Thread: Bangkok : CentralWorld shopping plaza undergoes extensive refurbishment

CentralWorld shopping plaza in Bangkok undergoes extensive refurbishment
12-Aug-2010

CentralWorld, a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand, which is touted as the third largest shopping complex in the world, is undergoing THB2.8 billion ($87.2 million) renovation.

The Central Pattana pcl (CPN), the developer and operator of CentralWorld, which was originally called the World Trade Center, is investing in the extensive renovation project and has stated that over 350 store owners can re-enter CentralWorld to redecorate their stores from August 2010.

According to the company, CentralWorld will be re-opened by the end of September 2010, and there will be a grand opening ceremony in November 2010.

CentralWorld and Zen Department Store are undergoing an all-embracing renovation scheme to make the retail space more modern, beautiful, safe and eco-friendly. Zen Department Store is an upmarket department store opened in 1990 as one of the anchors of the CentralWorld.

The redesigned shopping complex is distinct with the integration of a ‘Spring Season’ atmosphere. Being airy and light, this unique ambience has been created using water. The fire prevention system and the security system have been upgraded, and the CCTV and sensitive smoke detectors have been improved.

The re-opening of Southeast Asia’s largest lifestyle shopping complex is divided into three phases.

The first phase, by the end of September 2010, includes 80% of CentralWorld’s total space and covers the Beacon, Central Court, Dazzle, Eden and Forum zones.

The second phase, to be completed progressively between November and December 2010, includes the opening of CentralWorld, with the exception of Zen and the areas immediately adjacent to it.

In the third phase, Zen Department Store and areas adjacent to it will be re-opened by the end of August 2011.

CentralWorld comprises 550,000 square metre of retail space that includes six anchor mega-stores such as Zen and Isetan Department Stores, SuperSports, SFWorld Cinema, PowerBuy, B2S, as well as over 500 shops and more than 100 restaurants.

On May 19, 2010, CentralWorld was seriously damaged by fire caused by rioters in the aftermath of a military operation against anti-government protesters known as Red Shirts.

worldinteriordesignnetwork.com

I would be interested in knowing where the money is coming from for the refurbishment since as of last week the insurance underwriter for both Central World and Siam Theater is refusing to pay out since "Acts of Terrorism" are not covered by the policy.

Thailand's fire-damaged CentralWorld complex to reopen September 28
วันพฤหัสบดี ที่ 16 ก.ย. 2553



BANGKOK, Sept 16 - Thailand's CentralWorld shopping complex --thecountry's largest-- will reopen for shoppers September 28, according to Central Pattana president and chief executive officer, Kobchai Chirathivat.

CentralWorld, Thailand's largest shopping complex and the second largest in Southeast Asia, was set afire by allegedly disgruntled Red Shirt protesters after their protest leaders surrendered to police on May 19 as troops after a half-day of violence and the military closing in on Ratchaprasong intersection where the demonstrators had encamped since early April.

With over Bt2.8 billion invested in the renovation, Mr Kobchai said 80 per cent of the total area will reopen for shoppers, while the rest of the areas will reopen by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Zen Department Store, part of the CentralWorld's premises which collapsed after eight hours engulfed in flame, will be open in August next year.

Mr Kobchai confirmed that the building's structure was approved by Bangkok municipality's Public Works Department and certified safe by the Thailand Engineering Institute.

Central Pattana Plc (CPN) improved its security system according to international standard such as having smoke detectors installed in shops' areas and an escalator system equipped with security detection for customers.

The closure of CentralWorld since April has not affected the company's revenues, said Mr Kobchai, as CentralWorld's office building still functions normally and CPN postponed the renovation of its Central Plaza Lat Phrao, another main Central branch in the capital, to 2011.

He said Central Pattana's insurance company will conclude its compensation package by this year or early next year.

mcot.net

Originally Posted by Clogiron

I would be interested in knowing where the money is coming from for the refurbishment since as of last week the insurance underwriter for both Central World and Siam Theater is refusing to pay out since "Acts of Terrorism" are not covered by the policy.

Do you doubt that Central Developement has enough capital reserves to finance the leasehold portion of the repairs and renovations?

วันอังคาร ที่ 28 ก.ย. 2553

CentralWorld, Thailand's largest shopping complex, reopens after being burned in aftermath of Red Shirt protests May 19

mcot.net

health and safety?

