Bangkok's Luxury Appeal About To Be Enhanced

[george]

Bangkok's luxury appeal about to be enhanced

BANGKOK: -- The opening of Asia's premier shopping complex, Siam Paragon, on Nov 1, will turn Bangkok into one of the most attractive shopping destinations in the region, its promoters say.

The size of the 14-billion-baht complex, located on a 52-rai site, has been enlarged to 550,000 square metres of retail space from the original 300,000 sq m. The additional space is designed to include Siam Ocean World, a department store, a car park and entry hall. The area designated for the department store was increased to 80,000 square metres from 50,000.

According to Kriengsak Tantiphipop, the chief marketing officer of Siam Paragon Development Co, a joint venture between The Mall Group and Siam Piwat, the operator of neighbouring Siam Center and Siam Discovery, the retail space in the project was sold out last year.

He said 80% of the construction was completed and that the complex would open as scheduled. All of the retail zones will be opened this year as set in the original plan. It will comprise high-end retail shops, a department store, a gourmet market, a Thai cultural centre, living and technology spaces and other entertainment activities. The planned opera house and a five-star hotel will be opened in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

``Thai shoppers will have a chance to shop in a cool and fun atmosphere, just like in New York City,'' Mr Kriengsak said.

The opening of Siam Paragon will expand the retail environment in the prime Ratchaprasong intersection to include all segments from the low-end to medium and upscale levels. The area already contains the Watergate project in Pratunam, Gaysorn, CentralWorld,Central Chidlom and The Erawan Bangkok.

``We will, for the first time, offer a new shopping ambience for customers, by carrying items such as the most expensive cars like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, BMW or even Ducati, the Italian super motorbike, as well as deluxe Ferretti yachts from Italy and the three most expensive jewellery brands in the world,'' Mr Kriengsak said.

He said the company was confident that the new complex would be lucrative because a lot of effort was put into studying successful retailers in several countries and input from international suppliers was heavily utilised.

``Creating a premier shopping complex was not difficult because we already have experience from our pioneering Emporium project,'' he said of The Mall Group's upscale flagship at Sukhumvit 24.

The company plans to spend ``huge'' sums of money to promote the shopping complex starting this month, both locally and abroad. The campaign will build brand awareness through strategic alliances including tour agents and more than 100 global brand names.

For example, international brands will display the Siam Paragon name on their shopping bags alongside those of other top worldwide outlets carrying their goods.

--Bangkok Post 2005-08-01

[marquess]

Isn't this the site where they used to have that beautiful hotel with the tilting roof? I think the last thing Bangkok needs is another shopping centre.

[pedro01]

Isn't this the site where they used to have that beautiful hotel with the tilting roof? I think the last thing Bangkok needs is another shopping centre.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Quite.

That area hardly needs a new shopping centre - I mean - what will they have that you can't get 5 minutes up the road at Siam or a little further on at Emporium ?

More traffic in an already congested area - city planning at it's worst...

[sriracha john]

This is far more than a "shopping centre". It's a huge project... on 52 rai of some of the highest-priced, prime, Bangkok real estate.

It's a 14 billion baht, over-half-a-million square meters, mega-mall.

All of this in the face of the worst economic figures in a decade.

..... with that kind of project value, the un-named Shin is in there...in one or more forms, Guaranteed...

[terdsak_12]

Sandwiched between WTC and Siam Sqaure - Genius!!!

[stumonster]

This is far more than a "shopping centre". It's a huge project... on 52 rai of some of the highest-priced, prime, Bangkok real estate.

It's a 14 billion baht, over-half-a-million square meters, mega-mall.

All of this in the face of the worst economic figures in a decade.

..... with that kind of project value, the un-named Shin is in there...in one or more forms, Guaranteed...

yes but I would wager that the sad state of the economy will not stop the aformentioned family or the families of the executives of the state owned monopolies shopping at the joint. Facade is a label mabel's raison d'existance.

[The_Moog]

<God, all the Moaning Minnies are out in force this morning.... >.

New Opera House, aquarium. I look forward to going. More to do and see. The theatre will be a particularly good addition to the city. West End/Broadway shows might be brought to Thailand on their Asia tours now.

I'm dumbfounded that people whine about the addition of a new cultural resource.

[mike_l]

I think with all it's facilities and location right next to BTS Siam station, it'll do pretty well. I would have thought the future looks pretty dodgy for Siam Center and Siam Discovery though, as it sounds like Siam Paragon would have everything they do and much more. If other centers specialise a bit and go into niche markets, then so much the better for everyone I reckon.

The aquarium they're going to have sounds pretty interesting

Siam Ocean World, for example, will be the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 species of aquatic life and 30,000 fish.

