Sansiri Phuket, hand-in-hand with “The Society”, is injecting a fresh and vibrant energy into Phuket, combining art, culture, beach sports, cuisine, and sustainability. This unique endeavor seeks to highlight local “soft power,” creating a perfect blend of global artistry and local tradition. Stir in the exhilarating flavors of VAMOS and the soulful tunes of the Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra, all amidst the stunning backdrop of architecture designed by Ed Tuttle’s team. “The Society” stands as the pioneering social and creative lifestyle space on the island, merging culture, connection, and inspiration, while underscoring Sansiri’s stellar reputation in design, spanning four decades. For 13 years, Sansiri has been a staple in Phuket, and now it ventures towards becoming an international lifestyle brand.
Nestled in the chic enclave of Cherngtalay-Bangtao beach, The Society encapsulates Sansiri’s ambition to transcend beyond being merely a property developer, morphing into a lifestyle brand that “connects and inspires” both local and international communities. With a wealth of experience creating landmark residences throughout Thailand, Sansiri brings its expertise and distinctive design DNA to this expansive 3,000 square meter space. The Society isn’t merely a restaurant, café, sales gallery, or exhibition venue—it’s an experiential space showcasing Sansiri’s aspiration as a curator of lifestyle experiences. Here, creativity and community engagement flourish, fostering connections and bringing people together.
The design is a beautiful fusion of mid-century Spanish housing charm with modern Thai touches, resulting in an elegant yet understated style reminiscent of a friend’s warm and inviting home. Throughout the interior and exterior, natural wood materials create a harmonious blend of style and functionality. A sprawling garden connects two buildings, serving as a fertile ground for creativity, inspiration, and connection. Visitors are greeted in the grand living area by iconic furniture pieces such as the Cocoon by Louis Vuitton and the Pair of Amanta armchairs by Mario Bellini, enhancing the mid-century aesthetic in this relaxed, harmonious setting.
The grand opening of The Society is marked by “SANSIRI THE PHUKET PULSE: The Heartbeat of Sport Meets the Art of Phuket,” a vibrant month-long celebration combining beach sports, art, cultural heritage, and sustainability, running through December 30. As a nod to its rich design heritage, Sansiri has teamed up with renowned “inspirers” to deliver electrifying experiences in art, sports, cuisine, and performance.
Phannapast “Yoon” Taychamaythakool, a contemporary Thai artist, paints the exuberant marine life of Phuket onto the walls of the VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar. Her artworks, infused with vivid colors and a touch of mythology, transform sailboats and fabrics using traditional batik methods, breathing life into local elements such as Peranakan textiles and promoting reusability.
Joining the roster of inspirers is Anissa “Annie” Flynn, a Thai-Australian surfing champion, who melds the power of sea sports with sustainable art. Her creations, inspired by Sino-Portuguese architecture, feature recycled materials, crafting a beach volleyball court from nets and ocean waste.
The culinary craftsmanship at VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar is spearheaded by Chef Rene Michelena, whose inventive dishes like Surf & Turf Paella push boundaries, incorporating locally sourced produce. Meanwhile, Akarin “Fan” Siwapornpitak, the mastermind behind BEANS Coffee Roaster, offers a fusion of gourmet coffee culture with Phuket’s tropical essence, evident in unique offerings such as the “Pineapple Splash” drink.
Echoing peace-building initiatives in the Deep South, the Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra performs alongside Nang Talung, a traditional shadow puppet art form from southern Thailand, making its debut in Phuket. Since its establishment in 2006, the youth orchestra has stood as a testament to using cultural assets like music to unite people across religious and social divides, further complemented by traditional puppet performances showcasing the region’s rich heritage.
By launching The Society, Sansiri underscores its dedication to amplifying Phuket’s soft power globally. As a leader in lifestyle and design, Sansiri’s ethos to revolutionize living experiences shines through every facet of The Society’s inviting and thoughtfully designed spaces, where sustainability is weaved into every corner.
Beyond serving as a vibrant hub for local arts, sports, and cultural activities, The Society also operates as a private reception and sales gallery. Here, Sansiri showcases its latest endeavors: the tropical-inspired CANVAS Cherngtalay condominium, featuring expansive swimming pools, and THE TALES, a luxe pool villa from the Sansiri Pool Villa Collection, with THE TALES STORY ONE – BANGJO as its flagship location.
The “SANSIRI: THE PHUKET PULSE, Beach Sports x Art Installation” exhibition is open daily until December 30, 2024, from 7 AM to 7 PM, promising a year brimming with dynamic lifestyle experiences designed to “Connect and Inspire” at every moment. Visitors can indulge in curated lifestyle experiences, from a morning coffee at BEANS Coffee Roaster to tapas dinners at VAMOS, situated in the serene and chic setting of Cherngtalay-Bangtao, Phuket.
To unravel more about this captivating space, visit www.sansiri.com or follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook @thesocietyth.
I love what Sansiri is doing with The Society in Phuket. It’s about time we have a space that blends local culture with global influences.
I agree, Joe. It’s such a unique concept that highlights local traditions while promoting international collaboration.
Exactly! Plus, it also elevates Phuket as a hub for creative and cultural exchanges.
While this sounds great, isn’t it just another marketing stunt to sell more properties?
Larry, that’s a pretty cynical view. What if it’s genuinely about enriching the community?
Chris, maybe so, but it’s hard to ignore the commercial aspect. Big companies rarely do anything without profit motives.
Perhaps, but if the result is a vibrant community space, maybe it’s a win-win?
I can’t wait to attend the events, especially to see Anissa Flynn’s sustainable art installations.
I’m skeptical about the sustainability claims. Are they really doing enough, or is it just a trend?
I think it’s a valid concern. Hopefully, we’ll see some real commitment to sustainability.
It’s up to us to hold them accountable. But seeing recycled materials being used is a good start.
The variety of events planned sounds amazing! I’m particularly interested in the cultural performances.
Same here! The Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra sounds like a must-see.
Will The Society be accessible to locals, or is it just catering to tourists?
I hope it’s not going to gentrify the area too much. We should focus on preserving our cultural heritage.
Gentrification is a valid concern. It’s a double-edged sword.
Cultural preservation can be a part of modernization if done responsibly.
Phuket deserves this kind of social and creative hub. Kudos to Sansiri.
It’s long overdue. Hopefully, it’ll inspire other projects like it.
Indeed, Cassie. It would be great to see more places like this.
It’s interesting how they’re incorporating beach sports with art. That’s a fresh approach!
I’m impressed by the design concept. It’s a beautiful blend of different cultures.
It’s true. The mid-century Spanish and Thai fusion sounds exquisite.
I hope the interior lives up to the hype. The Cocoon by Louis Vuitton sounds especially intriguing.
Chef Rene’s Surf & Turf Paella sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
The cultural performances, including traditional shadow puppets, sound like they’ll be the highlight.
As a local, I’m thrilled that Sansiri is celebrating Phuket’s marine life in such a creative way.
It’s wonderful to see local artists getting a platform for their talents.
I really hope they push more of the sustainability aspect. We need companies to lead by example.
How accessible will this be for people who aren’t staying in their luxury condos?
I’m wondering the same. It should be inclusive for everyone.
I think pairing art installations with beach sports is a clever way to draw a diverse crowd.