Bangkok, Thailand

Mixing it up

In a city where work, leisure, and luxury often come together under one roof, two multipurpose icons are embracing modernization to remain competitive and relevant.

Upgrading an icon

Set back slightly from the frenetic Sukhumvit Road, where street vendors, pedestrians, mopeds, buses, and cars compete for space, stands the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower.

Step beneath its gold-adorned awning, and the rush and heat give way to cool air and quiet refinement – a sleek oasis of luxury, home to a 5-star hotel, long-stay residences, upmarket retail outlets, eat­eries, and an office tower. “It’s one of the city’s iconic buildings – everyone knows the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower.,” explains Gregory Pesce, Modernization sales director at Jardine Schindler Thailand.

But even icons need to evolve. In Bangkok, mixed-use buildings catering to everything the city’s citizens need are now an integral part of the urban landscape. As new buildings emerge, they’re redefining what residents expect when it comes to convenience, comfort, and design.

The Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower team isn’t one to sit on the sidelines. “We initiated a comprehensive modernization program to help maintain the Emporium Tower’s position as one of Bangkok’s most established and recognizable destinations,” explains Theraphat Owlarn, vice president of Project Planning & Development at City Realty Co. Ltd.

This program included building mobility, so the team turned to Schindler, their long-term partner in vertical transportation. Improving user experience, energy efficiency, and equipment performance became the focus. “We’ve had such a long and successful partnership with Schindler, we knew they could deliver,” explains Thera­phat. “Upgrading our elevators played a critical role in improving the building’s energy efficiency and enhance tenant comfort.”

In a complex that caters for a wide variety of visitors and experiences high levels of foot traffic, managing the flow of people is essential. Thus, a total of 22 Schindler 7000 and Schindler 5000 elevators were modernized – twelve to take passengers up to suites and offices, six connecting users to the underground parking garage, and four service elevators. The team implemented Schindler PORT for destination control and energy savings, and integrated the elevators with the building’s existing turnstiles and self-service visitor screens via a custom API solution. This setup enables QR code access for visitors – enhancing both convenience and security.

Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower prides itself on offering impeccable service to its guests – and the Schindler team went to great lengths to match that commitment.

“Before we began, we discussed with the customer how we would minimize the impact for users of the building,” says Schindler project manager Songklod Warakunphinyo. “Communication and collaboration are critical on projects like this to ensure their success.”

Speed, flexibility, and creativity were just as essential. “We took a multi-team approach to the projects. One team worked on the office tower at night, and during the day, another team focused on the hotel, so we didn’t disturb guests while they slept at night,” he continues. To avoid the need for scaffolding or external cranes, the teams removed the old elevator machines by dismantling them on-site and extracting them piece by piece via the service elevators. “I don’t think anyone realized the amount of machinery that was quietly being removed,” Songklod concludes with a smile.

This level of modernization expertise doesn’t happen by accident. As Gregory Pesce explains, upgrading existing equipment requires a different skill set than traditional new installations. “We’re training our workforce on competencies specific to modernization. Our teams working on-site need to be able to understand the needs of building owners and managers, communicate well with them, know how to work with third-party equipment, and, as always, prioritize safety. It’s a very different workplace when it’s an occupied building rather than a construction site.”

Guests are already enjoying the smoother ride, shorter waiting times, and refreshed aesthetics of the upgraded elevators. “The design perfectly complements the new look of the whole complex, and we’ve already received great feedback,” says Theraphat Owlarn. “And soon, we’ll be able to work with the data from the connected elevators.”

This connectivity facilitates remote monitoring and maintenance, simultaneously saving time, enabling rapid response, and slashing carbon emissions – critical considerations in a heavily congested metropolis such as Bangkok.

“Increasingly customers are looking for elevators that can be connected digitally,” explains Gregory. “Our technologies and our modernization offerings support them in meeting their goals and upgrading their buildings to be future-proof.”

As Songklod Warakunphinyo puts it: “You can’t change the past, but you can do something today that will impact your future.” A fitting motto for modernization.

“It’s one of the city’s iconic buildings – everyone knows the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower.”

