Bangkok's Oriental Hotel: Literature, lunacy & legends - A brief history

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  • Опубліковано 12 лис 2021
  • Join Bangkok Pat as he gives a brief history of The Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. A place surrounded by literature, lunacy, legends and a rich history. This extravagant and elegant hotel was the place to be and will always be remembered as one of the most luxurious hotels in Thailand's history.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 130

  • @christopherrichards864
    @christopherrichards864 2 роки тому +21

    I don't know how anyone would give a 👎 to any of Pat's historic and informative videos. Keep them coming Pat 👍

    • @RS-of1om
      @RS-of1om 2 роки тому +2

      5 losers who sit in their basement who are insecure fools.

  • @daddy9267
    @daddy9267 2 роки тому +7

    What a great history lesson, This guy should be on the BBC, excellent content.

  • @bertvanderkooij2886
    @bertvanderkooij2886 2 роки тому +8

    I get excited every time l see another release by you. You have the best content on this channel. Please don’t stop…you have so many fans.

  • @rtinar6197
    @rtinar6197 2 роки тому +2

    I have watched several of BKK Pat's videos and enjoyed them all, but I have to say this one is by far the best one published to date. Pat has reached a new level of excellence with this one.

  • @coleennoble6492
    @coleennoble6492 2 роки тому +3

    Love the Bangkok History lessons. I am learning so much about my beloved city.
    Thank you !!!

  • @scottDchicago
    @scottDchicago 2 роки тому +2

    Bravo! Standing ovation from Chicago! During my first trip to Thailand in January of 1993, my father had pointed out the Oriental Hotel from the boat we were on. “Scott, there goes the number one ranked hotel in the world for service!” I took notice and remembered his comment. He led over twenty business study tours as the lead professor from Chicago to Bangkok with groups of twenty MBA candidates throughout the years. He knew what he was talking about. The Oriental Hotel, to the best of my knowledge, is the highest ranked (or amongst the highest ranked) hotels anywhere in the world. I heard about a legendary German manager who managed it for 40 years and I think that you included him in this episode. The history of this legendary hotel is awesome. I would be curious to know about the current standing and ranking. Bangkok now has no shortage of top ranked, five star hotels. How does the Oriental Hotel measure up? One word best encapsulates this hotel…SERVICE! This episode is a great history of this hotel which is long and storied. I recommend an eventual part 2 that focuses only upon, perhaps the last 50 years (writers, celebrities, service, and cuisine, etc.). I propose a challenging question, what exactly made the Oriental Hotel ranked number one in the world?

  • @jamesharris8951
    @jamesharris8951 2 роки тому +3

    Story telling is an art. And Mr Pat has a wonderful understanding of the art. More please :)

  • @barrywilson8726
    @barrywilson8726 2 роки тому +4

    Pat, I like all your videos but this is by far the best so far. Thank you

  • @ossimar2005
    @ossimar2005 2 роки тому +3

    I was at The Oriental in 2015 for nine nights. It wa s one of the best times of my entire life. Going back is on my bucket list.

  • @lokarin
    @lokarin 2 роки тому +5

    Your videos are outstanding and such a delight to watch, full of interesting facts and knowledge of this complex City!
    Thank you🙏❣️

  • @nassimabed
    @nassimabed 2 роки тому +6

    This is awesome! Would love to see more videos like this with a good focus on one or the other iconic building or location in old Krungthep

  • @robertmergaert3367
    @robertmergaert3367 2 роки тому +3

    Fascinating, amazing, glorious history. Bravo Pat, keep making the Thaiger a great place to learn.

  • @Kevin-xz4jq
    @Kevin-xz4jq 2 роки тому +4

    Such good unique content.

  • @DiscoDrew
    @DiscoDrew 2 роки тому +2

    I’m loving this series by Bangkok Pat and The Thaiger.
    Give us more please 👍

  • @bobmatin7107
    @bobmatin7107 2 роки тому +4

    Excellant to hear the long history of the beautiful buildongs. These videos are great for us living here in Thailand. There is so much interesting history to explore. The old train station is another grand structure that deserves a visit. As a professional engineer retired here it is such a great experience to tour these buildings with a designer eye Bobby in Maha Sarakham.

