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Tag: ICONSIAM

  • ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., the developer of ICONSIAM – the iconic new landmark of Thailand, and True Group, the convergence lifestyle leader which offers a full range of communication services and solutions, today, is building “True ICONSIAM Hall” , an advanced world-class venue complete with the best innovation and technology and world-class international standard design worthy of being called 1 of the 7 Wonders of ICONSIAM – a first-in-Thailand and a first-in-the-world phenomenon.

    True ICONSIAM Hall was born out of the vision of ICONSIAM and True Group, one a leader in the real estate and retail industry, and the other a leader in technology, which never ceases to introduce innovations to their national-scale projects and businesses in order to promote Thailand’s reputation on the world stage.  This time, they joined together to bring the best of Thailand to the world with the creation of “True ICONSIAM Hall”, an advanced, world-class international conference and exhibition centre, the first of its kind on the Chao Phraya River, in the ICONSIAM project.

    H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “In Thailand, MICE is a service sector that brings in a lot of quality tourists and generates enormous revenues for the country.  It also has a major role in income distribution to related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, conference centres and exhibition centres.  Foreign travellers for MICE activities in Thailand, on average, spend two to three times more than tourists in general.  The partnership between ICONSIAM and True Group to build “True ICONSIAM Hall” is a good sign that the private sector has joined the government sector to support and promote tourism and MICE in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world.”

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM has a commitment to give Thailand an important position on the world stage. ICONSIAM then joins forces with True Group to create “True ICONSIAM Hall” aiming to promote and elevate the standard of MICE and show business in Thailand as we work to make the country a hub for world conference and show performance – a fully integrated one with the highest potential and the most outstanding in Asia.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” which is worth more than Bht 2,000 million investment has an area of 12,000 square metres and a capacity of 3,000 seats and is situated on ICONSIAM’s Floor 7 and 7M overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya River. It will be an advanced world-class venue for international conference and show performance complete with the best innovation and technology comprises:

    – The First Time Ever Retractable Seating System in Thailand:  seats are automatically folded away by the latest advanced technology to suit all ranges of customer’s venue requirements and save time for all event arrangements. Each seat has the best view and is equipped with all sorts of communication such as advanced translation system, Wifi system, Microphone etc.

    -The Best Acoustic Tri-wall Panel System, the First Time in South East Asia: With automatically adjustable wall panels and ceiling panels in 3 types being equipped with the aesthetic sound absorbing system to accommodate all types of performance and assembly such as conference, world class performance, and concert will offer each audience seating enjoyable experience for watching and listening to the most sophisticated ever seen before.

    – Stage Rigging System for scene changes of the world’s performance and special wall which is movable to meet the platform edge of the stage to create the most completed atmosphere of the performance and to provide a different experience every time it shows.

    “True ICONSIAN Hall” will be an international conference hub of Asia and will attract world-class performances to Thailand supporting all event arrangements as follow:

    1. International Conference such as G20 Summit, ASEAN Summit, APEC, OPEC, medical meetings and conferences, to accommodate up to 3,000 attendees. There are also medium and small meeting rooms to accommodate small meetings.
    2. World Class Performance such as Broadway show, musical show, Opera, ballet and Thailand’s cultural performance which is Royal Khon Performance.
    3. World Class Concert such as Orchestra and concerts by leading Thai and international artists.
    4. International Exhibition After conference chairs are kept automatically supporting by fully public utility system, this will be the first time in Thailand to accommodate proudly a global fair such as Maison Object, Millionaire Show, Luxury Lifestyle Exhibition.
    5. Special Event such as major sporting tournaments (sport show), Haute couture fashion shows, international competition, awards ceremony, product launches, international film festival etc.
    6. Catering can accommodate all types of catering up to 3,000 attendees and is fully equipped with food preparation rooms and banquet facilities such as various party occasions, wedding receptions etc. among the spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” is situated on a prime landmark location of the world on the Chao Phraya River surrounded by 3-5 star hotels with more than 10,000 rooms and is connected with the most complete transportation (road-rail-river) system in Thailand, which will make it convenient for a large number of visitors.  In particular, waterway transportation on the Chao Praya River from the surrounding hotels is easily reached “True ICONSIAM Hall” in a short time, within no more than 20 minutes and is also commuted from Siam Area by BTS Sky Train’s Green Line and Gold Line with less than 18 minutes.

    Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc, said the partnership is one True is proud of because it allows True to play a part in strengthening the country’s MICE industry to make it outstanding and a pride of the nation in the world community. “True ICONSIAM Hall” clearly reflects the vision of the two organizations, both ICONSIAM and True Group, in committing to bring their expertise and leadership in the business to jointly create the best thing to happen in Thailand. “True ICONSIAM Hall” will open a new dimension for the era’s most advanced world-class centre for international conferences and exhibitions with exceptional location, special and superior functions, the most modern technology in communication and the content leader and wide variety of media of True Group will combine experience and impression for exhibitors and visitors. We are confident that “True ICONSIAM Hall” will be able to attract the exhibitors for MICE and tourists from around the world in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world. Moreover, it will also reflect the potential of Thailand with its readiness to be a hub of regional tourism helping drive Thailand to be an outstanding country in Asia in hosting all kinds of world-class events.

    True ICONSIAM Hall will be ready to open within 2018.

