By Lai Peixuan | Photos by STEPHEN TSAI
In recent years, Bangkok’s tourism industry has developed rapidly. Under the tourism goal of a “Fashionable Bangkok,” large shopping malls have been continuously opening in the city. Among them, “Central World,” located in Bangkok, claims to be the largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia. Opened in 2006, it was briefly closed during the 2010 Red Shirt protests but reopened after renovation. Today, Central World remains bustling with visitors, transforming Bangkok from merely a destination for budget shopping into a premier shopping hub.
Originally Bangkok’s World Trade Center, Central World spans an area of 830,000 square meters and is divided into six zones. It houses 36 newly introduced fashion brands, 50 restaurants, and combines with two other department stores—Zen and Isetan—to form the largest shopping complex near Chit Lom BTS Station.
Over 60% of the stores here are multi-brand outlets. The mall also features exclusive counters for many high-end brands including Charles Jourdan, Jurlique, Vivienne Tam, and the Chanel cosmetics section, ensuring shoppers can fulfill all their retail needs in one visit. Additionally, the Fashion and Trend Center (FTC), funded by the government, is located on the 6th floor of CentralWorld. The exhibition space, designed with a white theme, is divided into three sections mainly showcasing wearable items such as clothing and jewelry. A soon-to-be-launched library and reading area will house a collection of books and magazines related to fashion trends, providing the latest global style information. This not only allows both locals and tourists to access cutting-edge design and trend insights but also helps them better understand Thailand’s fashion design culture.
On the second floor of ZEN Department Store, there is a specially dedicated area called the Thai Designer's Gallery, which showcases ready-to-wear collections from multiple independent Thai designers. With unique styles, this section is the perfect choice for those who want to avoid fashion duplicates while traveling.