Shopping Centres in Bangkok, Thailand

[KatoeyLover69]

The latest Shopping Centre to be opened in Bangkok was the SIAM PARAGON, a 5,000,000 sq ft centre, which officially opened on 8 December 2005.

Here's the latest report on SIAM PARAGON from The Nation (Thailand) dated Monday 19 December 2005 :-


BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR: All the work pays off for Mall Group head


Supaluck put the fruit of long experience into making newly opened Siam Paragon a magnet for big spenders at home and abroad.

Pleased with opening day, top Mall Group executive Suplaluck Umpujh, 46, said: “I’m very happy with the outcome”, as 400,000 customers passed through the doors of Siam Paragon and about 100,000 have visited the complex each weekday since.

Siam Paragon has achieved its objective of improving its portfolio as a major source of long-term revenue, in addition to creating a major shopping destination for customers in Southeast Asia.

Three years in the making, the Bt 14-billion company has entered the world-class shopping sector where all top brands want to make their presence felt. With only 60 tenants, the shopping complex has yet to truly flex it muscles, but Supaluck’s brainchild has already altered the face of Thailand’s retail business.

Siam Paragon is a wake-up call to retailers, particularly Central Group, that they need to develop investment plans and renovate premises to maintain clients and lure new customers, and they are now paying close attention to how Supaluck’s plans affect their turf.

Siam Paragon was conceived after the success of The Emporium.

“Siam Paragon is The Emporium’s sibling. They are like New York and Paris, which everybody wants to visit,” she told Lips magazine.

Without Supaluck, the new complex would not have been completed. Throughout her 20-year career in the retail business she has flexed her muscles to attract world-class brands to make it a reality, or the “ride of Bangkok”.

She learnt the hard way that “size matters”. Her first mall at Rajaprasong was small, and few merchandisers participated because big retailers demanded exclusive deals. Few products meant few shoppers, and after five years the outlet folded.

Supaluck learnt never to do something small and always to differentiate.

She told herself to open The Mall on Ramkhamhaeng Road where various entertainment venues for families such as theatres and big water parks, the first in Thailand, were available. It was successful, and four more branches followed in Ta Phra, Ngam Wongwan, Bang Kapi and Bang Khae.

The success encouraged her to create a high-class shopping centre that targeted high-end shoppers. However, business people expected the deal to fold in the short term because it seemed unaffordable to Thais. The Emporium is still the Garden of Eden where global and luxury brands have made their way into Thailand and has inspired other retailers to develop other luxury shopping complexes.

It was tough, especially when the Skytrain was not available. She had to hire a consultant from New York to develop advertising and point out how strategically located the shopping complex was. The Emporium eventually attracted the Bluebell group, consisting of Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and other brands.

Supaluck pulled out all the stops to come up with a business strategy including marketing, selling and negotiating skills, which she has inherited from her father. In addition, she said, one has to be fair and trustworthy, prepared to take a risk and show luxury tenants that one is serious in building success with them.

“She’s an energetic businesswoman who always comes up with unexpected and creative ideas,” said The Emporium’s managing director Kriangsak Tantiphipop.

Today she is still energetic, for she knows that she has to work hard to make Siam Paragon a success in the face of the challenges presented by rivals such as Central Group.

Siam Paragon could become a magnet for shopping in Southeast Asia, but Supaluck needs to deal not only with local retailers but with deep-pocketed foreign shoppers too.

By Nitida Asawanipont
The Nation
19 December 2005

[KatoeyLover69]

Comments on Siam Paragon :-

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/boar...d=576&offset=0

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation on Saturday 10 December 2005 :-


SIAM PARAGON: Optimism as complex opens doors

Giant mall hopes to draw high-end foreign visitors. The Siam Paragon Shopping Complex had its grand opening yesterday amid hopes that the new development will attract more high-end spenders to the Kingdom. Although less than half of the 350 retailers opened their shops, Kriengsak Tantiphipop, chief marketing officer of Siam Paragon Development Co Ltd – the operator of the upmarket complex – said he was delighted with the event.