Gregory Pesce Modernization Sales Director

A trusted partnership, a seamless modernization

“We have a long partner-ship with Schindler. They installed the first ele­vators in the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower when it opened in 1997, and we’ve also worked with them on developments such as Sathorn City Tower, Asia Sermkij Tower, The Bangkok Club, and the Emporium mixed-use complex.”

Why did you decide to modernize the equipment in the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower?

We initiated a comprehensive modernization program to help maintain the Emporium Suites by Chatrium & Emporium Tower position as one of Bangkok’s most established and recognizable destinations. It’s designed to ensure that the building continues to meet modern standards of efficiency and sustainability, and that tenants and visitors enjoy a superior experience.

The program encompasses all major systems – from infrastructure and energy management to safety and comfort – with the goal of achieving LEED Platinum certification.

What role do Schindler elevators play in this approach?

Elevators are central to the daily operation of the building, and their reli­abil­ity directly impacts convenience and productivity. An important part of the modernization program involved upgrading the elevators serving the office and hotel zones. The new systems introduce enhanced safety features, energy-­efficient motors, and intelligent controls that help reduce waiting times and improve ride comfort. Integration with our building’s turnstile system has also helped provide a smoother and more secure access experience, which is critical to our building’s tenants.

How did the modernization go?

It was carried out in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption to tenants and daily operations. Throughout the process, Khun Songklod Warakunphinyo, our main point of contact at Schindler, maintained clear communication and coordination, ensuring high quality standards. Their after-sales support has also been prompt and reliable.

Were there any challenges that the team successfully overcame?

Yes, the huge earthquake that hit Bangkok in March 2025. Schindler responded immediately, sending a team the following day to inspect all systems and ensure safety. Their responsiveness and professionalism allowed the project to remain on schedule and progress smoothly – and calmed the nerves of our tenants.

Have you seen results of the modernization yet?

Absolutely. The elevators are now faster, smoother, and quieter, improving both comfort and traffic flow. And with the new systems, we’ll be able to analyze operational data to further enhance efficiency in the future. Modern design and technology contribute to a refreshed atmosphere throughout the complex.

Modernizations are a long-term investment – careful planning, transparent communication, and collaboration with reliable partners are all key to success.

How would you summarize your experience with Schindler?

Overall, the collaboration with Schindler has been positive. They delivered on their commitments and were responsive throughout the project.

“With the new systems, we’ll be able to analyze operational data to further enhance efficiency in the future.”

Theraphat Owlarn Vice President of Project Planning & Development, City Realty Co. Ltd.

Staying ahead of the game

Since opening in the 1990s, Bangkok’s All Seasons Place has exem­plified the best of mixed-use real estate in the Thai capital. Its five towers brought life, work, and leisure together under one roof – housing, offices, residences, shops, entertainment outlets, and a 5-star hotel.

Two decades later, All Seasons Place is facing a wave of competition. Bangkok residents have embraced the mixed-use model, and new buildings offering everything in one place are reshaping the city’s skyline – and putting older infrastructure to the test.

“There are many new buildings in Bangkok and in this area in particular,” explains Linji Li, marketing director at All Seasons Place. “And if we want to continue to compete with them, we need to upgrade what we offer.”

This includes vertical transportation solutions. “Our neighbors are all using the newest facilities and technology,” Linji Li explains. “Meanwhile, our elevators dated back to when the building opened – we were still using elevators with push buttons!”

To help bring the property up to date, All Seasons Place turned to Schindler, their trusted partner for over 30 years.

Led by project manager and certified Schindler PORT specialist Wannaporn Pansakul, the team installed the bespoke destination control management system Schindler PORT in 40 elevators across three of the five towers.

As with everything she does, detail-­oriented Wannaporn took an enthusiastic, thorough approach. “We checked carefully everything before we began the project, starting with the building structure,” she explains. “Then we aligned our plan and timeline with the building managers, keeping track in weekly meetings with them during the project.”

That collaboration proved vital. “Customers have high expectations of us, and we strive to meet them, through proactive, clear, and consistent communication,” adds Chalit Phatiphadungkol, foreman for the Schindler PORT project.