  • @globalnomad3488
    @globalnomad3488 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent, comprehensive and entertaining insight.

  • @williamhoole2065
    @williamhoole2065 2 роки тому +4

    Your deep research and caring and thorough work ethic, and suberb presentation all combine to create a lasting historical reference.

  • @GraemeLaird
    @GraemeLaird 2 роки тому +1

    Very interesting video. Lots of research on its history done since I left in 1979 after 5 years working there as Food and Beverage Manager then Resident Manager during the development of the River Wing. I was transferred there from the Mandarin in Hong Kong as the only person in the company at that time who had opening experience. I recall Kurt Wachtveitl saying "We have no systems here, not even a good filing system. You have carte blanche." Five of the best years of my career.

  • @ThairishTimes
    @ThairishTimes 2 роки тому +6

    Superb Pat, a well put together piece mate. Your content is always top notch

    • @scottDchicago
      @scottDchicago 2 роки тому

      Your content is also top notch Pete! Greetings from Chicago!

  • @arthur207
    @arthur207 2 роки тому +2

    Very informative. Please keep making these kind of videos.

  • @richardlau6131
    @richardlau6131 2 роки тому

    A remarkable video that deserves much greater appreciation and publicity. Thank you Pat.

  • @gabreiellawissell7310
    @gabreiellawissell7310 2 роки тому +3

    you always do a amazing factual video Bangkok history AWESOME ,THANK YOU

  • @markwils5042
    @markwils5042 2 роки тому +4

    I am a member of the travelers century club "100 country traveled, I'm at 158" The Oriental "Mandarin Oriental Bangkok" I still consider as the benchmark to measure all other hotels against. To this date I have never found any hotel in the world the equal the caliber of service, food, and vibe found at the Oriental. When I was in my 20's I saw Richard Nixon talking to Michael Jackson in the Lobby WTF!

  • @ringozwaan9372
    @ringozwaan9372 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks so much for yet another interesting history of Bangkok :-)

  • @rogerparis
    @rogerparis 2 роки тому +1

    My favorite hotel in my favorite city, magical. Excellent docu. Thank you.

  • @MyAddad
    @MyAddad 2 роки тому +3

    Great video, it's nice to learn some history of Bangkok..... My brother worked for the Oriental, (The Oriental in HK was renovated by him, the black marble foyer being his first major job for them). I remember he was sent to Bangkok to find out why one of the managers had been murdered, they'd found his body with a few chop marks in it, I believe he was Australian..... Across the river is my brother's last job, the Peninsula........ Another fantastic story behind that building...... I've always loved Thailand and especially Bangkok, I just hope they don't knock down the Oriental and build a 7/11.........

  • @zhubajie6940
    @zhubajie6940 2 роки тому +2

    Love it! Need more like this.

  • @twentyrothmans7308
    @twentyrothmans7308 2 роки тому +2

    These videos are a joy to watch.

  • @nicholasscott1867
    @nicholasscott1867 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for putting that up. A beautiful hotel that I had the good fortune to do some part time work for, but not in the hotel. I used to walk through the hotel to reach the river then took a small boat to the other side and joined in with OHAP( basically a cooking school) and stayed there for about a year. All a very long time ago , but happy memories.

  • @Goldfinger555
    @Goldfinger555 2 роки тому +2

    Clearly the best hotel I have ever stayed in around the world. Great video. Lots of history I was not aware of.

  • @kashyapkhakharia5826
    @kashyapkhakharia5826 2 роки тому +1

    Pat is best when it comes to history of BKK

  • @terencegraham8414
    @terencegraham8414 2 роки тому +2

    Brilliant Pat. Thanks

  • @adamhend3211
    @adamhend3211 2 роки тому +2

    Another very great video Pat. Looking forward to the next instalment.

  • @jimmyboysmovies1972
    @jimmyboysmovies1972 2 роки тому

    This part with the Thaiger is perfect 👌👌. I never knew the oriental had such a rich history. Another stunning vlog and I loved the ball room dancing scene. Thanks Pat 👏👏👏

  • @greenhite1
    @greenhite1 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing historical piece - thank you so much !!