“Today is a great day for everybody in the company. We started the Siam Paragon project three years ago and now the dream has become reality. We envisaged a world-class shopping phenomenon in Bangkok and today it has come to fruition,” he said.

Kriengsak said that more than 80 tenants would open their largest flagship stores in the complex, representing about 40 per cent of total retailers in the plaza.

The complex also incorporates a “Beauty Hall”. Occupying retail space of more than 5,500 square metres, the cosmetics and fragrances zone offers an outstanding selection of products from more than 100 leading brands, including La Mer, Estee Lauder, La Prairie, Givenchy, Paris Hilton, Stella McCartney and Erno Laszlo.

Iwan K C Hew, managing director of Yafriro International, an exclusive luxury watch boutique, yesterday opened its Bt50-million 212-square-metre flagship store in the complex.

“We waited for almost five years to open our flagship outlet in Bangkok and the opening of Siam Paragon has fulfilled our expectations, thanks to its prime location in the heart of Bangkok,” Hew said.

The company is the exclusive distributor of 12 luxury watch brands, including Parmigiani Fleurier, DeWitt, Bovet de LaCour, BRM, Jacob & Co, Greubel Forsey, Michel Jordi, Hautlence, Vincent Berard, HD3 and Jean Dunand. Prices range from Bt250,000 to Bt20 million.

Leading mobile-phone operator Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), together with major telecom equipment suppliers, have jointly set up an AIS Future World centre to showcase futuristic wireless technology.

The Bt100-million centre occupies 600 square metres on the fourth floor of the complex. AIS is currently equipping the centre with hi-tech equipment in time for the official opening next Thursday.

Among the highlights at the centre is a theatre with 360-degree screen, a play zone, and a technology exhibition zone.

Oranuj Wongprecha, managing director of Pre & Prom Co Ltd, a distributor of exclusive luxury cosmetic brands, said: “I was amazed by the opening ceremony of Siam Paragon. All streets in Bangkok seem to lead to Siam Paragon.”

Pre Prom retails luxury cosmetic brands, including Philosophy, Make Up For Ever and Erno Laszlo in the Beauty Hall on Floor M. Prices range from Bt2,000 to more than Bt10,000.

Mattel Inc, the world’s leading toy-maker and manufacturer of world-famous Barbie products, revealed its latest fashion collections for kids at the complex.

Sony Thai also opened its flagship store named “Sony Style” on the second floor.

A senior Sony Thai executive said that this would be the first “Sony Style” shop in Thailand. Sony has such shops in many cities in Japan and Malaysia, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore.

“At Siam Paragon we will showcase our Sony goods ranging from Vaio computers to still and camcorder cameras, LCD television sets, PlayStation Portable, and high-definition products such as cameras and TVs.

“Sony technical experts will be at the showroom to provide information and consulting services to our customers,” he said.

Sarun Limsawadiwong, chief executive at Ideas Design Collection Co Ltd, the operator of @Home furniture store, said the company had opened a new concept of @Home furniture store on the third floor of the complex.

The company markets luxury and modern-style imported furniture brands, including Flos lighting products, Zanotta, Dema and Driaoe furniture from Italy, and Fritz Hansen furniture from Denmark.


By Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
Saturday 10 December 2005

[KatoeyLover69]

Websites about Siam Paragon :-

http://paragonbangkok.tripod.com/


http://www.siamparagon.co.th/

[naemlo]

Originally Posted by KatoeyLover69

Websites about Siam Paragon :-

http://paragonbangkok.tripod.com/


http://www.siamparagon.co.th/

Another place to c chio thai gers.......

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated 10 December 2005 :-


STARRY-EYED WELCOME FOR PARAGON : Complex will boost tourists' spending

By SUKANYA JITPLEECHEEP & SUJINTANA HEMTASILPA

Bangkok's business and social elite turned out in force yesterday to the launch of the 15-billion-baht Siam Paragon, the country's newest shopping mall.

