After making around of the malls yesterday: Platinum, Shibuya, Pratanum, Paragon, Discovery and MBK, I was wondering where Thailand could possibly get its innovation on myriad of products that are being sold in the malls? The activities in the Mall likewise are unique and compelling: Yoyo contest, live band by a teen age singing group, Madame Tussaud wax museum? The fashion, the trinkets, clothes etc are endless and they do not seem to look like China. There are no fakes?
What is driving this?
Very soon, my estimation is that BKK will replace HK as the shopping center of Asia. They are cheaper, no fakes, modern malls, plenty of cheap markets (Silom Pratanum). I understand, in my town, many vendors in the market place selling cheap items are no longer Moslem but Thais. They are on a rampage. I see too that there are Koreas in the mall.
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I would suppose compliance with the marching order of the king for sustained economy is behind this; hiring the best,hosting conventions etc. getting foreign professors to teach in their universities. For instance, at the penthouse of the discovery mall, there is an office, supported by the king, Royal Architect Society which I suppose does nothing but to be at the cutting edge of design.
Some pictures:
There are plenty of bargains. Do not expect most vendors to be courteous or issue you receipt. Business is brisk and many foreigners buy wholesale.
However all is not well in paradise. There was news just before we left that legit landowners and stallholders are having conflict. There is much illegal vending activity going on or unpaid fee to the city; the market masters or inspectors?
And I suppose the King being mindful of the happiness and prosperity of his people would not tax these vendors?
According to our tourist guide, most tourists' reason for being there is shopping
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