  • @gertdrok
    @gertdrok 2 роки тому +1

    Very nice Pat, with your clear information as always. 🙏

  • @nikolauswolff5791
    @nikolauswolff5791 2 роки тому +3

    I was sitting on the terrace there drinking a cup of coffee. Bangkok has a lot of fine and luxury hotels but not a single one has the charisma of the Oriental. It's Bangkok's finest.

  • @matteoroveretto465
    @matteoroveretto465 2 роки тому +4

    Awesome. You're the Best🐯

  • @ossimar2005
    @ossimar2005 2 роки тому

    Beautiful video! I stayed there for nine nights in 2015. It was epic! I want to go back once more before I die.

  • @bangkokhomes
    @bangkokhomes 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent. I read the Ji Thomson Book and part of it covered his association with the hotel. He left due to too many disagreement. Good Vid Pat

  • @topurahman4521
    @topurahman4521 2 роки тому +1

    Loved the video. I stayed in Oriental in Somerset Maugham suit . It was 1998 and the suit cost me USD 1000 plus tax for a night. It is one of the best hotel I have ever stayed. Its first class all the way.

  • @nurpars846
    @nurpars846 2 роки тому +2

    Great, informative video s thanks Pat .👏👏👏

  • @shane0traveller451
    @shane0traveller451 2 роки тому +2

    What a place

  • @emlynjessen2957
    @emlynjessen2957 2 роки тому

    Thanks. I loved hearing about that, and as a classical musician I am gratified to have seen the legend, Sir Yehudi Menuhin amongst the guests there!

  • @NickadeeSplit
    @NickadeeSplit 2 роки тому +1

    Wow another great mini documentary!!! What really enlighten me is I had no idea about Japan bombing Bangkok and I consider myself a son of a world war II historian. Amazing keep making more please🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @capetonian
    @capetonian 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks, Pat. Really liked this one, excellent.

  • @bk8443
    @bk8443 2 роки тому +1

    Another great history…wonderful job, Pat!

  • @williamhartz8707
    @williamhartz8707 2 роки тому +2

    Very interesting… I need to have a drink at the Bamboo Bar ( never been).

  • @DavidLEE-jf9tj
    @DavidLEE-jf9tj 2 роки тому +1

    EXCELLENT RESEARCH

  • @nuttiyav4733
    @nuttiyav4733 2 роки тому

    Love this kind of videos.Also lovely experiece dining at The Oriental Hotel in bangkok.

  • @JFW5358
    @JFW5358 2 роки тому +1

    Fascinating story.

  • @marshallleo6589
    @marshallleo6589 2 роки тому

    Bangkok Pat....well done...well done indeed

  • @neilchurch4383
    @neilchurch4383 2 роки тому

    A fantastic look at the history of the hotel. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing more of the history of Bangkok and Thailand. 👍👍

  • @user-gl2cl1dk4k
    @user-gl2cl1dk4k 2 роки тому +1

    Very interesting and informative😀👍 thank you and looking forward to seeing the next episode❗❗🥰

  • @RS-of1om
    @RS-of1om 2 роки тому

    It would be amazing to go back in time to visit Thailand in the 1800's. These hotels coming up at that time would be amazing.

  • @ingramfinance9773
    @ingramfinance9773 2 роки тому

    Thank you Pat, so interesting and well made. 👍

  • @PREPFORIT
    @PREPFORIT 2 роки тому +1

    This was fascinating I had only heard about it in school. Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness novel was required reading in High School. My Mom was a fan of Barbara Cartland.

  • @muratsahan8697
    @muratsahan8697 2 роки тому

    Great informational video and good pace and description of things. Higly enjoyed it and will visist the hotel on my next trip to LOS. Thanks

  • @ejwrigley
    @ejwrigley 2 роки тому +2

    Awesome 🇺🇸🙏

  • @ghsnbgk5127
    @ghsnbgk5127 2 роки тому

    just outstanding, well done and wonderful compilation of history of this magnificent part of history of hotels in Bangkok. I was part of opening of the Dusit Thani Hotel in 1969/70, which was a tribute to the wonderful Thanpuying Chanut........Knew Kurt, but did not know the full history as you presented. Wonderful work on your part to preserve this wonderful legacy.....Thank you George Scudder

  • @pslaw
    @pslaw 2 роки тому

    Congratulations on the awesome report! 👍

  • @janpetersen7440
    @janpetersen7440 2 роки тому +4

    Yes, it was not Thais who put Thailand on the world map. It was enterprising foreigners (farangs) a little thoughtful. By the way a very nice informative video -:)

    • @catwithabeard
      @catwithabeard 2 роки тому

      Sorry to say that, but your comment about workd map is a very colonists one and shows no respect to Thai people.

