IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its footprint in Thailand with the signing of Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang, a 158-key conversion property developed in partnership with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd. The hotel is slated to open by the end of 2026 and will mark the first Holiday Inn Express in Thailand, as well as the second in Southeast Asia to feature the brand's Generation 5 design language.
Located just one kilometre from Ao Nang Beach, the property will undergo a comprehensive rebranding programme. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a pool bar, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The hotel sits approximately 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport, offering convenient access to the region's limestone karsts, islands, and beaches that draw both domestic and international leisure travellers.
Conversion trend gains momentum in Thailand
The signing reflects a broader industry shift toward conversions in Thailand. According to IHG, nearly 40% of signed keys in the country during 2025 have been conversion projects, underscoring owner confidence in the group's global enterprise and distribution channels. Pathana Jitsaereetham, Director of Development for IHG Thailand, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd. through this signing. The Holiday Inn Express brand is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for reliable, modern accommodations in Krabi.”
Peeranat Deechaisatetha, Chief Business Development Officer at Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., added: “The addition of Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang complements our existing resort offering and allows us to cater to a broader range of travellers, from business guests to families seeking value.”
IHG currently operates 42 hotels across 11 brands in Thailand, with an additional 39 properties in the pipeline. The group's portfolio spans luxury names such as Six Senses and InterContinental, as well as midscale and extended-stay brands. The Krabi signing aligns with broader hospitality expansion in southern Thailand, including Centara Reserve Krabi, set to open in December 2026.
Krabi's appeal continues to grow as a destination for both leisure and MICE travellers, supported by improved air connectivity and government tourism initiatives. The province recorded strong visitor numbers in 2024, with direct flights from key source markets including China, Malaysia, and Europe. The new Holiday Inn Express is expected to capture demand from cost-conscious travellers who still expect consistent quality and service.
Industry observers note that the conversion model allows hotel owners to leverage IHG's global distribution systems, including its GDS connections and loyalty programme, without the capital expenditure of a ground-up build. This approach is particularly attractive in markets like Thailand, where existing hotel stock can be repositioned to meet evolving traveller expectations.
The Generation 5 design, already deployed at Holiday Inn Express properties in Singapore and other Southeast Asian markets, emphasises open-plan lobbies, flexible workspaces, and tech-integrated guest rooms. The Krabi property will incorporate these elements, aiming to appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
With the addition of Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang, IHG reinforces its commitment to growth and innovation in Thailand, a market that remains a cornerstone of its Asia-Pacific expansion strategy.
