Minor Hotels has named Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of the Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, a property that sits on the Gulf of Thailand coastline. The appointment, announced by the Bangkok-based hospitality group, places a seasoned operator with more than two decades of experience across Thailand and the Maldives at the helm of the 194-key resort.
Nicholas Smith, Minor Hotels’ vice-president for operations in Asia, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kanruethai to Avani+ Hua Hin. Her extensive operational expertise, proven commercial leadership and deep experience in wellness and resort management make her exceptionally well placed to lead the property into its next chapter.”
Roongruang herself remarked: “I am honoured to join Avani+ Hua Hin Resort and become part of the Minor Hotels family. Avani is a dynamic and innovative brand with a strong commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the resort’s success, create memorable moments for our guests and continue driving sustainable growth for the business.”
Career trajectory across Thailand and the Maldives
Originally from Phuket, Roongruang brings over 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with a strong background spanning resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development and luxury hospitality leadership.
Most recently, she was the chief executive officer of Island Escape Burasari and Burasari Residences in Phuket, where she was responsible for overall strategic direction, resort operations, commercial performance, property development and team leadership; her remit included overseeing the operations of Island Escape Burasari on Coconut Island.
Previously, Roongruang held senior leadership roles with Banyan Group across Thailand and the Maldives; as general manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives, she managed an integrated resort operation across two islands. That experience in multi-property management and wellness-focused hospitality aligns with the Avani+ brand’s emphasis on meaningful guest experiences and sustainable growth.
The appointment comes as the wellness tourism segment continues to expand globally, with industry events such as the Global Wellness Summit marking its 20th anniversary in Thailand underscoring the region’s centrality to the sector. Roongruang’s deep experience in wellness and resort management positions her to capitalise on that trend at Avani+ Hua Hin.
Minor Hotels, which operates over 530 properties in 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, NH Hotels, and Tivoli, has been strengthening its leadership bench across Asia. The Avani+ Hua Hin property, located about 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, is a key asset in the group’s Thailand portfolio, targeting both leisure travellers and the MICE segment with its meeting facilities and beachfront setting.
Roongruang’s appointment is effective immediately. She succeeds the previous general manager and will report directly to Nicholas Smith.
