The great part with these new malls

[LawrenceChee]

It seems with the new malls popping up by the end of the year, we are finally seeing some needed updates and renovations going in airport plaza

Went for a movie last afternoon and viola all the toilets have been upgraded...the urinals that have not been functioning for 5 years have all been replaced and the vibe is now cool chic

That's great news for long term stayers like us ...as that mall is still relevant and great for us living in the hang dong area

I am hoping more outlets will appear like curry house , Carls Jr , Long John Silver, Breadtalk and a straits food cafe will appear in maya or central festival

[northernjohn]

Yes I thought the upgrade on the urinals was great. How ever putting a door on the bathroom is the most unsanitary thing they could have done. Most of the newer ones in the states have wide open entrances with no door they are situated in such a manner as you can not see any thing until you turn the corner.

I am still trying to figure out why one of the most comfortable seats in the house is located just inside the door to the men's room.

Interesting that both the Airport and Promenada theaters are owned by the same company Major Cineplex and show just about the same movies. Let us hope Maya gives us a broader selection.

[kalbo123]

Promenada is SF

Airport plaza is Major.

[elektrified]

Promenada is SF

Airport plaza is Major.

+1

[Sticky Rice Balls]

Let not forget the lovely traffic that awaits---esp that beastly thing on nimman and huay kaew

after all traffic is a sunday drive there already!!!!

[northernjohn]

Promenada is SF

Airport plaza is Major.

I stand corrected thank you.

[Mapguy]

Yes I thought the upgrade on the urinals was great. How ever putting a door on the bathroom is the most unsanitary thing they could have done. Most of the newer ones in the states have wide open entrances with no door they are situated in such a manner as you can not see any thing until you turn the corner.

I am still trying to figure out why one of the most comfortable seats in the house is located just inside the door to the men's room.

Interesting that both the Airport and Promenada theaters are owned by the same company Major Cineplex and show just about the same movies. Let us hope Maya gives us a broader selection.

The rooms are designed especially for those with diverse needs.

[Chiengmaijoe]

Yes I thought the upgrade on the urinals was great. How ever putting a door on the bathroom is the most unsanitary thing they could have done. Most of the newer ones in the states have wide open entrances with no door they are situated in such a manner as you can not see any thing until you turn the corner.

I am still trying to figure out why one of the most comfortable seats in the house is located just inside the door to the men's room.

Interesting that both the Airport and Promenada theaters are owned by the same company Major Cineplex and show just about the same movies. Let us hope Maya gives us a broader selection.

Having a door to the toilets is the most unsanitary thing they could have done? I know a few more, but it would be improper to discuss it in public. Personally, give me a door every time, is what I say. Always have.

[NancyL]

Too bad they haven't gotten the message over at Kad Suan Kaew. It's still in the same sad, run-down shape. No TP and no soap in any of the toilets, except the ones in Central Dept. Store. I sure hope the serving staff at the restaurants wash their hands at the restaurants after they use the toilets.

[Mapguy]

I really don't understand the obsession with malls !! Never mind comments on their toilets!! Yes, I go to a mall or two, but not a lot. I also go to local markets and shops, which I prefer for a lot of things.

Yes, malls are fun "to cruise," just as adolescents in Western societies love them. Air conditioning!! Wow!! And they have cinemas with comfy chairs and surround sound! Gee! My day is complete!

I don't avoid malls, but I wonder if they are not sometimes a regrettable destructive transplantation of modern Western marketing. Look elsewhere? The thing is, of course, if you actually become part of this place, almost everything you need is available in local markets. Not everything, but certainly most. Sorry! Can't help those with addictions to products from "back home" except to suggest to get over such addictions! You are, after all, in a different place! Enjoy it. Become part of it! Economically --- and here it is nasty if you think about it --- the malls are the new marketplace for those who have money to spend, and not everyone in Thailand has that.

And what sort of statement are mall affectianados making about themselves? Why are they here? Just because the place might seem to them to be a cheap place to live? And it has air con?!

[Mapguy]

Nancy L ,you certainly seem to have a thing about toilets !!!

