Truly unimaginable: 'Beyond imagination' mall to open west of Bangkok

[rubl]

When are they going to understand the biggest mall in the world is online?

No one builds malls any more.

A brother-in-law has a decent Internet connection, PC, LCD screen, but no airco. Often he goes to an internet shop which has.

I guess for many Thai it is something similar. Almost like going to another world and getting cold

Edited October 1, 2014 by rubl

[ignis]

another shopping mall is the last thing we need.

why not a park? wouldn't it be better?

But again, they don't care. They themselves would rather have a mall

Maybe they should build a Park the other side and let the Spirits and Ghosts be free from the 'Big King' building that been empty for so many years after the accident ??

[bangon04]

Who says that innovation, originality, design and forward planning cannot be found in Thailand?

Beyond Imagination is right. What a boost for Thailand's image.

Here we will see growing out of the sludge of cement and steel girders the greatest mall ever.

Even the name is truly amazingly beyond expectations.. "Central" (erm unlike any others in Thailand - well can't really avoid that can they) "Westgate" (erm because it is in the west of the city and leading into it?) Anyway, it is sure to be filled with all the well-known brand name fashion shops that Thais like to see as they walk past. A giant food court will sell all the favourite Thai street dishes adapted for a relatively clean room , and every corner will have a branch of Mcdonalds, Starbucks, Burger King, Pizza Hut etc etc which will give visitors unparalleled consumer choice. Truly inspired planning.

Weekdays it will be a paradise for local school children and uni kids to wander around for hours while they wait for their school or their parents to arrange a better alternative. Weekends the wide and sterile corridors will be filled with huge numbers of families who have the opportunity to spend their free weekends looking in the windows of expensive brand name shops selling imported goods they cannot afford.

And the master stroke of genius - locate it outside the city centre, so everyone will have to drive there. The planners have had the best interests of the city inhabitants at heart. Once the most important families have discovered this new and exciting way to do exactly the same shopping experience as every other mall offers, then the police will not have to close all the main roads in the city to provide a safe passage for the motorcade to use, just the roads on the outskirts. This will improve traffic flow no end.

Well done - great to see positive news and urban development with foresight...

Edited October 1, 2014 by bangon04

[dunks]

New central opening here tang duan ram intra .

Think central East.

The traffic is going to be murder.

The traffic is ALWAYS murder!!

[KOZMO]

"With every new mall comes a new set of superlative claims: biggest, fanciest, luxurious-est."

I'm sure the unpaid rice farmers are jumping for joy .

unpaid....are you sure....

Unpaid from Yingluck, but paid by the new government!!!!

[Commerce]

They can build as many malls as they want, Thailand still remains a third wolld country!!

Racist comments and people like you really make me sick to my stomach.

If you have no love for the country and the people, why even bother to visit or look over chat for this country.

Some people are just plain disgusting.

I don't know JOC, but I'd sure like to know where you see 'racism' in the post.

There was no expression of no love for the country, nor the people.

His post was pragmatic in opinion of Thailand remaining a third world country, despite its huge propaganda regarding huge complexes and shopping malls.

I can only tend to agree with JOC. Money as such would be better spent cleaning up the dumps surrounding.

How often do you see a mansion surrounded by dumps and 3rd world huts full of desperate people, presumably working for the person that owns the mansion?

Some lack of vision disgusts me too, but then again, you probably haven't lived here, but if you do live here then you are talking out of your rector.

[Apiwan2]

People keep saying all the malls are the same

Same retailers same food shops.

Well look at UK and London. Every high st is full of brand names.

Starbucks and William Hill. To name a few.

It's global and .not just a thai thing.

The high st or mall will only be dictated by the consumer .

People loved woolworths. So much it went into administration and bust.

Only when news broke brits went down to help out. It was too late.

Use it or lose it.

Btw there's another complex opening soon ratchada and Ladproaw junction.

Like that road needs another centre.

[CapeThai]

Wouldn't it be good if there was an underground line directly to it from the city centre?

Sorry!! What the hell was I thinking!??