[Heng]

This is far more than a "shopping centre". It's a huge project... on 52 rai of some of the highest-priced, prime, Bangkok real estate.

It's a 14 billion baht, over-half-a-million square meters, mega-mall.

All of this in the face of the worst economic figures in a decade.

..... with that kind of project value, the un-named Shin is in there...in one or more forms, Guaranteed...

yes but I would wager that the sad state of the economy will not stop the aformentioned family or the families of the executives of the state owned monopolies shopping at the joint. Facade is a label mabel's raison d'existance.

Actually, I'd say there are millions that could shop or at least eat there. Discovery and Siam Center certainly isn't packed with just the "families of the executives of the state owned monopolies."

[p_brownstone]

I dread to think what traffic will be like on Ploenchit / Rama I / Siam Square, particularly on weekends; it’s already gridlocked after 10.00 am. With 100,000 + extra people going to the Siam Paragon after November 1 heaven knows how far the traffic will be backed up, add Racedays at the R.B.S.C. on alternate Sundays …………… plus of course relays of self important V.I.P.’s with their convoys and police blocking the roads for them to make their visit - it’s a recipe for total chaos.

Patrick

[Rinrada]

The old hotel shaped like a hat was the Inter Continential which at the time was very controversal due to the said shape...long story...

Anyway been watching the Paragon since the day they spudded and look forward to having a coffee one day soon in the B.C.C.C.C. when assume one opens there

Bangers is indeed changing and maybe one day will be more like Singapore ....but then did anybody really go for Bugis St in its hey day......it was a dump. .....roll on....

Believe Khun Superluck is involved in this project so like her other wee enterprises I am sure that this one will prove to be a majour addition/attraction success in the new Bangkok.......might be the first joint to accept the Thai Visa Expats Golds Club Card....make mine a Heinee

[stumonster]

Actually, I'd say there are millions that could shop or at least eat there.  Discovery and Siam Center certainly isn't packed with just the "families of the executives of the state owned monopolies."

though surely those are not the familys working for the average daily wage ( Thailand/Bangkok (Baht) 139.00 - 175.00 )

* disclaimer - shopping to me is as attractive as p1ssing into the wind

[monty]

Simply don't see the point in all these malls...

The only mall you'll ever see me in is Panthip or TukCom

The shopping in the other malls is delegated to the wife... And she certainly doesn't complain (as long as sufficient funds are provided of course )

Leaves me some time to go for a cold one

[pedro01]

<God, all the Moaning Minnies are out in force this morning.... >.

New Opera House, aquarium.  I look forward to going. More to do and see. The theatre will be a particularly good addition to the city. West End/Broadway shows might be brought to Thailand on their Asia tours now.

I'm dumbfounded that people whine about the addition of a new cultural resource.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Moog - it's not the 'what' - it's the 'where'...

[Khutan]

<snip>* disclaimer - shopping to me is as attractive as p1ssing into the wind   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally agree. Stu, next time your missus wants to go shopping send me a message, and we can hook up in Soi 11

[haha]

I love hanging out at shopping malls. this siam paragon will make my day. does anyone know if they will have a bowling alley too?

window shopping in an air/con environment. love it.

the only thing that may be missing is a taco bell....

[Heng]

Actually, I'd say there are millions that could shop or at least eat there.   Discovery and Siam Center certainly isn't packed with just the "families of the executives of the state owned monopolies."

though surely those are not the familys working for the average daily wage ( Thailand/Bangkok (Baht) 139.00 - 175.00 )

Surely, as those folks probably don't even get to visit the local Tesco Lotus with any regularity.

[sriracha john]

Actually, I'd say there are millions that could shop or at least eat there.   Discovery and Siam Center certainly isn't packed with just the "families of the executives of the state owned monopolies."

though surely those are not the familys working for the average daily wage ( Thailand/Bangkok (Baht) 139.00 - 175.00 )

Surely, as those folks probably don't even get to visit the local Tesco Lotus with any regularity.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm not so sure. With the recently increased minimum daily wage, I think that with that extra 2 baht per day, they'll have more than enough to enjoy a Cappuccino at Starbucks.

[stumonster]

Surely, as those folks probably don't even get to visit the local Tesco Lotus with any regularity.

though you can buy the 2 minute noodles in bulk at the big C , carrefour ..etc

[sabaijai]

I think with all it's facilities and location right next to BTS Siam station, it'll do pretty well. I would have thought the future looks pretty dodgy for Siam Center and Siam Discovery though, as it sounds like Siam Paragon would have everything they do and much more. If other centers specialise a bit and go into niche markets, then so much the better for everyone I reckon.