  • @ronaldus2505
    @ronaldus2505 2 роки тому

    Excellent documentary. Thank you.

  • @eldiablo8019
    @eldiablo8019 2 роки тому +2

    In 1860 people complained that there was no where for them to go out and get some fresh air. Things haven't changed much in the past 161 years.

  • @lorrainevlambert
    @lorrainevlambert 2 роки тому

    So interesting! Thank you.

  • @WadersInAlaska
    @WadersInAlaska 2 роки тому

    Thanks so much, Pat! What a colorful history the Oriental Hotel had. A super informative video! Cheers!!

  • @panheadau
    @panheadau 2 роки тому +1

    Fantastic, mate.!!!!

  • @maxmiguel500
    @maxmiguel500 2 роки тому +1

    On one of my transits through BK , looking for a day trip I went to check out the historical hotel . Had a very good and expensive beer and lunch on the terrace overlooking the river . They have an excellent cigar shop within the hotel which , if you're a smoker is very nice thing ! Good piece BK Pat .

  • @robbiesouthern7956
    @robbiesouthern7956 2 роки тому +2

    Enjoyed that

  • @paulkonye8380
    @paulkonye8380 2 роки тому

    Fascinating. Thank you!

  • @bambambrett1967
    @bambambrett1967 2 роки тому

    Very enjoyable and informative. Thanks so much

  • @pburgess18
    @pburgess18 2 роки тому

    Nice one Pat. Very interesting and slick video

  • @btwatsvc
    @btwatsvc 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome! Thanks.

  • @karlvonessen768
    @karlvonessen768 2 роки тому +1

    Very good work!!! 👍👍

  • @wrightst8
    @wrightst8 2 роки тому +1

    Is it 'guest friendly' though? Only joking, another fantastic episode Pat and Thaiger. We can only dream...Cheers!

  • @ivapla
    @ivapla 2 роки тому +1

    Best hotel! So glad I could a few months doing my internship there

  • @fatboyslim3550
    @fatboyslim3550 2 роки тому +2

    Great video 🙏🇬🇧🇹🇭😊

  • @madpeddler8263
    @madpeddler8263 2 роки тому +2

    Well done

  • @reread2549
    @reread2549 2 роки тому

    Well done thank you so much

  • @pistonpilot
    @pistonpilot 2 роки тому +2

    Presentations such as these are pure gems, and a huge disparity between most of the productions for The Thaiger. Bangkok Pat makes you all look like amateurs.

  • @mphozulu4822
    @mphozulu4822 2 роки тому

    that was great.. my first visit at the oriental was in '86..it was stunning

  • @anthoneyking6572
    @anthoneyking6572 2 роки тому

    OMG that was Awesome thank you so Interesting and really good its still around Thank You

  • @tcong9616
    @tcong9616 2 роки тому

    Thanks Pat. Great video as always. The hotel management and caring staff continue to uphold its long legacy. We had a wonderful staycation there a few weeks ago.

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      Good to hear that, hopefully they get to see this and offer me a free night, I never did check if they have a penthouse.

  • @1trickpony69
    @1trickpony69 2 роки тому +1

    I was hoping you do this show.

  • @captainchokdee1039
    @captainchokdee1039 2 роки тому

    First class. Thank you. BBK here I come…

  • @scottDchicago
    @scottDchicago 2 роки тому

    Excellent “across the river” view of the Oriental Hotel Hotel at 9:24. This angle no doubt added time and effort with this episode which was definitely worth it!

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      Thanks Scott, I had to swim across to get that shot! Only joking, not many people at the Iconsiam that day.

  • @masajo928
    @masajo928 2 роки тому

    Nice Thank you always

  • @khunsainam
    @khunsainam 2 роки тому

    very interesting, never knew anything about the hotel. well done.