Aha... this mall would have been ideal as a safe tourist attraction as well........ Copy you today Cuchulainn...

Sorry!! What the hell was I thinking....

Ohhh... one last thing.. They just need to invest half their development cost for FEMALE security at the ladies restrooms as well, then the Mall should do OK....

Edited October 1, 2014 by CapeThai

[Puyai]

Do they really need another one ? If this carrys on it will turn into the likes of Dubai. Too many shopping malls that are empty.

Malls are good only saturay and sunday what about other days. seems all malls are empty during weekdays and only malls win and the rest of shops come and go

38% of the people who visit malls like to go on weekends. This has been a constant in the business for years. The other 62% is split between the days of the week and nights. Although it may seem slow to you if you take 38 people and put them in a place for 2 days and 62 people and spread them out over 5 days and nights it seems less busy but they still do the majority of shopping. 38 divided by 2 as opposed to 62 divided by 5.

[/quote

I've had too many. You totally lost me.

P.s I'm lucky I got spell check...

[JOC]

They can build as many malls as they want, Thailand still remains a third wolld country!!

Racist comments and people like you really make me sick to my stomach.

If you have no love for the country and the people, why even bother to visit or look over chat for this country.

Some people are just plain disgusting.

Having a bad hairday aren't we??

As for the racist part. For 12 years I have been married to a lovely Thai lady. (To make you even more sick to your stomach: 20 years my junior )

And I am not impressed by new malls, where 60-70% of the population cannot afford to shop, unless they have a rebate-coupon to Lotus.

Live and work here for many years, and like Thailand despite all its faults and flaws.

BUT

"A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members"

And in that respect Thailand is still a third world country, despite the shoppingmalls!

[thailiketoo]

When are they going to understand the biggest mall in the world is online?

No one builds malls any more.

So for all of you Thailand retail experts. "The Chirathivat family jumps to Number 1 for the first time buoyed by a 27% growth in their Central Group's revenues to $7 billion in 2013. Central Retail, the country's largest retailer, run by Tos Chirathivat, the grandson of the group's founder, is by far their biggest asset.

http://www.forbes.com/profile/chirathivat-family/

So all together now......What does the richest family in Thailand do for a living? They build and manage malls.....

Now tell the truth don't you all feel a bit silly? Malls are the biggest money maker in Thailand.

Edited October 1, 2014 by thailiketoo

[rametindallas]

There is a lot of money in Thailand. People have to put their money somewhere. You cannot find a safety deposit box available in any bank because they are full of gold. The Thai Stock Market is manipulated so it is not a safe place for your money. Condos are a popular investment followed by shopping malls. This particular mall is being built to service those to the west of the city who, currently, have to come into the city to enjoy a mall. While the traffic in the area will increase, there will be fewer people clogging transportation to come into the city. Malls are a great, and safe, place to let your kids roam as there are few opportunities for them to get into mischief. Malls serve as neighborhood meeting places. Malls employ a lot of people; first in the construction phase and then, later in the retail sector. No one is going to invest in cleaning up a dump or building a park as there is no return on their investment; these things are for government to do. When I see a mall, I see prosperity. If you are a poor Thai, (your abode has no air-con, small space, few amenities, poorly lit spaces), the mall is a real change of scenery and similar to a vacation from your regular life. It may be difficult for relatively wealthy Westerners to appreciate the value of a mall for many Thais but they all seem to be popular places to hang out. I, personally go to a mall at least once a week and enjoy the wide variety of safe, clean, food choices and sometimes make major purchases like furniture or appliances. Malls/new construction = prosperity/jobs. Thailand, earlier this year, was taken off a list of poorer countries that export to the EU because it is no longer poor enough to qualify for the special tax breaks.

[thailiketoo]

The agricultural sector produces 8.4 percent of the GDP

http://www.thephoenixcapitalgroup.com/thailands-gnp-year-to-year/

I doubt many rice farmers patronize malls in Bangkok.

True, that's why its being build outside Bangkok

From the OP, "So while news of new Bangkok shopping mall “Central Westgate” comes as little surprise,"

[thailiketoo]

Let me guess. You're the project manager. Chula grad, lots of facts and figures that mean SFA, daddy is the investor, and you're here to promote it.