The aquarium they're going to have sounds pretty interesting

Siam Ocean World, for example, will be the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 species of aquatic life and 30,000 fish.

I believe all three centres are owned by the same family-owned conglomerate, who in turn have special connections with the royal family. All three centres stand on leased crown property.

I still remember when Siam Center opened in 1976. It was probably bigger news then than the opening of the Paragon will be in Nov 05.

[grahamb]

The aquarium they're going to have sounds pretty interesting

Siam Ocean World, for example, will be the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 species of aquatic life and 30,000 fish.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is that a quote from their site? I'd say it is going to be interesting - last time I checked, the Southern hemisphere started a bit south of Singapore so that is going to be one big aquarium!!

[Beer-diow, khao-neow, mai-an!]

Agree with Moog.

You can keep the superbikes and ostentatious jewelery, but an opera house/theatre and aquarium sounds great. The whole area together with the new World Trade/Central World is really moving up a gear. Each of those malls will now finally have to specialise to survive - no more mindless cloning selling the same old Chatchak stuff.

And for those too young/new to remember, the Emporium opened in 1997 (!!!) and still did just fine.

My guess is Siam centre will be for for young-ish designers, Discovery tries to go for furniture and interior design, Siam square / MBK stays for teenagers and the young at heart, Central World is for the more standard "upper middle class" shopper, Erawan and Gaysorn will go boutique even more than they are. Central Chidlom is the more interesting one - not sure what they'll do with it to avoid cannibalising their market share with Central World.

And when you have the platinum and pratunam complexes finally finished just north, that's one ###### of a big shopping area. I usually hate shopping personally, but even by global standards it is likely to stand up well....

[thedude]

Agree with Moog.

You can keep the superbikes and ostentatious jewelery, but an opera house/theatre and aquarium sounds great. The whole area together with the new World Trade/Central World is really moving up a gear. Each of those malls will now finally have to specialise to survive - no more mindless cloning selling the same old Chatchak stuff.

And for those too young/new to remember, the Emporium opened in 1997 (!!!) and still did just fine.

My guess is Siam centre will be for for young-ish designers, Discovery tries to go for furniture and interior design, Siam square / MBK stays for teenagers and the young at heart, Central World is for the more standard "upper middle class" shopper, Erawan and Gaysorn will go boutique even more than they are. Central Chidlom is the more interesting one - not sure what they'll do with it to avoid cannibalising their market share with Central World.

And when you have the platinum and pratunam complexes finally finished just north, that's one ###### of a big shopping area. I usually hate shopping personally, but even by global standards it is likely to stand up well....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

agreed. people don't see it yet, but the ploenchit-rama I stretch is going to form a major shopping district in the near future, all with skytrain access and inter-connected with skywalk platforms.

your read on the retail mix is pretty spot on. wrt central chidlom, think harrod's or harvey nicoll's, there is no dedicated high-end department store in bkk as yet (as opposed to gaysorn and amarin which have just high end boutiques but no department store anchor, or emporium which has a mix of both department store and boutiques). central chidlom is undergoing quite dramatic interior upgrading right now and they are shifting their brands up market too, probably to go head-on against the new siam paragon.

[psychosid10]

Is that a quote from their site? I'd say it is going to be interesting - last time I checked, theSouthern hemisphere started a bit south of Singapore so that is going to be one big aquarium!! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Really Amusing .. Southern Hemisphere does start well below thailand

Just to quote "The equator is located at zero degrees latitude. The equator runs through Indonesia, Ecuador, northern Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya, among other countries" source

Edited August 5, 2005 by psychosid10

[astral]

<God, all the Moaning Minnies are out in force this morning.... >.

New Opera House, aquarium.  I look forward to going. More to do and see. The theatre will be a particularly good addition to the city. West End/Broadway shows might be brought to Thailand on their Asia tours now.

I'm dumbfounded that people whine about the addition of a new cultural resource.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I thought this thread was about a new luxury shopping centre, not an Opera house?

More cultural activities would be a plus, but I am not sure how well they will go down

in Bangkok.

Several concert tours in the last 2 years have been cancelled at the last minute.

Lack of ticket sales?

As for the luxury shopping centre......... More space to sell overpriced copies/fakes/counterfeits of expensive brand names?

Edited August 5, 2005 by astral

[thohts]

<<...will turn Bangkok into one of the most attractive shopping destinations in the region...>>

HAHAHAHAA

That's pretty funny.

[Beer-diow, khao-neow, mai-an!]

Of course, forgot that every single one of the tourists to Thailand come here for Pat Pong and that the huge number of packed retail developments in the central area are entirely incidental!!