^ money and greed?

Update: 2 die, 6 hurt at CentralWorld
29/10/2010

Two workers were killed and six others injured when scaffolding at a construction site at the burned CentralWorld shopping centre collapsed on Friday morning, police said.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Sumeth Ruangsawast said the injured people were taken to Police Hospital for treatment.

He said the accidetn happened in the area currently under reconstruction in the area destroyed by the arson on May 19 after the military ended the red-shirt rally at Ratchaprasong intersection.

Deputy Bangkok governor Pornthep Techapaiboon and senior police inspected the scene in the morning. Mr Pornthep said site engineers will be questioned about the cause of the scaffolding collapse.

One of the dead was identified as Payom Homkhao from Surin province, he said.

bangkokpost.com

The place is abviously cursed, having being built on a red indian burial ground.

and now for the important news .................


CPN: CentralWorld still open
29/10/2010

Central Pattana Plc (CPN) submit advised the president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on Friday that the collapse of scaffolding in the renovation area of Zen Department Store on Friday morning had not effected the CentralWorld shopping centre, reports said.

"CPN give notice that the scaffolding was part of the renovation of Zen Department Store, which has not been reopened.

"CPN was informed by Zen Department Store that the renovation work was covered by a construction all risks/third party liability insurance policy.

“CentralWorld has not been affected by the accident and is still operating as normal,” said the CPN letter, signed by the company’s secretary Naparat Sriwanvit.

Two workers were killed and six others injured in the accident.

bangkokpost.com


so rush on down to Krispy Kreem

.

Originally Posted by good2bhappy

health and safety?

Indeed. The race to mindlessly consume far exceeds expectations. A borrowed and nasty developed character trait.

SSO compo for dead workers
29/10/2010

Families of the two workers killed in the collapse of scaffolding in the renovation area of Zen Department Store on Friday morning are eligible for compensation from the Social Security Office, SSO director-general Chintana Yongprueksa said.

“The compensation is set at 100 times the 206 baht daily minimum wage, or 20,600 baht for funeral expenses. In addition, the victims’ heirs will get 60 per cent of their monthly wage for a period of eight years,” she said.

For the injured workers, each of them will receive compensation for medical treatment expenses, but no more than 40,000 baht per single admission.

If they become disabled persons, the appropriate compensation would be assessed by the doctor, said Mrs Chintana.

bangkokpost.com

Originally Posted by Mid

no more than 40,000 baht per single admission

I've known people here pay more than that for dental work.

Originally Posted by Mid

60 per cent of their monthly wage for a period of eight years

In most cases the fatality will be the sole breadwinner. So now a family has to be fed and educated on a smidgin over 120bht a day, based I assume on a 6 day week- if the company pays up at all. Totally inadequate.

Does the company's 'insurance policy' cover the substantial liabilities that would arise (in a civilised country) from a Damages settlement arising from their negligence and inadequate H & S? Presumably the Thai government would levy considerably fines too? Rhetorical questions, of course. TIT.

BMA: collapsed scaffolding at CentralWorld not up to standard
Nuttaporn Chanchokpong

BANGKOK, 30 October 2010 (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said the scaffolding at CentralWorld, which fell down killing two men on Friday, was not up to standard.

After authorities have inspected the collapsed scaffolding, the BMA Spokesperson said the Civil Engineering Department reported that the demolition process was not done correctly; the pole could not take the weight so it fell down. That area was the second floor of the Zen Tower area. The building was damaged by arson attacks during the Red Shirts demonstration in May.

For safety concern, the BMA has suspended the part of the reconstruction and prohibit people in the area while the police’s investigation is underway.

thainews.prd.go.th

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30141221.html

City officials probe scaffolding accident

By The Nation
Published on October 31, 2010

Public Works officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will call parties involved in a fatal accident at Central World on Friday for talks next week about the cause of the tragedy.

Two workers were killed and six others injured after the scaffolding collapsed at the Zen Department Store, which is being rebuilt after being set ablaze during the May protests. Department chief Jumpol Sampaopol inspected the scene early yesterday and said it seemed the scaffolding had collapsed because it couldn't contain the weight of a floor laid on it. Officials wanted to find out if the incident stemmed from recklessness or miscalculation.