  • Major museum to anchor IconSiam development

    Major museum to anchor IconSiam development

    Thailand’s first world-class museum is to be built as part of the massive IconSiam development on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

    The Fine Arts Department of the Thai Ministry of Culture and IconSiam Co have signed a memorandum of understanding to mark their collaboration to preserve Thailand’s arts and cultural artifacts, to be displayed in the 8000 sqm IconSiam Heritage Museum.

    The museum, which will open in 2018, is set to become a space where different cultures interact as well as a major tourist attraction, according to a statement from IconSiam.

    “Local and foreign visitors will be able to witness the pride of Thailand and the elements that signify our national identity.”

    More than 500 retailers will be housed in two shopping malls being built in the IconSiam development, which also includes a hotel and luxury apartment complex. The US$1.538 billion (54 billion THB) project is scheduled to open in late 2017.

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    The Fine Arts Department will be in charge of analysing, sourcing and preserving antiques and artifacts to be displayed in the National Heritage Gallery, one of the museum’s  three exhibition spaces.

    Vira Rojpojchanarat, Minister of Culture Ministry, described the collaboration as auspicious for the country.

    “The private sector will officially play an important role in helping the government support, promote and showcase Thai culture. This answers directly to the government’s public-private collaboration policy. The museum will communicate with Thai values to both locals and tourists, driving forward our admirable culture and national identity. The project will also push our identity and the creative cultural industry to an international level.”

    IconSiam director Chadatip Chutrakul said it is “the mission and ambition” of IconSiam to create a unique project that represents the admirable identity of Thailand from every aspect. “Our excellent indigenous wisdoms, intricate handicraft skills, architectural brilliance, our history, traditions, cultures etc, will be represented here.”

    The display of Thailand’s precious cultural heritage and historical treasures.

    The display of Thailand’s precious cultural heritage and historical treasures.

    IconSiam will invest more than THB 500 million (US$14 million) in the museum. “This investment, although great in number, is not a move that seek profit in return. We hope that this museum initiative will inspire other organisations to see the value and importance of museum which is a significant symbol of the country’s economic and social advancement,” said Chutrakul.

    Part of the museum’s earning from the National Heritage Gallery admission fee will be donated to the Archeology Foundation for future restorations of historical sites, artifacts and the National Museum.

    The other two exhibition spaces will be a Temporary Exhibition Gallery  featuring exhibitions from master artists and world class museums from all over the world, and the River Gallery, which will aim to present contemporary works from renowned local and international artists and host art related activities.

    Lord Cultural Resources, a global professional practice dedicated to creating cultural capital worldwide which has worked on museums such as France’s The Louvre and Spain’s Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, is working with IconSiam on the project. The company also has experience working with Britain’s Tate Modern, The US’s Library of Congress’s security and filing systems as well as setting up exhibition models for Thailand Creative and Design Centre.

  • The Queen of Siam: Chadatip Chutrakul Aims To Energize A District In Bangkok

    The Queen of Siam: Chadatip Chutrakul Aims To Energize A District In Bangkok

    A lot of people thought we dreamed the impossible dream,” chuckles Chadatip Chutrakul, recalling initial reaction to her newest–and biggest–project, Icon Siam. The 55-year-old CEO of Siam Piwat is best known as first lady of Siam Paragon, her signature mall. Much more than a Bangkok institution, it’s a global sensation, one of the world’s most posted sites on Instagram, alongside Disneyland and the Eiffel Tower.

    Siam Piwat has evolved over nearly six decades from a hotel and shopping center built by Chadatip’s father into a complex of flashy malls in a central Bangkok district so dominated by this family-run firm it’s also called Siam. As rivals in Thailand’s hypercompetitive retail industry have expanded to the suburbs, around the country, even overseas, Siam Piwat has stayed put, remodeling regularly, staking its fame and bottom line on Paragon and its adjacent shopping plazas, Siam Discovery and Siam Center.

    So Icon is a quantum leap, from the comfort zone of Siam across the Chao Phraya River, to the no-man’s-land of Thonburi. Centuries ago Thonburi predated Bangkok as Thailand’s capital, but development long ago flowed across the river to the Bangkok side, then uptown to Sathorn and Sukhumvit. A run-down area of concrete shop houses, it hardly seems a likely launching pad for an upscale shopping mecca.

    Yet this Bangkok native has grand plans to revive the River of Kings, as Chao Phraya translates into English. At $1.57 billion, Chadatip says Icon is the largest privately funded project in Thai history. Besides 5.5 million square feet of retail space, the site will include two high-rise residential towers, a museum, a half-kilometer-long river walk, extensive art, theater and conference facilities, plus docks for river cruisers and private yachts.

    Bangkok plans several new bridges and subway lines across the river, and Icon will link to them by a new monorail, dubbed the Gold line. Siam Piwat will bankroll the $62 million cost, the first time a company has paid for a subway line and donated it to Bangkok.

    Siam Piwat lacks experience in residential development, so has teamed with high-end property specialist Magnolia Quality Development, securing the blue-chip backing of Charoen Pokphand Group. CP is Thailand’s biggest company, run by Dhanin Chearavanont, who tops the FORBES ASIA Thai rich list. His daughter Tipaporn Chearavanont runs Magnolia. CP and Magnolia each have a 25% stake in Icon, leaving Siam Piwat with 50%.

    While it was still only a dirt lot in 2014, Icon sold all 379 units in one residential tower at prices equal to those of top-tier downtown properties, according to local real estate firms. “The launch of the condos did very well and helped put the project on the map,” notes Simon Landy, Thailand chairman of Colliers International.