Building began at the 52-rai plot in 2003, and the complex now features an opera house, an aquarium, cinemas and bowling lanes, as well as 250 retail boutiques featuring brands such as Hermes, Gucci and Chanel.

Several newcomers have also made their debut in the Thai market at Siam Paragon, including jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels and Mikimoto, and fashion brands such as Spain's Zara and Italy's Roberto Cavalli.

Siam Paragon boasts 500,000 square metres of space and is located in the heart of the city, flanked by the Siam Centre and CentralWorld malls.

The project was the brainchild of Supaluck Umpujh, aged 50, and Chadatip Chutrakul, 44, two female giants in the Thai retail industry.

Ms Supaluck, the vice-chairwoman of Siam Paragon, was the project innovator, while Mrs Chadatip, the chief executive, managed the project, keeping costs and schedules on target.

They say it was a perfect partnership to see through the challenge of a lifetime.

''I was taught by my father that to solve a problem, you have to experience it yourself,'' Mrs Chadatip said.

To prove this, her father, Gen Chalermchai Jaruwat, a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, came up with a unique way of teaching her how to swim _ he threw her in the pool.

Mrs Chadatip, who joined Siam Piwat, the operator of Siam Discovery and Siam Centre over a decade ago, agreed retail management had its own peculiar learning curve.

''Eventually, I was able to overcome all of the problems. It's not easy to succeed in this business. It's not just a question of selling space to tenants. You have to help them survive and prosper as well,'' she said.

Ms Supaluck was also taught how to compete by her father.

''To win the game, it's not enough to just walk or run to catch up with your competitors. You have to leap as far as possible. And to make a leap, you have to be the pioneer as well,'' Ms Supaluck said.

Ms Supaluck eight years ago gained new ground in the retail market with the opening of The Emporium complex, a luxury mall blending retail boutiques and entertainment.

She said she expected Siam Paragon to generate 10 billion baht in sales in its first year, with some 100,000 visitors expected each day.

Juthamas Siriwan, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said she believed Siam Paragon would strengthen Bangkok's position as a regional shopping destination.

Tourists who had previously gone to Singapore or Hong Kong to shop would instead extend their stay in Thailand and take advantage of what Bangkok has to offer, she said.

Shopping done by overseas tourists is expected to account for 30% to 32% of total tourism revenue, estimated at up to 425 billion baht this year, up from 27% three years ago.

[Cunnosieur]

Hi Bros


Wanna check out...that somewhere in Chinatown, Yaowarat, there is this shopping centre that sells mainly SOFT STUFF TOYS like teddy bears, dolls, etc.

Can anyone tell me the exact name of the complex???

Kenna ARROWED to buy back TOYS for many uncles n aunties kids...jak lak....

[KatoeyLover69]

If you are looking for computers, computer accessories, PDAs, digital cameras,softwares, DVDs/VCDs/CDs the place to go to is Pantip Plaza at Petchburi Road at Pratunam Area in Bangkok.

Computers, TV's, cameras and similar items can be good value in Thailand, but you'll be hard pushed to find one with high quality components selling for significantly less than in the US / Europe. Overall, you're probably better off buying at home than in Thailand, as although you may spend slightly more, you are much more likely to get decent after sales or a refund in case of problems in Europe/US than in Thailand. On the other hand, if you're looking to buy computer peripherals then you can get some good deals in Bangkok, and repairs can be done similarly cheaply.

The best place to go for any type of computer shopping is the multistory Panthip Plaza on Phetburi / Petchburi Rd in Pratunam district (not far from the Amari Watergate hotel). Prices are very cheap and the range extensive, but not all the vendors speak a lot of English.

Though there are a wide range of computer related products on sale, Panthip is most (in)famous for the huge amount of pirated software available. There are literally dozens of different vendors selling hacked versions of software programs, and even the most up-to-date software is available amazingly quickly. Microsoft Windows XP, for instance, had been available in Panthip some weeks prior even to it's official launch in the USA, let alone in Thailand.

As well as software, pirated versions of all of the top Hollywood movies are also available on DVD or VCD, as are compilation MP3 CD's with around 12 albums on each (right). Each CD/VCD/CDROM costs only around 100-150B, as the intense competition helps to keep the prices low. The DVDs cost around 300B or so, and may or may not have had the regional coding removed.

The Thai government, under pressure from the USA, has periodic crackdowns on Panthip Plaza, but they never seem to last very long. The only lasting effect of the crackdowns seems to be that all the pirated material is no longer kept with the vendor, but is instead in a building down the street and is retrieved when someone makes a purchase.

With a bit of searching, it is possible to also find software originals on sale but prices are no bargain compared to the USA/Europe.

Panthip Plaza is very popular and, particularly on weekends, it can get very crowded.

There are few other malls throughout Bangkok with a similar, but smaller, range of products on sale:

Hollywood IT, which is located only 100m or so away from Panthip and is very close to the Ratchathewi skytrain station.

Seri Center, near Seacon Square.

IT Mall, in the Fortune Tower on the intersection of Ratchadapiskek road and Asok-Din Daeng road, is another option.

Ordinary buses 2 and 11 and air-con buses 5, 11 and 12 all pass outside of Pantip Plaza, or any taxi driver will know it (it's pronounced as pan-tip). You may also find Panthip written in English as 'Pantip' (including on the building itself), but 'Panthip' is the more common elsewhere and, according to the official way of romanising Thai, the correct spelling.

[KatoeyLover69]

More info on Pantip Plaza in Bangkok

For those of under the belief the particular country you come from is the pinnacle of high technology, a visit to Pantip Plaza will be a revelation! Pantip Plaza is 5 floors plus of IT heaven! Although prices are not as low as in countries such as Singapore, computers and related devices are state-of-the-art and prices are probably a shade lower than in the west. Where a place like Pantip Plaza excels is in locally made computers – just read through lists of components, tick what you want, and wander around the shops getting the best quotes. These ‘prefabricated’ computers are probably as good as any brand name but obviously won’t have the after sales service, especially if you are taking a computer out of Thailand (check customs in your own country first!). There is also a good variety of software at good prices – there’s not as much in terms of pirated software here these days and there are regular police checks to ensure things are kept in line. Probably best all round to look for the legitimate stuff. In addition to computers and software, Pantip offers as wide a selection of digital cameras, digital video cameras, VCD/DVD players and PDAs as you will find. In addition, you can buy clothes here, and on the ground floor there are a number of shops selling Buddha amulets and local folk music CDs.

If you are into IT leave your credit cards back at the hotel or you might have to cut your journey to Thailand seriously short!

Details: Pantip Plaza is open around 10:00 to 20:00 daily.

How to get there: Pantip Plaza is on Petchburi Road right next to the Indonesian Embassy. It’s reasonably close to Ratchathewi BTS station.

The following buses will get you there:Bus number: 511

Contact: Pantip Plaza
New Petchburi Rd.
Rajthevee
Bangkok
10400

Website: http://www.pantipplaza.com/

[KatoeyLover69]

Pirated softwares in Pantip Plaza :-

PANTIP PLAZA :Business as usual
No visible efforts to prevent open sale of pirated software in Pantip Plaza, Bangkok

Getting Windows 2000 for 3.30 US$ might seem like a bargain already. But as the operating system is not taking up all the space on a CD-ROM, the pirate-copyists has added other software programs as a bonus!

You do not have to stand in a dark alley and say "Psst!" to buy pirated software or know somebody who knows somebody. Just walk straight into Pantip Plaza, the largest computer-shopping mall in Thailand, and you will find shop after shop openly displaying CD-cassettes ("jewel-cases") with everything you might need. The CD itself is not inside, but at request it is brought to you in 5 minutes. Microsoft's software seems to be the most popular target, but virtually any producer of software is amply represented.

"It's good business, but it used to be even better" says Samran (not real name) to BizAsia. "The competition is getting harder all the time. Some years ago a pirate-copy CD could sell for 600 Baht (~ 17 US$) Now you can get 120 Baht (3.25 US$). Some shops even tried to lower the price to only 80 Baht (2.15 US$) but they got unpopular!"

But as a blank CD costs below 1 US$ the profit on pirated software is still the best in Pantip Plaza. "Normal hardware profits can be as low as 3% and is only in special cases higher than 10%. In addition comes installation time and guarantee."

Earlier a couple of policemen on inspection got beaten up by angry pirates. "I have a family to support" says Samran. "I know that copying like this is wrong, but I think Bill Gates is not hungry!"

Samran also believes that the state of matters actually is in the producer's own interest. "Sometimes we see software with an advanced protection sceme. When you install it a new code is generated every time. To open this software more than 25 times you have to submit this code and your serial number to an authorized reseller. Then you get a code back that you must enter to continue using the software. Otherwise it won't work. But the result is simply that people use something else. If they then later get into a corporate context, well, they buy the software they know already. The day Microsoft would stop the illegal usage of software they would be playing into the hands of their competitors!"

Business Software Alliance ("BSA") who acts against copyright violations has earlier with the police raided a couple of companies in Bangkok and in advertisment encouraged people who would know about illegal software installations to call.

The usual outcome of the raids has been a settlement where the company accept to legalize their software, pay a fine and allow for future inspections.

Copyright violations can in Thailand be punished with jail up to 6 months.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 19 December 2005 :-

CENTRAL EARMARKING B 10b TO GROW ABROAD : Indonesia, Vietnam Philippines in plans

The Central Group plans to invest 10 billion baht to expand its hotel and shopping centre businesses in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines over five years. Suthikiati Chirathivat, vice-chairman of the Central Group and also executive chairman of Central Plaza Hotel, said the company planned to open a Central hotel at each of the shopping plazas to be developed by affiliate Central Retail Corporation overseas.

The first prospective location for a city hotel at a shopping plaza is probably Indonesia, followed by Vietnam. The new hotel in Jakarta would have 200-300 rooms and could able to create about 300-450 jobs, he said.

Mr Suthikiati said that according to the group's survey, there is a huge potential for the hotel business in Jakarta because there are no big hotel chains located at large shopping complexes in the capital.

``Though, there are many international chains providing services there, we are confident that we can compete with them because we have been in the hotel business for 27 years and we have already competed with all of the chains in Thailand.''

He added that the company was in the process of considering the details of the expansion plan for its hotels in markets abroad. Given Central's experience in Thailand, he said the company had very capable executives, who were well suited and skilled for a competitive marketplace.

Apart from the Central Group, other large Thai investors in Indonesia include Banpu Plc in mining, the Charoen Pokphand Group in agribusiness and PTT Plc in energy development.

The value of investments from Thai operators in Indonesia was estimated at $65 billion by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in an address on Thursday in Bangkok.

A market analyst at Central Retail Corp said Indonesia was attractive for investment because of its large population of more than 200 million, an improving business environment and economy.

``Furthermore, the Indonesian hotel industry is less competitive as there are only small hotels available at retail sites,'' said Mr Suthikiati.

Meanwhile, Mr Suthikiati said the company would continue its domestic hotel expansion plan, signing a contract with Siam Commercial Bank for a 2.5-billion-baht loan tomorrow.

The funds will be used to build a five-star hotel with 505 guest rooms at the Central World site in Bangkok, which is scheduled to be opened in late 2007, targeting the Mice (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) market.

Sales of the five core businesses of the Central Group of companies in the year 2005 are expected to grow by 14% from the same period last year. The company declined to disclose the actual figure.

Central projects its food business to grow by 20.6%, followed by property development at 14%, retailing at 13.5%, trading business at 12% and hotels 3.5%.

Mr Suthikiati explained that the growth of the hotel business had been modest because the company had to delay on the opening of its five-star, 192-room Central Krabi Bay Resort.

The company will hold a soft opening for part of the Krabi property starting tomorrow.

By Sukanya Jitopleecheep
Bangkok Post
Monday 19 December 2005

[Ah_Hia]

Heard some kiddo fell and got hurt or something like that in Siam Paragon.....
Sad....

[KatoeyLover69]

Bangkok - Shopping Areas

Siam Square - Siam Center - Siam Discovery Center
Restaurants, theaters and shopping, shopping and more shopping. The air-condition is refreshing after a walk in this busy city. Cinema tickets are often a little more expensive than elsewhere in this country, but the seats are extremely comfortable. Go to Siam Square by taxi, tuk-tuk or by sky train (named BTS - Bangkok Mass Transit) to Siam station.


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MBK - Mah Boon Krong
Next to Siam Center and Siam Square. This shopping center has some of the lowest prices you can find in Bangkok. Everything from mobile (cellular) phones to clothes and even food can be bought here. Absolutely a store that we recommend. Go there by sky train to Siam Station or by taxi or tuk-tuk.
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Chinatown
Markets, food and all kind of businesses is what you will find in Bangkok's Chinatown. Chinatown is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok and the Chinese settled down here about 1780. Yaowarat Road is one of the streets that we recommend you to visit. The Thieves Market, or Nakhon Kasem, has good prices on antiques, second hand, electronics and many other products and goods. Go there by taxi, tuk-tuk or boat on Chao Praya river.
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Pantip Plaza
The largest computer store in Bangkok. All equipment and accessories you might possibly need for your computer. Or why not buy a new PC, Mac or laptop. There are often very reasonable prices. Just mind that the warranty is maybe only valid in Thailand. Located on Thanon Phetburi (Phetburi Road) rather close to Siam Square.
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The Emporium
The store you should visit if you are into luxury, fashion and "quality shopping". There is no problem to find your Versace suit and a Cartier watch here. But window shopping or purchasing less expensive items can also be an alternative if your wallet aren't that big. The Emporium is located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 26. Go by taxi, tuk-tuk or sky train to Phrom Phong Station.
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Khao San Road
This street used to be the backpacking "Mecca" of South-East Asia, and to some extent it still is, even if you find all "type" of tourists here nowadays. Here you will find clothes, bags, cd's, tourist agencies, silver and a lot of "souvenirs" etc. Do not forget to bargain.
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Markets
We recommend Bobe Market and Pratunam Market if you want to buy cheap clothes. The Bobe market is reachable by canal taxi boat, taxi or tuk-tuk. Pratuam is close to Amari Watergate hotel. Take a taxi, tuk-tuk or the sky train to Chit Lom Station to get there. Do also read about the Thieves Market in Chinatown above.
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[KatoeyLover69]

P A R T 1

Chao Phraya Tower Shopping Arcade

Offers designer boutiques, leather shops, Thai silk shops and art galleries. Opens daily from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. It is located at 23 Rongnamkhaeng Lane (next to the Shangri-La). Telephone 237-0077.


Mah Boon Krong Center

Built in 1986, this 7-story high and 300 meters long complex was the biggest shopping center in Bangkok. Mah Boon Krong Center (MBK), next to Siam Square, is a window on popular culture. (Not that you'll find much to buy, unless you're looking for plastic shoes, polyester dresses and counterfeit watches.) It's very Thai and always bustling, while the upscale malls seem to echo. On the upper floors, dozens of shops are dedicated to the second-most-important status symbol - the mobile phone (the first being Mercedes).

Nowadays, it's still one of the busiest. You can find almost anything you can imagine here ranging from cheap clothing to the pricey home furniture in the market-style atmosphere in air-conditioned comfort. With newly opened entertainment center on the seventh floor, where you can find 7 movie theaters and 40 lanes bowling alley, all thse make MBK the one stop destination. New look for the new millenium has been added to both interior and exterior.

MBK center is open daily from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. It is located on the Southwest corner of Phyathai and Rama I Road. Teophone 217-9111.