Edited September 19, 2013 by Mapguy

[junglechef]

The malls of today are the parks of my childhood. A place for family outings in a more sanitized and presumably safer environment. Don't have to have money to window shop while enjoying the a/c. As previously discussed on TV I won't get into the psychology taken into account when the building and planning the lay out design but it also is quite interesting. As for the most comfortable seat in the house by the WC I can only presume its for the aisle attendant working there. But can our city support some many malls, time will tell but the new Central Festival's expensive retail space is supposably already fully sold out and at the Promenada they are excepting any takers, hence the 7 coffee shops already in the new second half that's not even full yet due to what I've been told is from the late opening and the original vendors having gone elsewhere. The management has thrown out the original plan, much to the disconcernment of the current renters, and is scrambling to fill the spaces. Not a big mall guy myself but I see the attraction and convience of them and as they are where some shops I need are located, Cannon camera repair for example, I do seem to spend more time than I would like in them.

[cmsally]

Just out of interest - does anyone have any reliable figures about how much it costs to take a space in one of these malls.

I have heard some figures for various places but the figures seem extortionate and I'm not seeing where the profit lies.

But maybe they were exaggerating.

Unlike some on here I suffer from "reverse mall psychology"; in that I find the malls probably the most depressing places I could visit during my day.

[kalbo123]

Just out of interest - does anyone have any reliable figures about how much it costs to take a space in one of these malls.

I have heard some figures for various places but the figures seem extortionate and I'm not seeing where the profit lies.

But maybe they were exaggerating.

Unlike some on here I suffer from "reverse mall psychology"; in that I find the malls probably the most depressing places I could visit during my day.

Thought that the prices in Promenada are between 1000 and 2000 baht a sqm/per month.

Depends on location and size.

[Oscar2]

But can our city support some many malls, time will tell but the new Central Festival's expensive retail space is supposably already fully sold out and at the Promenada they are excepting any takers, hence the 7 coffee shops already in the new second half that's not even full yet due to what I've been told is from the late opening and the original vendors having gone elsewhere. The management has thrown out the original plan, much to the disconcernment of the current renters, and is scrambling to fill the spaces.

i don't see how it is possible. the Promenade can't be making any money. i've been a number of times because I like the Rimping there. the only other business I have patronized is the cinema one time. i don't remember exactly how much it cost but I think it was about 700 Baht for 2 adults and a child and some snack foods. that is more than it costs in Europe. i never see anyone sitting at most of the many, many coffee shops (one of them charges 80-120 Baht for a coffee!) or shopping in any of the boutique shops. the only places I see people are in Rimping, the cinema, the kids play area, the cheap snack shops, ice cream vendors, the cheap mobile and tablet accessory shops, and the Japanese-style buffet Thai restaurants. the food court is really bad food and even Tesco Lotus is better. most of the vendors answer "mot laao" when you order something and not because business is booming. and what's with the 5 or more shops selling old furniture made in Holland for 180,000 Bahts for a dresser or 100,000 Baht made in India? the Thai kid at one kiosk told me the furniture is 300 years old! right. we were in the antique business for many years. obviously they are not selling like hot cakes... and the building (which is not even complete) is already falling apart with huge cracks in the concrete and tile, trees have already died, plants are dead inside, etc. i think the place may go under.

Just out of interest - does anyone have any reliable figures about how much it costs to take a space in one of these malls.

I have heard some figures for various places but the figures seem extortionate and I'm not seeing where the profit lies.

But maybe they were exaggerating.

Unlike some on here I suffer from "reverse mall psychology"; in that I find the malls probably the most depressing places I could visit during my day.

there can't be profits. cmsally i couldn't agree more. i also find the malls to be the most depressing places. i see farangs sitting around them like they have no other place to go. i've seen some of the same farangs sitting around at Central mall on Huay Kaew for close to 10 years now. i understand why the kids go. they meet freinds there, buy a few snacks and sit together, chatting on mobiles and typing away on facebook like there is no tomorrow.

[LawrenceChee]

I like the malls for the convenience ...don't have to hang out there everyday..

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I also agree u don't have to spend money at every trip like jungle chef ...it's a nice place or the family to stroll for the afternoon.

[jagi00]

I like the malls for the convenience ...don't have to hang out there everyday..