    Chadatip says of the scheme: “This is not only about Icon, it’s about the future of the river. It’s about how we elevate the importance of the river in every aspect, meaning the historical places, culture, the art, the festivals–all the values on the river have to be integrated.”

    Since Siam Piwat announced its plan for the 20-acre site in 2014, there have been signs of a Thonburi revival. Nearby, at the Jam Factory, hip architect Duangrit Bunnag has converted old warehouses into chic restaurants, shops and an art gallery. “The river is happening,” he says.

    Still, it’s a high-stakes gamble, even for a risky investor–something Siam Piwat has never been–in an especially precarious time for Thailand. The past decade has been marked by political strife and a series of coups. Pitched street battles in 2010 claimed an estimated 100 lives; Central World, a shopping center near Siam, was razed. When massive street protests crippled Bangkok in 2014, the military mounted another coup, promising a quick return to democracy. Two years on, the junta remains entrenched. The economy trails regional growth, and some say it’s teetering on recession.

    “We’ve gone through lots of cycles,” Chadatip concedes, but she notes that revenue has recovered since the protests and coup of 2014. Even after a devastating bombing in the capital last August, Siam Piwat’s sales for 2015 were up 10% from 2014 and grew 18% from 2013. And Chadatip says there are waiting lists of years for space in malls, a figure confirmed by retailers and local analysts.

    “This is exactly the kind of project Thailand needs now,” says Chadatip, noting that Siam Piwat isn’t a stranger to making tough investments in critical times. She recalls that soon after Siam Discovery was launched, the country plunged into the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. That was under the watch of her father, Chalermchai Charuvastr, a former military general who served in the 1950s on the staff of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, who led a coup and became prime minister in 1957.

    Chalermchai was governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and pioneered aviation agreements that helped usher in the era of international travel in Southeast Asia. Tourism remains a major bright light for Thailand, with 29 million visitors last year, providing 10% of gross domestic product, according to official statistics.

    In 1959, when tourists numbered under 100,000 a year and airlines were pushing for proper lodging for crews and passengers, Chalermchai brokered a lease for 29 acres of royal parkland around the Sra Pathum Palace, then founded Bangkok Inter-Continental Hotels, which built Siam Intercontinental Hotel.

    According to Chadatip, the government put up 20% of Bangkok Inter-Continental Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group added 30%, and the rest came from local banks and about 500 private shareholders. The company was renamed Siam Piwat in 2003 but remains unlisted and doesn’t release earnings numbers. However, one local businessman calls Siam Piwat “a mint. They are printing money there.” How much flows to the family, Chadatip won’t say. “My family has some shares,” she says, “but a very, very small amount.”

    Chadatip says her father had a vision “to build a city of the future, not just one project. What he saw was that he would build the hotel and the first shopping mall and office building, the first high-rise in Thailand–30 stories–in 1965,” all on the same site where Paragon and other Siam Piwat malls now stand. Where once “this was nothing. It was orchards,” Chadatip says, now there are fountains, a towering LED screen and 250,000 visitors a day.

    Chalermchai ran the company until his death in 2009. Although Chadatip is the youngest of three children, he groomed her to take over, and she has spent virtually her entire career as first lady of Siam. Two older brothers, Charnchai and Charlie Charuvastr, have held posts with the company but largely made their marks outside. Charnchai served as CEO of telecom company Samart and prior to that was general manager of IBM Thailand. He was also chairman of Siam Paragon until he died in 2011. Charlie is a corporate relations advisor for Siam Piwat, having previously worked for PTT Exploration & Production, one of Thailand’s biggest energy companies.

    Born in 1961, Chadatip attended prestigious Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, graduating in 1982 with a B.A. in banking and finance. She spent the next few years with a pair of British insurance firms, Sedgwick Offshore Resources and Willis Faber & Dumas, before coming back to Thailand, managing energy insurance services for domestic firm Dhipaya Insurance.

    She has been with Siam Piwat since 1986, starting in accounting, then sales and promotion. An admitted workaholic, she is often the last to leave the office, arriving home long after dark to more e-mails and work calls. Her husband, Apichart Chutrakul, understands the pace; he is founder and CEO of luxury property developer Sansiri. They have one grown daughter.

    Colleagues describe Chadatip as a human dynamo with boundless energy. “She’s really a superwoman. She works 24/7,” says one of her closest co-workers, who, like others at Siam Piwat, requested anonymity. “We get e-mails from her at all hours,” she says, adding, “She’s intensely involved in everything. Siam is her life, and it’s her passion.”

    Thailand’s other major shopping firms are also run by women. “I think it’s the nature of the business,” Chadatip says, noting that women have a keen eye for detail (Siam Piwat jointly owns Siam Paragon 51%-49% with Thailand’s Mall Group, also run by a woman, Supaluck Umpujh (see profile, p. 58).

    Chadatip doesn’t believe gender plays a big role in Thailand. “In this country we have the freedom to go as high as we want,” she says. “We’ve had a lady prime minister, we’ve had many lady ministers.” In Thai culture women have equality, she says. “There is no ceiling.”

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  • Iconsiam adds retail area for keen investors

    Iconsiam adds retail area for keen investors

    Iconsiam Co has increased its investment by another 4 billion baht for more retail space in response to the long waiting list of foreign investors wanting to expand their businesses at its shopping project.

    Director Chadatip Chutrakul said the company recently secured a 30-year lease for an additional five-rai plot on Charoen Nakhon Road, opposite the current construction site of Iconsiam.

    The total land area for Iconsiam will reach 55 rai with an investment budget rising to 54 billion baht. The total gross floor area will reach 525,000 square metres.

    “More than 100 foreign companies including restaurants, entertainment and fashion firms want to invest in our project. This shows their confidence in the Thai retail market,” she said.

    The company is studying the development of a new retail phase, which will start construction by the end of this year and be completed in 2017, simultaneously with the overall project.

    Construction of Iconsiam is about 20% complete. Iconsiam plans to target Thais for 65-70% of its customers.

    The project will offer a complete range of products and services from more than 500 retailers from around the world. Several of the restaurant brands will be new to the country, including a three-Michelin-star eatery.

    Also planned is a rooftop garden with open-air eateries overlooking the Chao Phraya; an 8,000 sq m area dedicated to food, fashion and handicraft specialities from all corners of Thailand; a multipurpose auditorium for meetings, concerts and shows with 3,000 seats; Thailand’s first world-class museum complex; a 400-million-baht water-fire-sound-and-light feature; and a riverside park and event plaza covering 10,000 sq m.

    It also comprises two luxury waterfront residential condominium buildings of 70 and 50 floors, one of which carries the Mandarin Oriental Residences brand and Iconluxe, providing luxury brands for fashion, jewellery and watch-making over 25,000 sq m.

    The company will open booking for its retail space soon. Iconsiam expects to draw 250,000 visitors a day.

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said Iconsiam has allocated 2 billion baht to support the construction of the first phase of the new skytrain Golden Line, linking Saphan Taksin station to Charoen Nakhon Road near Taksin Hospital.

    Iconsiam is a joint venture between Siam Piwat Co, the owner and operator of Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and Siam Discovery; Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, the owner and developer of luxury quality residential and mixed-use projects; and multi-national conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group.

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  • Iconsiam unveils the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment complexes

    Iconsiam unveils the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment complexes

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, a director of ICONSIAM, the owner of ICONSIAM – the iconic landmark of Thailand’s prosperity by the Chao Phraya River, today, held an event to present a detailed look at a city of the future and unveiled the era’s most glamorous retail and entertainment mega-complexes covering 525,000 square metres, and which is set to become one of the most exciting destinations in the world when completed in late 2017.

    The event was conducted at an evening of spectacular presentations attended by more than 1,500 guests and ending with a cruise on the majestic Chao Phraya River. Retail News was at the official press conference in the Shangri La Hotel in Bangkok and was reporting “live” on our social media channels.

    With a total gross floor area (GFA) of 750,000 square metres, ICONSIAM will be a new symbol of national pride for Thailand and its people.  The project includes:

    • 2 of the world’s most glamorous retail complexes, namely ICONSIAM (Main Retail & Entertainment) on a vast area of 500,000 square metres and ICONLUXE (Luxury Wing) which covers 25,000 square meters. The two mega-complexes have separate parking spaces and facilities but share visitor traffic throughout.
    • 2 world-class residential condominium buildings: Magnolias Waterfront Residences at ICONSIAM and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.
    • 7 precedent-setting attractions which will be the first of their kind in Thailand and which are called the Seven Wonders at ICONSIAM.

    ICONSIAM – The Icon of Eternal Prosperity – is being developed by a highly reputable partnership between three of Thailand’s most successful businesses, assuring the project the national landmark status that it seeks.  The development partners are Siam Piwat – the owner and operator of globally reputed prestigious retail developments including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery – MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, the owner and developer of luxury quality residences – and, the multi-national Charoen Pokphand Group.  The partnership with Bht 50,000 million was announced in 2012 as an agreement to create a the largest commercial development. It’s been 3 years together by far.

    A commitment to build Thailand’s stature on the world stage

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul said, “ICONSIAM will open a new chapter in the history of Thailand.  It represents a great property endeavor that is the most complete and spectacular ever undertaken in Thailand.  ICONSIAM will be the most compelling, must-see destination drawing Thai people from around the country and international visitors from the around the world.  We are creating a new benchmark of excellence in every aspect.  It is the creation of a new paradigm for the property development sector.  It combines everything one needs to live a way of life of the future – the best in residential offerings, a complete range of products and services as well as innovations to keep one comfortable, and unprecedented advanced communications.  ICONSIAM will be at the centre of a plan to unveil the glory of the Chao Phraya River as a global destination.”

    ICONSIAM aims to turn the area along the 10-kilometre frontage of the Chao Phraya River into a major global destination offering unparalleled experiences because the entire stretch of the great river represents all aspects of what is special about Thailand and Thais.  Located along the river are over 20 historic archeological sites, 50 upscale hotels with more than 10,000 rooms, over 200 luxury residential developments that are already available on the Thonburi side of the river and many more to be built on both sides by the public and private sectors.  ICONSIAM will help bring them together to glorify Bangkok under a national collaboration outlined in the Chao Phraya River Master Vision plan which was announced in 2014.  Under the plan, agencies in the public and private sectors, riverside business operators and boat operators will work together to turn the world’s attention back on to the river as Bangkok’s most promising centre.  It will reinforce every aesthetic aspect of Bangkok as one of the world’s most attractive cities where people around the world want to live and where investors want to do business.

    Mrs. Chadatip said, “New developments normally highlight concepts inspired from other countries.  But ICONSIAM is committed to presenting Thailand’s outstanding aspects such as Thai wisdom, exquisite craftsmanship, unique architectural elements, history, tradition, culture, etc.  We are presenting a forward-looking Thainess for the world to see. ICONSIAM will present more than a million stories of success and pride of Thai people from local to national level. It will also represent an imagination of this era that showcases those stories in many ways in a forward-looking Thainess or “Creative Thai” for the world to see.  It will be the first time that such a large project in Thailand will present Thai characteristics in all aspects.

    ICONSIAM is intended to be a new symbol of Thailand.  It will represent the nation to rival mega developments in other countries as it showcases important values of Thailand’s best characteristics in a world-class project through supportive assistance of the whole Thai people in terms of bringing Thailand’s best values to ICONSIAM, creating important values for the project. Meanwhile, ICONSIAM will also bring together the best of the world, making it truly a world-class project.

    12 Unrivalled components of ICONSIAM

    ICONSIAM unveiled the glamour of two retail and entertainment complexes which cover a combined area of 525,000 square metres and comprise the following unrivalled components:

    1. The Best in Stunning Architecture

    The two retail complexes of ICONSIAM – ICONSIAM and ICONLUXE – are closely associated with cultural values and beliefs tied to the Chao Phraya River, including inspirations from ‘krathong’ and ‘baisri’.  The ICONSIAM building is a highly modern building with its architectural design inspired by the way a krathong is folded, translating traditional Thai design signatures to modern interpretations.  The ICONLUXE complex resembles three glass krathongs with the façade stretching 300 metres along the river. A special glass is used to create vertical pleats all over the complex setting a new precedent.  The design is inspired by a traditional Thai dress with a pleated shawl that wraps the most valuable part of the project because ICONLUXE represents the ultimate in ICONSIAM’s elegance.

    1. The Best in the ICONS within an ICON Design Concept

    ‘ICONS within an ICON’ is the construction of many small buildings within a large building.  ICONSIAM showcases a group of buildings each with a 360-degree façade like a mansion that elegantly offers the best Thai brands and luxury brands from around the world.  It is the first time such a concept is brought to life.

    1. The Best in Awesome Spectacles

    River Park is an area for riverside activities.  Covering over 10,000 square metres, it will help visitors to access and enjoy the landscape along the river as never before.  The space is ideal for large-scale national events and world-class performances in a most beautiful and enchanting site on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

    A multi-media water-and-fire feature, worth Bht 400 million, will present a great spectacle along the 400-metre stretch of the Chao Phraya River, the longest in Southeast Asia, for visitors to enjoy an awesome experience.

    1. The Best in Creative Thai-ness at Venice of the East

    ICONSIAM will bring together the best in Thai brands in all categories from fashion to handicrafts to must-buy items from all of the 77 provinces of Thailand.  Visitors can explore the whole of Thailand at ICONSIAM.  They will be able to enjoy an exciting experience at the first indoor floating market as well as impressive and enjoyable services found only in Thailand along with rare art and cultural performances within an over 8,000-square-metre area.

    1. The Best in World-Class Luxury at ICONLUXE

    ICONLUXE – the icon of exquisiteness, the centre of world-class luxury – will have the best in world-class brands in all categories, including fashion, jewelry and timepieces.  Each brand will be housed in a globally iconic store in a way that has never been done before in Thailand.

    1. The Best in Priceless Art, Culture and Heritage

    ICONSIAM Heritage Museum which covers over 8,000 square metres is Thailand’s first world-class museum complex bringing together the historical and cultural heritage of the country in one place.  It is the result of a collaboration between ICONSIAM, The Fine Arts Department – Ministry of Culture, and The Treasury Department – Ministry of Finance.  The museum will showcase valuable artifacts of Thailand from different eras together with touring exhibitions of masterpieces from around the world, including contemporary artworks from Thai artists.  It has integrated the most advanced exhibition technology, world-class security and conservation standards for important artifacts.

    Thai Character through Masterpieces from National and World Artists

    ICONSIAM’s interior decoration is the result of a collaboration with many national and world artists who channel Thai beliefs and traditions into their masterpieces that are placed throughout in the form of statues, paintings, carvings, and chandelier inspired by the shape of woven garlands.   The complex will be spectacular.  ICONSIAM will be the first to bring together a large number of priceless artworks and masterpieces.

    1. The Best in World-Class Entertainment

    The world-class auditorium is an essential component of ICONSIAM.  The 3,000-seat venue will be Thailand’s first such facility at world-class standards, and which will also be Asia’s technologically most advanced, as well as the centre for international conferences, which will help Bangkok attract the world’s most sought-after A-list singers and performers.

    The 10,000-square-metre cineplex at ICONSIAM will be a ‘first’ and the country’s technologically most innovative of its kind with the latest projection and sound equipment as well as the newest concepts in layout and seating that will ensure visitors the ultimate movie-going experience.

    The world of entertainment for family and children which covers 4,000 square metres will be the first time in Thailand where children can experience state-of-the-art excitement.

    1. The Best in a Complete Range of Products and Services

    ICONSIAM brings together 500 retailers who offer the best in ASEAN and the best from every corner of the world into the same venue.  For more than 20% of these retailers, ICONSIAM will be their first ever presence in Thailand.

    The project will also have Thailand’s first massive sport complex built on a rooftop garden.  It will come complete with an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and a running track with a view of the sky over both sides of Bangkok.

    1. The Best in Department Store

    Takashimaya, one of Japan’s most iconic department stores, covering 35,000 square metres, will open its first store in Thailand at ICONSIAM.  As one of the world’s best department stores, it offers a full line of luxury brands from Japan, as well as top Thailand’s brands including cosmetics, ladies’ wear, ladies’ accessories, men’s wear and accessories, lifestyle products, as well as premium food and beverage offerings.

    1. The Best in Dining Aesthetics

    ICONSIAM will bring a 3-Michelin star restaurant for the first time to Thailand and will have some of world’s famous restaurants brands that have never had a presence in Thailand.  It will have also the best food offerings from all 77 provinces in Thailand and offer a vast choice of dining atmospheres such as a riverside terrace, in a heavenly park inside the building or on the rooftop where a wide range of bars will also be located.

    1. The Best in Communication Innovation and Service

    ICONSIAM will introduce the most advanced and most comprehensive communication infrastructure using the fastest fibre optics in Thailand and the most innovative communication package. There will be an application that provides more than 1 million tales and legends that inspired art and decoration within the building, shops, and services. Customers will be able to understand and be a part of retelling such stories.  All of these will allow us to deeply understand the needs of customers and to easily manage their experiences while enabling us to meet all their lifestyle preferences all the time.

    1. The Best in Comprehensive Travel Convenience

    As a mega phenomenon of the era, ICONSIAM is the first project to support the Bangkok Municipality’s visionary plan, a feeder lines of the mass rapid transit system, namely the Gold Line, which will be connected to the Green, Red and Purple Lines.  In the area, four piers will be built to support water travel via private yachts, tourist pleasure boats and ferries to and from 73 surrounding piers.  ICONSIAM will be the most complete connection hub for all modes of transport in Thailand including land, rail and water.

    Creating Phenomenal Success in the Real Estate Industry

    A New Record in the Most Expensive Riverside Residences

    ICONSIAM launched Magnolias Waterfront Residences at ICONSIAM – the most luxurious residential condominium development in Thailand by the Chao Phraya River.  It ranks among the best residential developments in the world in its standards.  The project offers 379 residences on 70 stories.  Each unit is built and fitted out with the most luxurious materials.  The building has luxury designed right into it, with the highest quality even in the non-visible engineering elements, components and mechanisms.  Within only 2 months in 2014, the whole project was sold out.  It also broke a record for being the most expensive residential project by the Chao Phraya River.  Its prices are comparable to those of luxury condominiums along the BTS mass transit lines on Sukhumvit, Phaholyothin and Ratchadamri roads.

    The Best in World-Class Residence: The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

    In 2014, ICONSIAM announced a partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to brand and manage 146 super-luxurious residences in a 52-level condominium called The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.  Located in the ICONSIAM project, the Residences are the first ‘Mandarin Oriental’ branded residences in Southeast Asia and the 14th in the world.  They are designed and built with the highest standards of luxury, project management and residents’ services and facilities.

    Last year, ICONSIAM began pre-sales for the riverfront residential project.  It is the most expensive residential project in Thailand with prices to rival condominiums in prime locations of London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.  To date, about 40% of the residences have been booked by Thai and international customers

    “The unveiling of ICONSIAM’s two retail complexes will be a game changer that shifts Bangkok’s retailing hub to the new location by the Chao Phraya River, which has all you can ask for,” Mrs. Chadatip said.

    ICONSIAM represents a new chapter in the history of Thailand’s property development.  It creates a new benchmark for all-around excellence and a new paradigm for the industry with the building of a city that brings together a complete range of residential, retail and cultural offerings at the highest international standards.

    ICONSIAM is a shining example of a Thai property developer showing the courage to make an investment, whether it be in the commercial components and the Seven Wonders at ICONSIAM, to bring to life a genuine, world-class development.  ICONSIAM has proven success beyond expectations for its residential component.  Its retail component has been recognized the world over, even though it has yet to be formally launched.  All of this is testament to the confidence in the country’s economy.  It shows Thai entrepreneurs’ resilience while showing the potential of the Thai market and the purchasing power of Thai people who can support such a world-class development.  ICONSIAM is a major step forward to elevate the stature of Bangkok as one of the most desirable cities to invest for international entrepreneurs and to live for people from around the world.

    Decision to Invest in ICONSIAM Phase 2 in Response to Strong Tenant Demand 

    Mrs. Chutrakul informed that, “ICONSIAM has discussed the project’s concept with major retailers worldwide.  All of them have expressed their confidence and indicated their intention to book retail space for the largest iconic flagship stores in Thailand.  As a result, ICONSIAM has decided to invest in the second phase of the project in response to the overwhelming demand and support it has received.  We have leased land on the opposite side of Charoennakorn Road to expand the total property size to 55 rai.  We have increased the total investment budget by a further Bht 4,000 million to Bht 54,000 million.  Details on the investment will be shared later within this year.”

    ICONSIAM will start renting out space in its two retail complexes from now onwards and plans to announce anchor tenants within the first three months of this year.

    “Despite the world’s economic uncertainty, we are proceeding with the project at full speed.  We increased our investment because we have confidence in Thailand. ICONSIAM will make a great contribution to the country support the economy of Thailand.  It is also pilot project that links with the public sector, with us planning to support mass transit systems as well as urban development and urban regeneration.  The project will attract substantial investment from international investors and retailers.  When it opens, the project will be able to create more than 350,000 jobs within 5 years from the beginning to the opening of the project.  ICONSIAM will play an important part in strengthening the tourism industry in the long term.  It will also further reinforce Thailand’s leadership in the ASEAN Economic Community,” Mrs. Chadatip concluded.