Your marketing skills are zero. Believe me, if there was a mall selling what I referred to, people would travel huge distances and spend a lot more money once packed with a good English meal. No.... it's all same same Japanese and Korean shiiite, with the odd BBQ alledged USA rib on offer. Get real.

Then again, if you're not Thai, you must be American, and investing in such. Wait for your rental bills to increase dramatically after a year......

Central group Thailand, revenue up 27% last year. They are now the richest family in Thailand. Hard to believe eh? Gee think what they could have done if they had some marketing skills like you; truly unimaginable: beyond imagination.

Edited October 1, 2014 by thailiketoo

[rubl]

The agricultural sector produces 8.4 percent of the GDP

http://www.thephoenixcapitalgroup.com/thailands-gnp-year-to-year/

I doubt many rice farmers patronize malls in Bangkok.

True, that's why its being build outside Bangkok

From the OP, "So while news of new Bangkok shopping mall “Central Westgate” comes as little surprise,"

The topic title says "West of Bangkok" and in the OP it has "just west of Bangkok in Nonthaburi".

Of course narrow minded as I am, I even consider Thonburi as maybe not over the hills, but definitely far, far away

[charmonman]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

alt=saai.gif> Oh goody....another mall opening soon.

Yes, and further good news ---- Emporium is being rebuilt from the inside out AND Emporium2 is nearing completion right opposite on Sukhumvit Road. Yippee.

Moreover, Emporium 3 (Emsphere) will soon start construction on the rubble of Washington Square. Its slogan is equally or more ridiculous:

"The Vibe That Bangkok Has Never Experienced Before". It should be more like "The Vibe That Bangkok Will Never Experience Again" as it becomes an increasingly boring and soul-less conglomeration of mega-malls, condos, and luxury hotels.

[kennypowers]

Can we have a park next?

[rubl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

alt=saai.gif> Oh goody....another mall opening soon.

Yes, and further good news ---- Emporium is being rebuilt from the inside out AND Emporium2 is nearing completion right opposite on Sukhumvit Road. Yippee.

Moreover, Emporium 3 (Emsphere) will soon start construction on the rubble of Washington Square. Its slogan is equally or more ridiculous:

"The Vibe That Bangkok Has Never Experienced Before". It should be more like "The Vibe That Bangkok Will Never Experience Again" as it becomes an increasingly boring and soul-less conglomeration of mega-malls, condos, and luxury hotels.

The corner of Sukhumvit soi 7 opposite TVF Lounge has been flattened a while ago. Most likely we'll get a much needed shopping complex annex boutique hotel annex whatever there.

[charmonman]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

They can build as many malls as they want, Thailand still remains a third wolld country!!

Racist comments and people like you really make me sick to my stomach.

If you have no love for the country and the people, why even bother to visit or look over chat for this country.

Some people are just plain disgusting.

Pointing out that a large portion of Thais are still relatively poor and cannot afford to shop in most of these goddam malls is hardly racist. I personally have more "love" for these Thais than for the boring middle and upper class who will patronize all these overbloated monuments to the consumer society.

[Strangebrew]

It's a mall world after all Wait safe place for farang to visit. THEY WILL FORCE ALL QUALITY TOURIST TO VISIT. It comes with new triple price system So farang learn Thainess.

[Strangebrew]

But on a serious note I think it would be better for Thailand and Thais as well To maybe have a nice park where there could take there kids to with amusement and ride free for all Thai's Farangs can pay small fee to ride. Could even showcase Thai culture in song and dance. Oh yes and regional foods That would attract tourist . Malls attract thieves and pickpockets.

[The Deerhunter]

But just think! When they all join up to be one big mall, there won't be any room for 7/11's.

[thailiketoo]

But on a serious note I think it would be better for Thailand and Thais as well To maybe have a nice park where there could take there kids to with amusement and ride free for all Thai's Farangs can pay small fee to ride. Could even showcase Thai culture in song and dance. Oh yes and regional foods That would attract tourist . Malls attract thieves and pickpockets.

Huh? Thieves and pickpockets? Have you ever been to an upscale Central mall in Thailand? They attract people who are willing to pay top dollar for Swiss chocolates and Gucci, Omega and Prada.

http://www.centralembassy.com/fashion/

A park where people do Thai songs and dances? The company had revenues of 7 billion $US dollars last year? Song and dance?

[thailiketoo]

Moreover, Emporium 3 (Emsphere) will soon start construction on the rubble of Washington Square. Its slogan is equally or more ridiculous:

"The Vibe That Bangkok Has Never Experienced Before". It should be more like "The Vibe That Bangkok Will Never Experience Again" as it becomes an increasingly boring and soul-less conglomeration of mega-malls, condos, and luxury hotels.

The corner of Sukhumvit soi 7 opposite TVF Lounge has been flattened a while ago. Most likely we'll get a much needed shopping complex annex boutique hotel annex whatever there.

Contrary to the movie if the people would not come they would not build the malls and have revenue of 7 billion US Dollars last year.

You want to talk about a company who should not expand look to the management of Tesco Lotus as four of its senior executives are asked to step down, take a look at the figures caught up in the company's latest financial fiasco none of the ten board members has direct experience of managing a retailer. You can google, "Tesco's Financial Fiasco."

Thailand's economy for the most part is for profit and if no money is made the business closes. They keep building malls because they are profitable.

[ignis]

On the other hand keeping the people happy, is the goal not to have far less traffic in Bangkok = lots of Malls everywhere so people have no need to drive to BKK = far less traffic in Bangkok.

But at the moment or yesterday outside the building of this new Mall were 30 buses/pickups/mini buses 3 deep blocking the road, that is NOT counting all the Taxi's, wonder if they will build a bus park ?

[Local Drunk]

On the other hand keeping the people happy, is the goal not to have far less traffic in Bangkok = lots of Malls everywhere so people have no need to drive to BKK = far less traffic in Bangkok.

But at the moment or yesterday outside the building of this new Mall were 30 buses/pickups/mini buses 3 deep blocking the road, that is NOT counting all the Taxi's, wonder if they will build a bus park ?

Have you ever driven past a Central that didn't cause a traffic jam?

[louse1953]

Do they really need another one ? If this carrys on it will turn into the likes of Dubai. Too many shopping malls that are empty.

Who cares!!It creates work and air con for free.Bangkok is stuffed already,as long as the Mall disease doesn't spread out my way.

[thailiketoo]

On the other hand keeping the people happy, is the goal not to have far less traffic in Bangkok = lots of Malls everywhere so people have no need to drive to BKK = far less traffic in Bangkok.

But at the moment or yesterday outside the building of this new Mall were 30 buses/pickups/mini buses 3 deep blocking the road, that is NOT counting all the Taxi's, wonder if they will build a bus park ?

Have you ever driven past a Central that didn't cause a traffic jam?

Yes many times. Central Pattaya and Central Embassy and Central Kad Suan Keaw.

[mike324]

Mall Wars in Bangkok

[louse1953]

Unimaginable is not a load more S&P, Macdonalds, sports shops, gold dealers, and crappy, expensive clothes.

The unimaginable is a mall serving roast beef and Yorkshire puds with OXO gravy, or chicken and PAXO every day. That's the unimaginable.

The project will create more than 10,000 jobs when it is completed in 2015. It will also drive residential growth in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district to exceed 150,000 units within five years from 50,000 units worth Bt150 billion currently, based on residential projects launched in this location.

Central Pattana is positioning CentralWestGate as a prototype super regional mall for Asia.

"We believe that this is a new lifestyle mall with more than 1,000 anchor stores and super-sized shops of both Thai and international brands,"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/CentralWestGate-A-super-mall-in-the-making-30199000.html

How many jobs and stores would be attracted by Yorkshire pudding? Eggs, flour and milk ain't much of a culinary masterpiece is it?

Nonthaburi,hub of homesick Poms,but will they be able to afford their homelands culinary delights.