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I also agree u don't have to spend money at every trip like jungle chef ...it's a nice place or the family to stroll for the afternoon.

Tom & Tom at Promenara? We tried it a few days ago - possibly the worst coffee and service I've had in a long time. The snack food was no better - I'll not be back!

Edited September 20, 2013 by jagi00

[elektrified]

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I am not 100% sure but I think that is the name of the coffee shop near Rimping mini-mart. Could there be more than one? Any way, I happened to be at Rimping a few weeks ago. I stopped for coffee before leaving. There were about 3 coffee shops and I just went with the one with tables outside. I ordered a plain coffee "Americano" is the newest designer name for plain coffee these days. I was a little taken back when I was charged about 80-85 THB for a coffee. That may be a first in Thailand. After I sat down the girl came out with a red plastic thing that at first I thought was a coaster of some sort. After what seemed like more than 10 minutes (I was the only customer) the coaster turned into a pager and began flashing lights and vibrating. I just sat there thinking 'this must be a system for the servers to know which table to bring the coffee to.' After what seemed like another 5 minutes, the thing vibrated off the table, fell on the ground and died. Still no one came with the coffee. I stood up and looked inside where the 5 people behind the counter were all looking at me. Still no one came. I had to go inside and get my own coffee (with powdered milk) for 85 Baht! Instead of serving the coffee they only came outside to retrieve the broken pager. AND the coffee was nothing special. Give this place a miss!

[Paangjang]

Just out of interest - does anyone have any reliable figures about how much it costs to take a space in one of these malls.

I have heard some figures for various places but the figures seem extortionate and I'm not seeing where the profit lies.

But maybe they were exaggerating.

Unlike some on here I suffer from "reverse mall psychology"; in that I find the malls probably the most depressing places I could visit during my day.

Thought that the prices in Promenada are between 1000 and 2000 baht a sqm/per month.

Depends on location and size.

Slightly off topic but i was recently quoted 1600฿ per Sq M in MBK BKK. They're still reviewing our presentation, if they except us i think we'll go for it. Hard to get into the big ones in Siam area.

[LawrenceChee]

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I am not 100% sure but I think that is the name of the coffee shop near Rimping mini-mart. Could there be more than one? Any way, I happened to be at Rimping a few weeks ago. I stopped for coffee before leaving. There were about 3 coffee shops and I just went with the one with tables outside. I ordered a plain coffee "Americano" is the newest designer name for plain coffee these days. I was a little taken back when I was charged about 80-85 THB for a coffee. That may be a first in Thailand. After I sat down the girl came out with a red plastic thing that at first I thought was a coaster of some sort. After what seemed like more than 10 minutes (I was the only customer) the coaster turned into a pager and began flashing lights and vibrating. I just sat there thinking 'this must be a system for the servers to know which table to bring the coffee to.' After what seemed like another 5 minutes, the thing vibrated off the table, fell on the ground and died. Still no one came with the coffee. I stood up and looked inside where the 5 people behind the counter were all looking at me. Still no one came. I had to go inside and get my own coffee (with powdered milk) for 85 Baht! Instead of serving the coffee they only came outside to retrieve the broken pager. AND the coffee was nothing special. Give this place a miss!

Hahaha sorry for that as it takes a while for the corporations to get used to local culture...in Korea the payroll costs are too high to afford too many servers and that is the paging system they used.

Americano was invented in places like this as it seems the fancier ones escape some consumers who just want black coffee

I would advice you to to try something new ...I don't drink coffee but hot cocoa but the Korean friends I have like hanging out at T&T and of course they have real 4G speedy internet in Korea too !!!

[Torrens54]

Couldn't agree more.

Airport Plaza was getting a tad shabby.

Hope the new malls will draw some of the traffic away from Airport Plaza, making it better for parking and you mentioned a CURRY HOUSE, YES PLEASE!!!! Would also be nice to be able to buy packaged Indian and Malaysian Spices somewhere in CNX.