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  • New ‘Siam Discovery-the Exploratorium’ to open Q2 as Thailand’s first hybrid retail store

    New ‘Siam Discovery-the Exploratorium’ to open Q2 as Thailand’s first hybrid retail store

    Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., the owner and operator of prestige retail developments such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and Paradise Park, as well as the joint venture partner of ICONSIAM, today, announced that it is introducing a revolutionary new retail concept to Thailand with the opening of the new Siam Discovery retail destination in the second quarter of 2016, after a Bht 4,000 million re-build.

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. said: “The new Siam Discovery is the first hybrid retail destination in Thailand.  We have created a venue where thousands of lifestyle brands are brought together under a single universal concept that puts customers at the centre, rather than brands.  That means everything presented at Siam Discovery is not organized by brand, or category, as in traditional retailing, but by the visitors’ interest, because our purpose is no longer just to sell products but to provide an extraordinary and emotional experience to the visitor allowing them to discover themselves, as well as express themselves.

    Mr. Oki Sato, Chief Designer and Founder of nendo and Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat-1

    “We then enhance that experience by presenting a story rather than just products, and by making the experience in our store highly interactive as well as allowing visitors to personalize their purchases.  We give visitors opportunities to make a statement about their life preferences, whether it be about sustainability or a love of nature, and to support those preferences through their purchases, and through occasions to interact with like-minded people and communities.  And then we further enhance those experiences through the power of the most advanced digital technology,” she said.

    Mrs. Chutrakul added, “Taken together, this new retail format makes a visit to the store an exciting, emotional experience that gives visitors a great opportunity to play, to experiment, to discover and re-discover themselves.  We want people to fall in love with that experience.

    “Our role as a retailer has advanced to another level and become one of managing visitors’ experiences and emotions at the destination, rather than just one of managing products, categories and displays,” she said

    “We target all genders and all age groups, and there is something for everyone at all price points,” Mrs. Chutrakul said.

    “Come Play With Me”

    Empowering visitors to create their own personal style

    Siam Discovery Infographic

    According to Mrs. Chutrakul, “The new Siam Discovery says ‘Come play with me!’ to visitors, inviting them to experiment by trying out new products, new ideas, re-thinking conventions, and customising their purchases, all across 40,000 square metres of floor space.”

    “We are completely overturning past retailer practice of organising and presenting products by brand or category.  Instead, at the new Siam Discovery, multiple brands and complementary merchandise are brought together for the convenience and enjoyment of the visitor and unified with underlying stories.  They are organised and presented by type, function, relevance and, most importantly, the visitor’s interest.

    “This is a pioneering retail concept that empowers visitors to mix and match across brands and categories to discover, define and create their own distinct, personal style, while also pursuing related interests and passions that need not be tied to any purchase intent.  It has never been done before in Thailand and on such a scale, and it’s a concept that will bring new excitement to any visit to Siam Discovery.  We estimate it will also double Siam Discovery’s per-square-metre sales within a year,” she said.

    Mrs. Chutrakul added that the new Siam Discovery is called ‘The Exploratorium’ and is a ‘lifestyle lab’ because it allows every individual to explore who they want to be and what is the style that best reflects their true self without the constraints of a particular brand or school of design.  She said that visitors can try new ideas across the hundreds of categories and more than 5,000 international and local brands on offer, many of which are first-time-in-Thailand brands.  It includes everyday products, sustainability products, trend products, collaboration and limited edition collections, as well as innovative products.

    Visitors can go even further in experimenting with creating their own style because the new Siam Discovery also provides bespoke personalisation opportunities that let customers tailor their purchases to their own personal preferences.

    Immersive Story-Telling, Advanced Digital Technology, Interactive Experience

    The presentations of products have a very strong story-telling component.  As visitors move through the various parts of Siam Discovery, they are immersed in the heritage and the intangibles of a brand and a category.  They are also drawn into stories relevant to their interests, their beliefs, and trends rather than just being presented a selection of products.

    “These experiences are enriched and heightened through advanced digital technology as well as many interactive experiences that are offered to the visitor.  It’s a totally new and an extraordinarily exciting way of presenting products and their associated lifestyles,” she said.

    “As part of this ‘immersive experience’, Siam Discovery has created areas for people of similar interests to interact, share experiences, make friends and create their own communities, whether they be designers, sportsmen, collectors, health gurus, or travellers.  Not only can they do things with other people, they can also do things for other people: through their purchases, they will be able to indulge in their passions and convictions, such as supporting sustainability or other causes important to them,” she added.

    Siam Discovery Visual Ad-1

    Thailand on the World Stage

    Mrs. Chutrakul noted that the introduction of a revolutionary, new retail concept will reinforce Bangkok’s appeal as the retail hub of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and help make the city a favourite shopping destination for the world.

    “Siam Area is Bangkok’s top-ranked retail destination with more than two million square metres of world-class attractions and the widest variety of shopping, dining, art, culture and education offerings in Thailand, attracting traffic of over 160 million visits, annually.  The new Siam Discovery enriches the total package of offerings in Siam Area by introducing a completely new proposition,” she said

    Top Global Designer ‘nendo’

    ‘nendo’ (Mr. Oki Sato), who is one of the world’s top designers and a person voted as among the ‘100 Most Respected Japanese’ by Newsweek Magazine, provided the overall design inspiration for the new Siam Discovery.  He was engaged as the chief consultant for the building design as well as the interior design, while Urban Architect Co., Ltd. was the Thai architectural design and interior design company for the project.

    The new Siam Discovery is nendo’s largest project, ever, and his first in Thailand.

