Uncover I-Jud (Dots Dog) And The Cultural Surawong District with Le Meridien Bangkok

Le Méridien Bangkok, the art-inspired hotel in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital city, is inviting culture seekers to embark on compelling explorations of Bangkok's most creative district with a wealth of classical and contemporary artistic attractions to ignite the imagination and stimulate the senses.

I-Jud, the iconic dog art installation, can be found throughout the hotel

Nestled on Surawong Road, the heritage-rich thoroughfare that runs from the city’s lively Silom district to the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Le Méridien Bangkok is surrounded by art galleries, installations, and cultural venues. This makes it the perfect base for curious explorers who want to uncover the beating heart of this cosmopolitan city.

From the moment guests step into this newly-reimagined hotel, they are immersed in a world of art and design. At the main entrance stands I-Jud, (or “Dots Dog”) the giant white dog installation that was created by Thai artist Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and is designed to represent the journey of art. As part of Le Méridien’s ‘Arrival Art’ programme, I-Jud also reflects the playful spirit of the brand and makes a striking first impression.

I-Jud (Dots Dog) Le Meridien Bangkok

“I-Jud” or “Dots Dog” is an iconic sculpture of a playful dog that has his home at the front entrance of Le Méridien Bangkok and was created by Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, a talented and determined local artist from Ratchaburi province, Thailand. In an attempt to promote Ratchaburi as an upcoming art destination, not just a passing or forgotten province, Wasinburee created a massive “I-Jud” sculpture measuring 3 meters in height and showcased it in the Bangkok Art and Culture Center as well as different provinces in Thailand and abroad. It is meant to signify a journey of art that will leave a lasting impression on many communities.

With art being one of the core values of Le Méridien Bangkok, we are happy to support local artists and we have selected “I-Jud” to be displayed in front of our hotel. It is one of our “Arrival Artworks” which is the first piece of artwork to be seen upon arrival at our hotel and it has quickly become a stunning icon of Le Méridien Bangkok. Wasinburee has also created golden miniaturized sculptures of “I-Jud” that are coated with a special type of chromium which we display in our lobby. These magnificent souvenirs are available for purchase either directly in the hotel.

This light-hearted welcome is followed up with whimsical interpretations of Bangkok street life and carefully curated artworks – including colourful mini I-Jud statues – which flow through the lobby and Latitude Bar. Guests, visitors, and local residents can even purchase their own I-Jud, along with other original pieces at the hotel’s boutique, which makes Le Méridien Bangkok a focal point for all fans of contemporary art. Prices for I-Jud range from just THB 1,500 net for a mini statue to THB 17,000 net for a large version.

Colourful I-Jud statues adorn the hotel’s stylish lobby

For in-house guests who want to explore this eclectic neighborhood, Khun Kok Thooptong, the hotel's Chief Concierge, can recommend many intriguing attractions in the local area. On Surawong Road, The Neilson Hays Library is a charming neoclassical building that houses more than 20,000 books, a gallery, and a café, while the edgier side of Bangkok’s urban art scene can be found further down the road, where a series of large and colorful graffiti works adorn the walls – the result of a collaborative project for the BUKRUK art festival.

Reaching the riverside at Charoen Krung Road, the former Bangkok General Post Office is a vast brutalist building that has been reinvented as a public cultural hub. Home to the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), it now features 50,000 books, journals, and multimedia pieces, as well as exhibition spaces that host inspiring events. Under Le Méridien’s ‘Unlock Art™’ program, hotel guests can enjoy complimentary access to TCDC by presenting their ‘Discover Unlock Art™Guest Pass’ (which can be found in every hotel room) upon arrival at the venue. A Gallery Walk also lets visitors uncover several independent art galleries in the TCDC precinct or further along the river – a wonderful opportunity to stroll at leisure, investigate the local “sois” (alleyways), and soak up daily life.

Le Méridien Bangkok’s ‘Discover Unlock ArtTM Guest Pass’

Street art in Charoen Krung Road

Not far away, River City Bangkok is a hub of art and antiques and a great place to grab a refreshing riverside drink. Explorers who take the public ferry across to the opposite bank will alight amid a cool enclave of art and lifestyle at Jam Factory – an upbeat community space that stages regular events including a farmer’s market and pop-up concerts.

“Le Méridien Bangkok has always been proud to support and promote the arts, so we are delighted to invite our appreciative guests to discover what makes the Thai capital such a captivating cultural destination. Surawong Road is among the most intriguing streets in the city, with diverse attractions that showcase the city’s traditional and modern faces. From classical imagery to colourful graffiti, we can help all art lovers unlock the creative spirit of Bangkok,” said Mr. Dieter Ruckenbauer, General Manager, Le Méridien Bangkok.

To learn more about Le Méridien’s “Unlock Art™” programme, which gives curious travelers complimentary access to celebrated galleries and institutions, please visit https://le-meridien.marriott.com/programmes/unlock-art.

Guests seeking an artistic escape can take advantage of the “Bangkok Unlocked” package, which includes a half-board stay in a newly-renovated Deluxe Room with breath-taking views of the city, plus daily breakfast and a three-course lunch or dinner at La Cantine, the brasserie-style alter-ego of Latest Recipe. Priced from just THB 5,800++ per night, this package is valid for bookings and stays between now until 30 September 2023.

For more information about Le Méridien Bangkok and to make a reservation, please contact +66 (0) 2 232 8888 or reservations.lmbkk@lemeridien.com.

Website: www.lemeridienbangkoksurawong.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeMeridienBangkok
Line: @lemeridienbangkok