Bangkok is home to a ton of shopping malls, but developers believe there is still room for the city’s retail sector to grow, especially in the luxury segment. Whether or not this is your thing, the below new complexes are (or will soon be) here to stay, putting an opulent sheen on and elevating the grandeur of Bangkok’s shopping landscape.
1. Central Embassy:
Owned by Central Group, Central Embassy is a striking THB 18 billion, seven-storey retail mall on part of the land formerly occupied by the British Embassy at the corner of Wireless and Ploenchit Roads. The curve of its 200-metre facade is lined with luxury fashion brands. Also, its 30-storey five-star hotel, Park Hyatt Bangkok, is expected to open this year.
2. EmQuartier:
The Mall Group is definitely elevating its presence on Sukhumvit Road, spending THB 20 billion on a renovation of its current Emporium mall; the construction of EmQuartier, a 200,000 square-metre mall, office building, event atrium and indoor park, opposite to Emporium; and the development of Emsphere, adjacent to Emporium and Benjasiri Park. The latter features a project area of 200,000 square metres, with a design inspired by the Omotesando Hills shopping complex in central Tokyo.
3. Bangkok Mall:
Also by The Mall Group, Bangkok Mall, located at the intersection of Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Roads, will reportedly be Asia’s largest shopping centre. Costing some THB 20 billion, the complex includes an 80,000-square metre department store; a 30,000-square metre theme park; a 20,000-square metre water park; 14 theatres; retail shops; and a residential complex
4. Iconsiam:
Expected to open in 2017, Iconsiam on Charoen Nakorn Road by the Chao Phraya River is the brainchild of Siam Piwat, the co-operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery; Charoen Pokphand Group; and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation. Costing some THB 50 billion, Iconsiam aims to be a landmark riverfront property project, with highlights including Japan’s high-end department store Takashimaya and an ultra-luxury condo managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