[cmsally]

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I am not 100% sure but I think that is the name of the coffee shop near Rimping mini-mart. Could there be more than one? Any way, I happened to be at Rimping a few weeks ago. I stopped for coffee before leaving. There were about 3 coffee shops and I just went with the one with tables outside. I ordered a plain coffee "Americano" is the newest designer name for plain coffee these days. I was a little taken back when I was charged about 80-85 THB for a coffee. That may be a first in Thailand. After I sat down the girl came out with a red plastic thing that at first I thought was a coaster of some sort. After what seemed like more than 10 minutes (I was the only customer) the coaster turned into a pager and began flashing lights and vibrating. I just sat there thinking 'this must be a system for the servers to know which table to bring the coffee to.' After what seemed like another 5 minutes, the thing vibrated off the table, fell on the ground and died. Still no one came with the coffee. I stood up and looked inside where the 5 people behind the counter were all looking at me. Still no one came. I had to go inside and get my own coffee (with powdered milk) for 85 Baht! Instead of serving the coffee they only came outside to retrieve the broken pager. AND the coffee was nothing special. Give this place a miss!

Hahaha sorry for that as it takes a while for the corporations to get used to local culture...in Korea the payroll costs are too high to afford too many servers and that is the paging system they used.

Americano was invented in places like this as it seems the fancier ones escape some consumers who just want black coffee

I would advice you to to try something new ...I don't drink coffee but hot cocoa but the Korean friends I have like hanging out at T&T and of course they have real 4G speedy internet in Korea too !!!

Strange , you would think they would do their homework and realise its maybe better to serve expensive coffee and Thailand doesn't have 4G.

It seems a lot of these places will be lucky if they turn enough profit to pay the rent.

[elektrified]

Couldn't agree more.

Airport Plaza was getting a tad shabby.

Hope the new malls will draw some of the traffic away from Airport Plaza, making it better for parking and you mentioned a CURRY HOUSE, YES PLEASE!!!! Would also be nice to be able to buy packaged Indian and Malaysian Spices somewhere in CNX.

Airport Plaza is still the best IMO. What is Curry House?

[MESmith]

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I am not 100% sure but I think that is the name of the coffee shop near Rimping mini-mart. Could there be more than one? Any way, I happened to be at Rimping a few weeks ago. I stopped for coffee before leaving. There were about 3 coffee shops and I just went with the one with tables outside. I ordered a plain coffee "Americano" is the newest designer name for plain coffee these days. I was a little taken back when I was charged about 80-85 THB for a coffee. That may be a first in Thailand. After I sat down the girl came out with a red plastic thing that at first I thought was a coaster of some sort. After what seemed like more than 10 minutes (I was the only customer) the coaster turned into a pager and began flashing lights and vibrating. I just sat there thinking 'this must be a system for the servers to know which table to bring the coffee to.' After what seemed like another 5 minutes, the thing vibrated off the table, fell on the ground and died. Still no one came with the coffee. I stood up and looked inside where the 5 people behind the counter were all looking at me. Still no one came. I had to go inside and get my own coffee (with powdered milk) for 85 Baht! Instead of serving the coffee they only came outside to retrieve the broken pager. AND the coffee was nothing special. Give this place a miss!

You then made the mistake of walking inside. You should have left

[LawrenceChee]

Couldn't agree more.

Airport Plaza was getting a tad shabby.

Hope the new malls will draw some of the traffic away from Airport Plaza, making it better for parking and you mentioned a CURRY HOUSE, YES PLEASE!!!! Would also be nice to be able to buy packaged Indian and Malaysian Spices somewhere in CNX.

Airport Plaza is still the best IMO. What is Curry House?

Curry house is a Japanese chain great for fans who love Japanese styled curry.

Really tasty and not overly expensive and I am hoping the 2 new malls will just not be replicates of airport plaza ...but have some new restaurants for us to try.

[elektrified]

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I am not 100% sure but I think that is the name of the coffee shop near Rimping mini-mart. Could there be more than one? Any way, I happened to be at Rimping a few weeks ago. I stopped for coffee before leaving. There were about 3 coffee shops and I just went with the one with tables outside. I ordered a plain coffee "Americano" is the newest designer name for plain coffee these days. I was a little taken back when I was charged about 80-85 THB for a coffee. That may be a first in Thailand. After I sat down the girl came out with a red plastic thing that at first I thought was a coaster of some sort. After what seemed like more than 10 minutes (I was the only customer) the coaster turned into a pager and began flashing lights and vibrating. I just sat there thinking 'this must be a system for the servers to know which table to bring the coffee to.' After what seemed like another 5 minutes, the thing vibrated off the table, fell on the ground and died. Still no one came with the coffee. I stood up and looked inside where the 5 people behind the counter were all looking at me. Still no one came. I had to go inside and get my own coffee (with powdered milk) for 85 Baht! Instead of serving the coffee they only came outside to retrieve the broken pager. AND the coffee was nothing special. Give this place a miss!

