Five years in making, megamall makes grand debut

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn enjoys a tour of Iconsiam accompanied by its director, Chadatip Chutrakul (second right) after presiding over its opening on Friday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

Iconsiam made its long-awaited grand debut on Friday to redefine the concept of a "super" luxurious landmark and destination in Thailand.

Opened by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the mall, with nine million sq m of retail space, is at the heart of the 54-billion-baht mega-city development project which aims to turn the 55-rai riverside site into a new Bangkok landmark.

The complex was inaugurated as scheduled, at a time when a new bid has been made to revitalise growth in the country's tourist industry, and the economic outlook has been dampened by political uncertainty ahead of next year's election.

Iconsiam's opening is viewed as a bright spot for the kingdom's economy, which has been growing only sluggishly with just a 4.6% rise in GDP.

Chadatip Chutrakul, director of ICONSIAM Co, Ltd, said Iconsiam will attract many people from around the world because the company intends to develop this project which tells diverse stories about Thailand's history and culture.

Guests enjoy the floral-themed decorations and extravagant lighting. Chanat Katanyu

Visitors explore the interior of the luxury mall.Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

Performance artists put on a show. Chanat Katanyu

People converge at the outdoor River Park area. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

Iconsiam by night. A large crowd attends the opening of the new landmark on the Chao Phraya River. Patipat Janthong

A bird's eye view of the interior of the 54-billion-baht multi-purpose complex. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill