hotels. The Group operates luxury hotels in key leisure and business destinations, with a hotel under development in New York (opening late 2003). In total, Mandarin Oriental employs almost 9,000 staff in three continents with 10 hotels in Asia, seven in North America and three in Europe.