  • @pistonpilot
    @pistonpilot 2 роки тому +1

    Superb.

  • @gotthesinglelife
    @gotthesinglelife 2 роки тому

    Excellent look at the past and somethings is still there and going strong.

  • @Ajarnscott
    @Ajarnscott 2 роки тому

    Great video and very informative. I will share with my tourism students. Would love to hear more about legendary GM Kurt Wachtveitl, 40 years with The Oriental.

  • @ericsimpson1176
    @ericsimpson1176 2 роки тому +1

    Very interesting

  • @oliversparks1459
    @oliversparks1459 2 роки тому

    Fantastic

  • @lukerabin5079
    @lukerabin5079 2 роки тому +3

    River Menam to Chao Praya. I wonder if it’s just two different words for the same thing.

    • @cstoff6066
      @cstoff6066 2 роки тому

      Sort of. Menam means river or mother of water. Menam Chao Praya is the Thai name for the Chao Praya River. Like the Menam Khong, the Khong river or more often, the Mekhong. Gets confusing. . . . .

  • @ginettevandenkerckhove6593
    @ginettevandenkerckhove6593 2 роки тому +1

    Love dat place

  • @jimsinthailand
    @jimsinthailand 2 роки тому

    This guy is so good. Fantastic 5 stars

  • @pistonpilot
    @pistonpilot 2 роки тому +5

    Why is there no link to Bangkok Pat?

  • @davidcarter3284
    @davidcarter3284 2 роки тому

    Fab hotel they have some fab offers on atm going for weekend in a few weeks

  • @brandoabroad
    @brandoabroad 2 роки тому

    Nice piece but I was waiting for some stories about the lunacy you mention above. I bet those hotel rooms have some amazing stories.

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      Lunacy: Joseph Conrad, mostly and I could have, maybe should have added a longer part about his time there, but timings are tight. And then I've gotta balance it with stories of what the other writers got up to. There could be a whole video on just that alone!

    • @brandoabroad
      @brandoabroad 2 роки тому

      @@BangkokPat Thanks for the reply Pat. I really enjoy your informative pieces! always a pleasant surprise when they show up. I spent a good bit of time in BKK but really didn't know the histories you're sharing.

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      @@brandoabroad I've got a channel full of those videos....

    • @brandoabroad
      @brandoabroad 2 роки тому

      @@BangkokPat subscribed

  • @scottDchicago
    @scottDchicago 2 роки тому +1

    I had no idea that the legendary Jim Thompson took up residence and played a small role in the Oriental Hotel for a year after WW II. The Jim Thompson House is one of my favorite places to visit each time that I’m in Bangkok. Here’s a challenge for Bangkok Pat (although perhaps an impossible one in which to answer)!!! What happened exactly to Jim Thompson with his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia? I would love for you to complete an episode on Bangkok’s Jim Thompson House and to go on record with your best guesstimate about his disappearance.

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      I've never actually delved into this story, there will come a day when I do get asked to do a history of Jim Thompson, might even be a great excuse for a future video here.

    • @scottDchicago
      @scottDchicago 2 роки тому

      @@BangkokPat I absolutely love the Jim Thompson House. If I had to take a guess, he probably died of a heart attack while hiking in the jungle and dropped in thick jungle vegetation where his body sadly was never found. Search rescuers probably walked right past his body never seeing it due to the thick vegetation. This obviously is only a guess. I truly wish I had the answer!

    • @BangkokPat
      @BangkokPat 2 роки тому +1

      @@scottDchicago Then I will investigate and see, first I gotta see if the Jim Thompson house is open..

    • @scottDchicago
      @scottDchicago 2 роки тому

      @@BangkokPat If the outdoor restaurant/cafe is still open at the Jim Thompson House, I recommend having the chicken with green curry sauce over white rice. I enjoyed this meal there years ago but still remember it because of how good it was.

    • @robertschelly
      @robertschelly 2 роки тому +1

      Last I heard, Thompson disappeared in Malaysia without a trace in the 1960's. He was taking a walk on a country road. The theory is that a truck hit him and the driver panicked and gave him an impromptu burial in the woods and drove on. In any event, still a mystery as far as I know. Well-done video here.