Schindler PORT was the ideal solution to rejuvenate All Seasons Place elevators – a way to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency, while introducing smart, future-ready features.

“Schindler PORT meets all our requirements,” explains Supot Inkam, head of building management. “Safety is our top priority, but we also wanted faster, more reliable service, and lower energy consumption. Plus, the system integrated seamlessly with our existing infrastructure.”

“Modernization is a big challenge, par­tic­ularly because the buildings we’re upgrading are in use,” says Wannaporn Pansakul. To limit user disruption, the team used Schindler PORT Overlay. “This is where we install Schindler PORT in the existing elevators that remain in operation while others are being upgraded,” she explains. It can be used on all types of elevators, including third-party units, and immediately improves the traffic capacity.

The teams also worked night shifts, when the building was less busy, and kept in constant communication with the building’s management throughout the project.

The mixed-use property boom shows no sign of slowing down in the Thai capital. New development combining retail space, offices, and accommodation continues to reshape the city’s skyline – like the soon-to-be neighbor of All Seasons Place, Dusit Central Park, which is already generating excitement across the city.

With competition this fierce, everyone needs to bring their A game. “There’s a reason customers today aren’t just replacing equipment but also investing in better experiences for users,” Suwanna Kongkanjana, managing director of Jardine Schindler Thailand, explains.

It’s the start of a “virtuous” circle. “Upgrading gives customers access to the latest technology while enhancing property value and user safety. It’s a win-win in the long-term both for our customers and for the city’s infrastructure.”

“We checked carefully everything before we began the project, starting with the building structure.”

Wannaporn Pansakul Project Manager Schindler PORT

Supported to grow

Jitima Watthanachainan, one of the resident Schindler PORT experts in Bangkok, has always loved new challenges. It’s what attracted her to engineering in the first place.

“It feels so great when you first encounter something difficult and then realize you can overcome it,” she explains, breaking into a broad smile. She quite literally beams with pride at the thought. “I like to try new things and put what I’ve learned into practice – it’s the best part of my job.”

Jitima Watthanachainan grew up about 100 kilometers north of Bangkok. She moved to the capital to pursue a degree in Electrical Energy Engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.

In 2020, straight after graduating, Jitima joined the Jardine Schindler team in Thailand as part of the two-year Field Engineer Development Program (FEDP). But she ended up taking a slightly different path – after eight months, she was fast-tracked into a more focused Schindler PORT training program.

“My first boss was very supportive and encouraging; he really gave me the belief that I could succeed in becoming a specialist,” says Jitima. She traveled to Hong Kong and Singapore for additional training and assessments. “Working on international projects with a multinational team gave me a broader perspective and helped me grow professionally.”

Now, Jitima integrates Schindler PORT into new and existing buildings, like All Seasons Place. She collaborates with sales teams to conduct site surveys and prepare quotations, consolidates existing system information, and prepares schematic diagrams for installation teams.

“For modernization projects, we have to work within the existing infrastructure,” she explains. “Each project comes with its own challenges. But it’s fascinating to see how our latest technologies can change the experience in an older building. It’s like taking a 20-year-old smartphone, changing all the parts, and getting it to run the latest operating system.”

A large percentage of engineers in Thailand are male, but Jitima hasn’t experienced any issues with gender bias. She jokingly points out that the biggest difficulty as a woman working in the field is finding suitable toilets during installation projects.

When it comes to the projects themselves, the biggest challenge is usually working within tight timeframes – especially for modernization projects, where buildings remain operational.

“Clear communication is key. It’s not just about saying ‘yes,’” says Jitima. “We must act as a partner to our customers, advising on feasible solutions and potential drawbacks. In the end, that’s what builds trust.”

For Jitima, customer feedback reassures her that she made the right decision to specialize. “At first, when switching to Schindler PORT, it can take a few days for a building to adapt to the new way of operating, but quite often the first feedback we receive is that the waiting lines in elevator lobbies are gone, which is very rewarding to hear.”

“It’s fascinating to see how our latest technologies can change the experience in an older building.”

“I like to try new things and put what I’ve learned into practice – it’s the best part of my job.”

Jitima Watthanachainan Senior Transit Management Competence Center Engineer