Centara COO Michael Henssler provides insights into an extraordinary hotel world that embodies Thai lifestyle and social responsibility in this interview. (Photo: © Centara Hotels & Resorts)
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July 1, 2026
Authentic hospitality, sustainable growth, and strong family values: Centara Hotels & Resorts embodies the Thai way of life worldwide. COO Michael Henssler discusses the philosophy and future of the hotel group.
Welcome to the world of Centara. Centara is a Thai family business, deeply rooted in the country's hospitality and committed to the authenticity of its people. By combining international standards with local Thai flair, the brand has built a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.
Over the decades, the family business has grown into a globally operating Thai hotel and resort group . The group is headquartered in Thailand, but guests in other countries around the world also enjoy the unique "Thainess" experience. In an interview with the German trade journal "Deutsches Handwerksblatt," German COO Michael Henssler offers insights into an extraordinary hotel world that embodies Thai lifestyle and social responsibility.
DHB: Centara hotels are primarily located in Thailand, but also in the Middle East, the Maldives, Nepal, and Japan, for example. What is the company's philosophy?
Henssler: The Central Group is a Thai family-owned business. Centara Hotels & Resorts, owned by the Chirathivat family, is part of the group. The Central Group is considered the largest retail conglomerate in the Kingdom, with a significant presence throughout Southeast Asia and Europe. This includes stores such as KaDeWe in Berlin and Globus in Switzerland. The company's roots lie with a family who immigrated from China and made their living in Thailand with a small grocery store. Over the years, the company grew into a retail empire. However, its values remain characterized by down-to-earthness, modesty, and a long-term growth vision. The hotel division was founded 43 years ago and currently comprises 56 hotels. A further 34 hotels are in the planning stages, divided among six brands ranging from two to five stars.
DHB: A key characteristic of all the hotels is "Thainess," meaning authentic Thai hospitality. How does this manifest itself for the guest?
Henssler: Every Centara hotel worldwide aims to convey a sense of "Thainess." This is achieved through the predominantly Thai staff, authentic Thai cuisine, and spas offering treatments unique to Thailand. Our concept blends international standards with local flair. The company places great emphasis on authenticity. This focus is particularly important in Europe, where many guests are already familiar with Centara from Thailand and expect the same high quality at other locations in Asia.
DHB: What is the current growth strategy? Especially in the luxury segment?
Hensler: The expansion is focused on three platforms. The first growth priority is to expand the core business of Centara Grand and Centara through partnerships in the Middle East and Asia, primarily in the resort sector. Secondly, expansion in the luxury segment is being driven forward with Centara Reserve and The Centara Collection, which include company-owned properties. For example, a new resort is scheduled to open in Krabi by the end of the year. And thirdly, Centara is developing offerings for business travelers and long-stay guests that combine comfort, brand recognition, and a "home away from home" feeling.
DHB: The luxury segment is to be offered with unique, exclusive experiences. What does that mean?
Henssler: Hotels like the Centara Reserve Samui are comparable to a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, yet they deliberately maintain an understated elegance. The upcoming Krabi resort offers luxury in a secluded bay accessible only by boat. Room sizes start at 75 square meters. The focus is on unforgettable, local experiences that extend beyond the hotel stay itself. For example, the hotels curate tours and activities, ranging from diverse cultural offerings to culinary experiences (details of which we cannot yet reveal) or visits to local farmers. The goal is to provide guests with authentic insights into the culture and way of life of the country's inhabitants. To this end, many hotels in Thailand have their own farms or supply chains.
DHB: As already mentioned, the family is known for its local commitment, especially with regard to sustainability. Can you give some examples?
Henssler: Centara's guiding principle is "Good Governance." This means acting as an ethical business partner, both to protect our planet and to strengthen local communities. Within the Central Group, for example, the company's social enterprise lifestyle brand "Good Goods" supports these communities. Jointly developed, relevant products combine local traditions and crafts with natural or recycled materials, sold through the Central Group's distribution network. All Centara promotional gifts are "Good Goods" and thus deliver a clear local impact. Centara is also the first Thai hotel group to receive certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for all its properties.
DHB: How important is it to the company to give families a feeling of home?
Henssler: The hotel group has a strong focus on families in almost all of its properties. For example, all themed hotels in the "Mirage" line have water parks and offer children's and teen areas, the so-called "E-Zones." Even in the luxury segment, family needs receive special attention. This starts with staff selection and extends to child-friendly excursions and activities throughout our "Guest Journey."
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
DHB: Can you determine how strong the emotional bond and high return rate of your guests is?
Henssler: There's a special story that illustrates just how deep the emotional connection our guests can feel. Over 100 years ago, a Dutch guest checked into the Railway Hotel in Hua Hin for the first time, back when it was still run by the national railway. His descendants still visit the hotel, now Centara Grand Beach Resorts Hua Hin, every year. Another regular guest, a racehorse breeder, named a horse "Centara" out of love for the hotel – and it even won at Ascot. These anecdotes underscore the loyalty and strong connection our guests have with our hotels.
DHB: Let's turn to the not insignificant factor of cuisine. The local cuisine is considered particularly tasty and a reflection of Thailand's diversity.
Henssler: Culinary delights are a central focus for us. Every hotel offers local dishes and authentic street food. The Central Group integrates Michelin-recommended street food vendors into the food courts of its malls, as is the case in the Central Park Mall in Bangkok. Guests experience the full spectrum of Thai cuisine, from affordable street food to Michelin-starred dining. Our five-star grand hotels in Bangkok are known for their rooftop bars, and all our beach resorts for their COAST Beach Clubs. The offerings in the malls and hotels range from simple, delicious meals for three to five euros to fine dining for 500 euros per person. There's something for everyone, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
More infoWhat began in 1947 as a small family business by Tiang Chirathivat and his son Samrit What began in Bangkok is today one of Thailand's leading business groups: the CentralGroup.
The hospitality brand Centara Hotels & Resorts has also been part of the portfolio since 1983. The CEO is the founder's grandson. Thirayuth Chirathivat. His daughter, Pimpisa Chirathivat Phornprapha, in turn, has been shaping the brand's design direction since 2020 as Corporate Senior Director of Design & Technical Services.
Since the founding of the hospitality company in 1983, the Portfolio has grown to a total of 90 houses., which have expanded from their main focus in their Thai homeland to include Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East extend.
Thailand's leading hospitality company includes the brands "Centara Reserve", "Centara Grand", "Centara", "The Centara Collection", "Centara Life" and "COSI Hotels" – covering a wide range of categories from five-star superior hotels to luxury island retreats, cozy family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts.
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