Oriental Plaza

Exclusive with international fashions, art galleries and jewelry. Daily 10 am-6 pm. It is located at 301 Charoenkrung Soi 38, New Rd. (next to the Oriental Hotel). Telephone 236-0411.


Pantip Plaza

The ultimate source for computers, pirated CDs, electronics. It is a five-story mall with shop after shop selling computers and electronic gear. Usually there's nothing (except pirated software) that can't be found cheaper in Hong Kong and much cheaper in the U.S., but because of the Baht devaluation, computers and printers are temporarily at bargain prices. This is the place to go to get all the computer stuff you need - Hardware, Software, video games, MP3 music, VCD and DVD movies. If what you want is a cheap CD packed with a bunch of new software application, you have come to the right place. Known to the Thai computer lovers as a place you can buy cheap pirated software, Pantip Plaza is also the ultimate source for electronics. Five-story mall with floor after floor of computers and electronic gear. If you can't find any computer product you want here, it probably won't exist.

Take a taxi there. Most shops open around 10:30 A.M, and although they are open unitl 8:00 P.M., don't go later than 3 P.M. unless you want to spend hours in a traffic gridlock. It is located on New Petchburi Road between Phyathai and Ratchaparop Roads (close to Pratuunam Market and Amari Watergate Hotel).


Seacon Square

Seacon Square, Asia's largest Shopping and Entertainment Complex and one of the world's five largest, opened on Srinakarin Road of eastern Bangkok. One of the most outstanding and eye-catching of the city's shopping complexes, Seacon Square with a total building are of 500,000 square meter, a facing running 700 metres along Srinakarin Road, equivalent to 96 football fields.

The city zone incorporates the bright and lively colors of the busy shopping complexes. The Main Atrium is a meeting place, completed with greenery, a bubbling fountain and statues; while the nature zone's decoration and design exemplifies the natural environment.

Seacon Square is for the whole family to enjoy with a whole host of diversified attractions including Robinson Department Store, Lotus Supercenter, amusement theme park "Yoyo Land", multiplex cinema "Seacon 14", International Book Forum, DK Books - reputedly the biggest bookstore in Thailand. Thailand's first motion simulation theatre "The Simulator", an 18-hole miniature golf course, international food court and 400 leading brand name shops.

Few will want to waste an entire day battling traffic in order to visit this remote, American-style mall. It's not far from the BITEC convention center. It is located at 904 Srinakarin Road. Telephone 721-8888. For more information, click here or visit "www.seaconsquare.com"


Siam Square

This square is the cluster of Sois (alleys) jammed with independent shops and stalls selling music, fashions, clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. The area also has several book-stores stocking leading publications and plenty of restaurants. The plaza converted from parking lot, Center Point, is now the hot spot where the youngsters come to see and to be seen. Along Rama I road, you can find 3 movie theaters in which one named Scala still plays movie in the 1000-seat grand theater style.

It is the area on Rama I between Phaya Thai and Henri Dunant Road.


Siam Center

Near the Siam Inter-Continental and Siam Square, is Siam Center, a huge complex filled with restaurants, flower shops, movie theatres and such famous names as Gucci, Lanvin and Polo. One of the very first shopping center in Bangkok, Siam Center was a place where teenagers came to hang out with friends. Nowaday, it is still a place where the young and young-at-heart go for trendy fashions. Top local fashion designers and brand name labels can be found here.
The Siam Square District - Bangkok's shopping and entertainment hub, bursts with excitement day and night. Here you will find some of the city's most vibrant shopping centers including the new Siam Discovery and World Trade Center, cinemas, restaurant and nightclubs, all within walking distance. Siam Square is also conveniently located close to the city's two major Silom and Sukhumvit Roads business districts, Chulalongkorn University and major tourist attractions such as Jim Thompson's House and the Erawan Shrine. It's the very pulse of energetic Bangkok. It is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Located at 965 Rama I Road. Telephone 251-1890.