You then made the mistake of walking inside. You should have left

Lesson learned. I would never go there again. Korean coffee shop in Thailand with not very good coffee and prices comparable to Europe? And...no service. No thanks.

[amykat]

I really don't understand the obsession with malls !! Never mind comments on their toilets!! Yes, I go to a mall or two, but not a lot. I also go to local markets ...

And what sort of statement are mall affectianados making about themselves? Why are they here? Just because the place might seem to them to be a cheap place to live? And it has air con?!

I agree Mapguy,

I am totally busy here, going to all the great museums, the theater, opera, ballet, and the architecture! I just can't find enough time to visit all the great Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals, the sculpture and fountains out in public parks, oh, and the parks, what a joy they are here!

Besides the art museums, one could visit the science museum, the kids' museum, the history museum, and as well, these places have lectures and events one can attend, various classes, etc.

Oh, and what about the world class concerts, pop music, classical music, and dance theaters of various styles!

Who needs a mall?

Oh, excuse me, I am in the CM, Thailand forum?? I thought I was in one of my "major first world cities forums" where I do all of those things.

Chiang Mai ...what to do here? Oh, yes, go to the mall.

I just wish they could make the various malls "different" as in different stores, food ...rather than just duplicating the same brands, in each and every one. Drink the same coffee, in different chairs, with different tables. Buy your new phone in one of 10,000 shops, which all look the same. Buy doughnuts of one brand, in each and every mall, shopping center. Buy all street foods in the mall/shopping center, etc.

Oh well, after a long period here, I too am excited about new malls, but mostly because some good ones are very close to me, and one might have ice skating!! Wow!

[JingerBen]

I really don't understand the obsession with malls !! Never mind comments on their toilets!! Yes, I go to a mall or two, but not a lot. I also go to local markets ...

And what sort of statement are mall affectianados making about themselves? Why are they here? Just because the place might seem to them to be a cheap place to live? And it has air con?!

I agree Mapguy,

I am totally busy here, going to all the great museums, the theater, opera, ballet, and the architecture! I just can't find enough time to visit all the great Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals, the sculpture and fountains out in public parks, oh, and the parks, what a joy they are here!

Besides the art museums, one could visit the science museum, the kids' museum, the history museum, and as well, these places have lectures and events one can attend, various classes, etc.

Oh, and what about the world class concerts, pop music, classical music, and dance theaters of various styles!

Who needs a mall?

Oh, excuse me, I am in the CM, Thailand forum?? I thought I was in one of my "major first world cities forums" where I do all of those things.

Chiang Mai ...what to do here? Oh, yes, go to the mall.

I just wish they could make the various malls "different" as in different stores, food ...rather than just duplicating the same brands, in each and every one. Drink the same coffee, in different chairs, with different tables. Buy your new phone in one of 10,000 shops, which all look the same. Buy doughnuts of one brand, in each and every mall, shopping center. Buy all street foods in the mall/shopping center, etc.

Oh well, after a long period here, I too am excited about new malls, but mostly because some good ones are very close to me, and one might have ice skating!! Wow!

Europe is the place you should be for museums, the theatre, opera, and ballet.

Thailand has other attractions - and they were here long before shopping malls.

[Loaded]

Most of the foreigners I see in CM shopping malls, are male, old and white. They are more often than not accompanied by an 'unsophisticated' Thai woman, man or ladyboy 30 years their junior. I'm sure many Thais who take their families around these malls, if they had a voice in this discussion, would prefer that these foreigners return to their own malls in their home country rather than come here and complain about everything. They won't be missed.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Loaded

[Ulysses G.]

If we don't complain, are we allowed to stay?