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Bangkok’s latest urban development is a historical step for Thailand’s capital. Located on a prime location along the Chao Praya River, a new district is emerging. And in contrary to usual urban developments in Bangkok – consisting generally from the same boring trio of high-rise buildings (condominiums or offices)/hotels and shopping malls- the new district Asiatique will revolutionize Bangkok’s urban landscape.
“Our owners, Charoen and Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi from TCC Group had this huge piece of land along the Chao Praya River. To develop commercial properties would then request a huge investment that the company estimated at THB 10 billion [US$ 330 million]. TCC finally decided to give back this piece of land to the public by turning into an attractive semi open-air area for all with wonderful views on the river,” tells Napat Charoenkul, Project Director of Asiatique. The location has indeed historical value: it is considered as one of the cradle of modern Siam, where warehouses were erected along the River with the help of Danish trade captains. The East Asiatic Company was born. Under the strong will of King Rama V, the company became the most efficient trading tool for the Kingdom of Siam on its path to modernisation.
The old warehouses are still there, some dating back to the dawn of the XIX° century. “over 80% of the structure at ASIATIQUE is ancient substance and we made considerable efforts to restore all of them to their former glory,” adds Napat Charoenkul. The location along a narrow street, a little bit away from Bangkok main commercial districts of Silom and Sukhumvit made the area inadequate for big commercial development. TCC had in fact very little choice than processing differently. It then decided to turn the area into a mix of shopping, food experience adding also a cultural dimension unknown in Bangkok. “We were lucky that tenants from the closed Suan Lum Night Bazaar with their design and handicraft shops were looking for a new location. ASIATIQUE site became then ideal. We were also blessed to be able to attract two prestigious entertainment institutions with Joe Louis Puppet Theater and Calypso Cabaret,” says Mr. Charoenkul.
Asiatique is then Bangkok’s newest magnet for both locals and tourists: it will have up to 1,500 handicraft and souvenirs shops, some 40 restaurants, brasseries and bars, two theatres (Calypso opens in July and Joe Louis Puppet Theater by year end) and also the longest public walkway along the riverfront… Due to traffic jam along the narrow path of Charoenkrung Road, a free boat shuttle service links every 15 minutes Sathorn Pier near the Skytrain station Saphan Thaksin with Asiatique. “If we see that demand is very high, we will be able to offer up to six rides per hour. We expect some 20,000 visitors per day. But after our official opening, we already experienced over 30,000 visitors in the evening,” tells Napat Charoenkul. Regular events such as jazz festivals, special thematic parties will regularly be organized to boost the attendance.
And this is only a beginning. TCC has very ambitious plans as the area is to be developed in four phases. Phase II will soon be completed. It will then provide additional parking spaces, a giant wheel and more restaurants. Then, they are already plans for a museum telling about the history of the East Asiatic Company and the area, a hotel, a multi-purpose conference and exhibition hall and probably a more traditional shopping centre. But as promised by TCC, it will not obstruct the visitor’s view on the River with highrise buildings and let also grow the remaining trees along the Chao Praya, some of them being over hundred years old. “Our longer term vision is to link ASIATIQUE to some other TCC sites along the River. We are really committed to give the Chao Praya back to people,” stresses Napat Charoenkul.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
