Luxury hospitality veteran to lead Langham’s newest landmark on the Chao Phraya River, opening late 2026
Bangkok, Thailand – July 2025 – Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has officially appointed Nick Downing as General Manager of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, the group’s highly anticipated luxury hotel set to open in late 2026. The announcement marks the first of several strategic leadership hires as LHG gears up for the debut of one of Bangkok’s most iconic hospitality destinations.
With over 30 years of experience in luxury hotel management across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Indian Ocean, Downing brings a proven track record in transforming new properties into award-winning destinations. His most recent role as General Manager of The Siam Bangkok saw the hotel rise to international prominence, earning a coveted spot on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list and receiving a prestigious Michelin Three-Key rating.
Downing has held senior leadership positions at some of the region’s most respected hospitality companies. At Minor Hotel Group, he oversaw operations for a portfolio of 12 hotels. He was instrumental in repositioning W Retreat Koh Samui and led the successful opening and development of Huvafen Fushi under Per Aquum Hotels & Resorts.
Reporting to Sherona Shng, Regional Vice President – Operations, Asia, for Langham Hospitality Group, Downing will play a pivotal role in launching and establishing The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok as a cultural and culinary landmark.
“This appointment is a clear statement of intent,” said Shng. “We are building The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok to be one of the most distinctive and desirable hotels in the region. Nick’s ability to elevate properties into cultural icons, with a focus on people, partnerships and place, makes him the ideal person to bring the extraordinary hotel to life.”
A New Luxury Benchmark on the Chao Phraya River
Located in Bangkok’s historic Bang Rak District, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is being developed by Rabbit Holdings, a subsidiary of BTS Group. The hotel will feature just 78 keys, ensuring an intimate and personalised guest experience, with architecture that blends Bangkok’s rich heritage and modern design. A centrepiece of the project is the careful restoration of the 19th-century Custom House, a riverfront architectural gem now being reimagined as part of this prestigious hotel.
Signature offerings will include:
• T’ang Court: The Bangkok debut of The Langham, Hong Kong’s legendary three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant
• A signature destination bar with views of the Chao Phraya River
• An artisanal pâtisserie outlet, showcasing world-class pastry craftsmanship
With its unrivalled location, cultural depth, and culinary excellence, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is poised to redefine luxury hospitality in Thailand’s capital.