He said the design submitted for permission was initially found to be legal, but the reconstruction was now suspended pending an inspection by engineers and a police investigation. Next week, he would call related parties to discuss the matter, he said.

Jumpol confirmed his office generally issued clear orders for building demolition and construction, but said they would strictly supervise demolition of the building.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Malinee Sukvejchavarakit yesterday visited three injured workers who remained at Police General Hospital. Two were still in the ICU - Jamnian Boonyong, 44, whose right arm was amputated, and Jamnong Boonyong, 17, who suffered a severe liver injury.

TAT to use CentralWorld as New Year countdown venue
December 04, 2010



The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will use CentralWorld shopping complex in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection as the venue for the upcoming New Year Countdown event as in previous years, along with other sites upcountry.

TAT Board Chairman Vichai Srikwan and TAT Governor Surapol Svetasreni said after their meeting that TAT would collaborate with private sector and choose CentralWorld as the event’s venue in Bangkok to welcome the year 2011. It will also organise a merit-making tour to nine temples in the capital. It is a Buddhist belief that making merit during an auspicious occasion will bring the merit-maker good fortune and good luck.



In other provinces, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will hold New Year’s countdown events in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the northeastern provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani, and in the southern province of Phuket and Songkhla’s Hat Yai district. Visitors from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are the main target traveller groups to enter Hat Yai.



Mr Surapol said since the beginning of November, the tourism atmosphere had been lively. According to official statistics from Nov 1-28, 939,000 tourist arrivals were recorded at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, a 6.21 per cent rise compared to the same period last year, while some 98,000 travellers, a 43 per cent increase from the previous year, arrived at Phuket Airport between Nov 1-19.

From January to October, there were 12.56 million tourists in total arriving in Thailand, representing a growth of 13.18 per cent year-on-year.






Chinese, South Korean and Taiwanese travellers were those whose numbers entering the country rose most highly.

The TAT governor said that the agency in cooperation with the Tourism and Sports Ministry will also conduct sales promotional campaigns in the central, northeast, and southern regions after the floods receded.

Caravans of volunteers and the private sector will help in rehabiliation work in areas affected by flooding.



pattayadailynews.com

Insurance ordered to pay $124M to burned Thai mall
March 1, 2013

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court has ordered an insurance company to pay $124 million in compensation to a major shopping mall in Bangkok that was badly burned during 2010 deadly political protests.

CentralWorld shopping complex was among dozens of buildings set on fire during a crackdown on demonstrators on May 19, 2010. The protesters had occupied Bangkok streets for nine weeks. More than 90 people were killed in the violence.

A Civil Court judge on Friday ordered Deves Insurance PCL to pay about 3.7 billion baht to the mall owner after the company refused to pay compensation.

According to the court’s ruling, evidence showed that the incident was not caused by terrorism, as the insurance company had claimed in its defense.

Deves Insurance PCL said the ruling would not affect its stability.

boston.com

Still preferred the old days when it was the World Trade Center

I'm not sure how these places make any profit at all??

In all the times I've been in Central World.. or the other malls in Bangkok, there doesn't seem to be a lot of shopping.

Not many people really doing actual shopping. they seem to just walk around, with 1 shopping bag if they're lucky.

Go into any big mall in the UK or the west and the shops have people inside them all shopping away. You'll be queueing up to get served for clothes.

I went to buy some shoes in Central World once.. i was the only person in the stores and about 10 members of staff "sawadee kaaa" me and swarmed around me like flies around a turd.

I remember one guy at an American Express stand insisted I'd be given a card despite me having no job at the time and about 11,000 Baht left in my bank. He was so sure I would be given one that I almost called his bluff. Maybe he assumed the usual stereotype of westerners.

Originally Posted by Mid

According to the court’s ruling, evidence showed that the incident was not caused by terrorism, as the insurance company had claimed in its defense.

Silly people, don't they recognise a Thai election campaign when they see one?

A few buildings get razed to the ground, a few dozen people shot. Pretty standard stuff here.

It was called terrorism when it suited the establishment, but when the establishment owners realized that claim could be used against them by the insurance company, the judge knew what he had to do. Again, you cannot win against these people - they have stitched up the entire country to their way of liking - and exclusve profits