KRABI, Thailand, July 23, 2026 — IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang, a 158-key conversion property developed in partnership with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., expanding its presence in one of Thailand's most established leisure destinations while reinforcing the company's conversion-led growth strategy across the country.
The hotel is scheduled to open by the end of 2026 following a comprehensive rebranding programme that will introduce the internationally recognised Holiday Inn Express brand to the property. The latest signing further strengthens IHG's relationship with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., which also owns the nearby Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach, extending an existing partnership between the two companies in the destination.
The agreement represents another step in IHG's expansion strategy in Thailand, where hotel conversions have become an increasingly significant component of the company's development pipeline. According to IHG, conversion signings accounted for nearly 40% of all signed keys in Thailand during 2025, reflecting growing owner interest in joining global hotel networks that provide established brands, commercial capabilities, international distribution channels, and loyalty programmes.
Pathana Jitsaereetham, Director of Development, Thailand at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the latest signing demonstrates continued confidence from hotel owners in the company's brands and long-term commercial platform while strengthening collaboration with an existing ownership partner.
The conversion of the Krabi property also aligns with broader development momentum in Thailand, where owners are increasingly adopting conversion opportunities as a route to accelerate market entry while leveraging international brand recognition. Through the Holiday Inn Express brand, the hotel will become part of IHG's global portfolio and gain access to the company's commercial ecosystem, including its distribution network and award-winning loyalty programme.
Located in the centre of Ao Nang, the property occupies a strategic position within one of Krabi's primary tourism and commercial districts. The hotel sits approximately one kilometre from Ao Nang Beach along one of the area's main commercial streets, surrounded by retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Krabi International Airport is accessible within approximately 40 minutes by car, supporting domestic and international connectivity.
Once the conversion is completed, the property will feature 158 guest rooms alongside a range of facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, swimming pool, and fitness centre. The hotel is expected to welcome guests before the end of 2026 after the rebranding programme has been finalised.
The property will also introduce IHG's latest Holiday Inn Express Generation 5 design concept to the Thailand market. Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang will become the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Thailand and only the second property in Southeast Asia to adopt the brand's Generation 5 design.
The Generation 5 concept incorporates flexible and experience-focused public spaces designed to accommodate changing traveller expectations. The design places greater emphasis on intuitive social environments where guests can work, connect, and relax while maintaining the Holiday Inn Express brand's focus on operational simplicity, functionality, and guest comfort.
Krabi continues to represent an important destination within Thailand's hospitality sector, supported by sustained demand from both domestic and international visitors. Ao Nang serves as a gateway to several of the province's most recognised attractions, including Poda Island, Chicken Island, Hong Island, and Railay Beach, making it one of the country's established tourism hubs.
The destination attracts a broad mix of leisure demand, including families, couples, and adventure travellers seeking beach experiences, island excursions, outdoor recreation, and access to Krabi's coastal attractions. Its commercial district also supports tourism activity through a concentration of restaurants, retail businesses, and nightlife venues.
For Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., the latest agreement expands an existing hospitality portfolio in Krabi while complementing its current Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach operation. By adding a Holiday Inn Express property alongside the resort, the owner broadens its accommodation offering across different traveller segments while increasing its presence within the destination.
Peeranat Deechaisatetha, Chief Business Development Officer of Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., said the company's experience operating Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach strengthened its confidence in IHG's brands and commercial capabilities. The addition of Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang enables the company to serve a wider range of travellers while expanding its footprint within Krabi.
The owner also noted that operating both properties supports the continued development of Krabi as a leading tourism destination while creating opportunities to enhance the area's hospitality offering for international and domestic visitors.
The Krabi signing adds further momentum to IHG's broader expansion across Thailand, where the company continues to increase brand representation across multiple market segments and destinations. The latest project contributes to a growing national portfolio supported by both new developments and conversion opportunities.
IHG currently operates 42 hotels across 11 brands in Thailand, while maintaining 39 additional properties in its development pipeline, reflecting continued investment in expanding its presence throughout the country. The pipeline spans multiple destinations and brand categories as the company continues to grow alongside demand across Thailand's hospitality sector.
The Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang signing also highlights the role of long-term owner relationships within IHG's regional development strategy. Building on an existing partnership with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd. allows the company to expand within a proven market while leveraging operational experience already established through the nearby Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach.
As the property transitions to the Holiday Inn Express brand, the conversion will further extend IHG's footprint in southern Thailand while adding another internationally branded hotel to Krabi's accommodation market. Scheduled to open before the end of 2026, the project combines conversion-led development, owner partnership expansion, and brand growth within one of Thailand's established leisure destinations.