    Mrs. Chutrakul said, “We invited nendo to provide the inspirational design concept for Siam Discovery because Siam Piwat looks at the future from a global perspective rather than just the potential of the Thai market.  This is because Siam Piwat is committed to the business of creating extraordinary experiences for customers who are not only Thai people but also visitors from every corner of the world.

    “In line with our growth strategy, Siam Piwat is creating unprecedented destinations in Thailand that can compete with the best of the world’s destinations and help support Thailand to become a top-ranked global retail and entertainment paradise.”

    “Within the first year, we aim to have 100,000 people a day visit and fall in love with the new Siam Discovery, of which around 65% are expected to be Thai and 35% to be international visitors.  What our visitors will have in common will be their progressive, independent-minded outlook on life, and a passion to explore and try new things,” she said.

    The new Siam Discovery follows from Siam Piwat’s highly successful Bht 1,800 million     re-build of Siam Center three years ago, which pioneered a revolutionary retail development concept where the developer worked collaboratively with retailers and brand owners to give the entire venue a consistent visual identity that is clearly and distinctly Siam Center.  The concept has been showered with eight highly prestigious international awards, including recognition as one of the world’s 5 best-designed retail centres by the retail industry’s leading international association – the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

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  • Iconsiam joins hands with TAT to create a splendid Loi Krathong Celebration Festival

    Iconsiam joins hands with TAT to create a splendid Loi Krathong Celebration Festival

    Iconsiam, an iconic new national landmark in Thailand and a symbol of national pride for the country in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cordially invite both local and international travelers to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most impressive and popular annual events organized on the Chao Phraya river in  “the Delightful Colors of the River, Loi Krathong Festival 2015”. On this charming festival, there will be a spectacular display of illuminated boat processions with a length of more than 250 meters being lit up and launched into the Chao Phraya river where the main highlight will be ICONSIAM’s illuminated vessel under the theme of “Mahajanaka’s boat, the symbol of remarkable perseverance”, from “The Story of Mahajanaka” written by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.  In addition, you will be amazed by many other memorable activities dedicated to Loi Krathong festival on the Chao Phraya river and at Nakrapirom Park from 20 – 25 November.

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Executive of ICONSIAM, said, “With a strong determination to create a new sensational mega-development of Thailand on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, the River of Kings on which has carried Thailand’s greatest legends and most resplendent civilizations, to become the most compelling and must-see destination of Thailand drawing visitors from around the world and from around Thailand.  We then proudly support one of the most prestige cultural heritages and traditions of Thailand by joining hands with Tourism Authority of Thailand in organizing “the Delightful Colors of the River, Loi Krathong Festival 2015” to revitalise Bangkok’s world-renown Chao Phraya river and let it illuminate for the world to admire. We aim at bringing happiness, impression and confidence for those who join the event and also to the world through the country’s most spectacular and unique time-honored culture and tradition portrayed along the glorious Chao Phraya river.”

    07 Ship-Parade-06

    Highlights of the event will be divided into 2 periods, the 1st period starting from 20 – 22 November between 6.30 – 10.30 pm at ICONSIAM pier on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, ICONSIAM’s illuminated vessel being decorated with beautiful arrays of splendid lights under the theme of “Mahajanaka’s boat, the symbol of remarkable perseverance” will be on display for those who commute via waterway to enjoy at the first time. “Mahajanaka’s boat, the symbol of remarkable perseverance” is contained in “The Story of Mahajanaka” written by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Dhamma in this royal book is an encouragement for everyone to face problems with courage and perseverance in all circumstances like His Majesty the King said on the preface of this royal book “May you be blessed with pure perseverance, sharp wisdom, and complete physical health.”  National artist Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat  gives the great honor to ICONSIAM by providing his masterpiece of the gracious illustrations drawn for the royal book Mahajanaka to decorate on this illuminated vessel with a length of more than 30 meters.  The ICONSIAM’s illuminated vessel will be elaborately adorned with beautiful arrays of magnificent lights and sounds together with decorative effect of brilliant fountains for the whole vessel to make it the most magnificent.

    The 2nd period starting from 23 – 25 November between 5.00 – 9.00 pm at Nakrapirom Park in Bangkok, under the moonlight on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month visitors will be brought back into the charming old Thai atmosphere where they will take part in a lot of interesting and fun-filled cultural activities while the Chao Phraya river will be shined with colorful krathong floating on the rippling waters. Throughout three nights, there will be an illuminated boat procession to light up the River of Kings with 6 illuminated vessels and additional impressive ICONSIAM’s illuminated vessel with a length of more than 250 meters, set to run from Bangkok Bridge to Rama VIII Bridge.  Moreover, visitors will experience Loi Krathong ceremony in ancient Thai style by releasing beautifully decorated krathong down the Chao Phraya river to express gratitude to the river goddess. Meanwhile, there will be several cultural activities related to Loi Krathong festival. In addition, on the night of 25 November at 6.00 pm onwards, the extravaganza colorful fireworks display and the krathong floating ceremony of Rattanakosin period scheduled to take place to make it a memorable night.

    Those who are interested in joining “the Delightful Colors of the River, Loi Krathong Festival 2015” will be able to appreciate the beauty of ICONSIAM’s illuminated vessel at ICONSIAM pier on the bank of the Chao Phraya river and also along the Chao Phraya river while participating in Loi Krathong celebration festival organized at Nakrapirom Park in Bangkok between 20 – 25 November. For more information, please call Public Relations Department of ICONSIAM at 02-658-1000 ext. 8202, 8230.

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