Siam Discovery Center

Siam Discovery Center is situated at Pathumwan intersection, one of the busiest shopping and leisure area in Bangkok, next to the Sky Train BTS station and 15+ public bus routes with 2,500 cars parking facility. Located on the 6th and 7th floor of Siam Discovery Center is Grand EGV, the most comfortable, grandiose and up-to-date movie theater in Thailand. Grand EGV also has a 1,600 sq.m. of retail spaces called 'Movie Walk'. The area provides the space for over 50 retail stores under the 'Movie Art Gallery Theme'.

It is located at 989 Rama I Road and open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Telephone - 6581000-19.

to be continued / ..............

[KatoeyLover69]

P A R T 2

World Trade Center

The World Trade Center encompasses many shops, restaurants and an ice-skating rink. A 330,000 square meter shopping mall with 2 prestige department stores (Isetan and Zen), 300 plus retailing stores selling almost everything from designer clothes and expensive jewelry and watches to rare antiques and brand new automobiles. Jim Thompson's silk shop is also located here. The Thailand duty free shops are located on the 7th floor. Other facilities include a 1,800 sqare meter world-class ice skating ring and 11 mini movie theaters.
There is a Japanese department store, Isetan.

It is open daily from 10:00 A.M to 9:00 P.M. It is located at 4 Rajdamri Road. Telephone 255-9400.


Peninsula Plaza

This French-style multi-storey building is one of a very first upscale shopping plaza in Bangkok. Located between Grand Hyatt Erawan and The regent Bangkok, The Peninsula plaza houses imported brand name labels, jewelleries, top local fashion designers and gourmet shops.

It is located on 153 Ratchadamri Road and open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Telephone - 2539672-3.


Amarin Plaza

Once a popular shopping plaza among Thai shoppers and foreigners, Amarin Plaza is a location of the first McDonald in Thailand. Radio Shack and Starbucks also have their presence here. Sogo Department Store presents its Japanese-inspired goods in modern glitter.

It is located at 494 Phloen Chit Road and open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Telephone - 255-0831.


Gaysorn Plaza

Gaysorn Plaza is an international level shopping centre located in the heart of Bangkok's shopping and leisure district. Surrounded by over 11 luxury hotels, over 500,000 square metres of office space, and numerous department stores and shopping centres. Open in December 1994, Gaysorn Plaza is a seven floor complex with a total built area of 42,000 square metres - three floors of executive offices on top of four and a half storey retail podium ( 12,500 sq.m.), and two and a half floors of parking for 415 cars. Planet Hollywood in located in Gaysorn Plaza and it is just beside Narayana Phand.

It is located at corner of Phloen Chit and Ratchadamri (Ratchaprasong intersection) and is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Telephone - 656-1149.


Old Siam Plaza

This shopping center is located near Wang Burapa and Pahurat and very close to Chalerm Krung Theater. The shops in this complex are quite modern and products of all kinds are sold here. There are also many restaurants, fast food outlets serving delicious Thai cuisine and Thai sweets. A lot of shops selling guns, pistols and ammunition are located in this plaza and in the area around this building.


River City Shopping Complex

It is Bangkok's first river side shopping complex. At the River City Shopping Complex, you’ll find a veritable feast for your shopping experience. It is home to Bangkok’s arts and antiques center and over 150 shops selling quality Thai products from Thai silk and cotton, jewellry, home décor, paintings, leather, tailoring to souvenirs from all parts of the country.
You can have a special meal set at one of the range of international cuisine restaurants and enjoy the splendid view of the Chao Phaya River both day and night.

They also have river tours that are catered to all your needs, be it a ride through Bangkok’s canals, a cruise to various attractions or a delightful dinner cruise. Under one roof that you can have them all -- the River City Shopping Complex.

A free shuttle boat operates to and from hotels on the river, including the Oriental, Shangri-La, Royal Garden Riverside, Royal River and Menam Hotel. They are located beside Sheraton Royal Orchid Hotel. For more information, click here or visit "www.rivercity.co.th"