The Royal Hotel
a safe haven

Royal Hotel is a modest hotel near the Sanam Luang (Royal Field) at the other end of Central Ratchadamnoen Avenue from the Democracy Monument. During the Black May 1992 demonstrations, the hotel was unwittingly drawn into the unfolding drama.

At the height of the military crackdown on the demonstrators, casualties mounted. Owing to its proximity, the hotel was used as a makeshift first aid center. Volunteer doctors and medical staff rushed to the hotel to tend to the injured. Other demonstrators milled outside the main entrance anxious about the condition of their friends.

The crowd attracted military attention and soldiers closed in. Troops also burst into the hotel rooms to search for demonstrators who may have hidden within the building. Doctors and medical staff were reportedly manhandled in the process.

Somehow in the midst of all this confusion, a small group of demonstrators managed to slip away and hide somewhere within the hotel. The dazed and bedraggled group emerged the next morning to the surprise of the hotel staff.

The Royal Hotel magnanimously offered the demonstrators food, employee uniforms and passes to allow them safe passage through the military checkpoints. That saved their lives. They made it safely home and their families didn't forget this act of kindness.


The safe haven in September

That act also endeared the hotel to those in the democracy movement. They didn't forget either. Many of them still hold their functions and conferences there. The hotel is also popular with other non-profit organizations for its modest prices, pleasant and unassuming service.

If you are on a tour of old Bangkok, drop in and take a look. Royal Hotel may be classified as a three star hotel but it's a hotel with a five star heart.

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