A forum organised at the beginning of the year at Bangkok took stock of developments in the Thai capital, analysing in particular the implications for the hotel sector. According to the forum organiser, Bill BarnettManaging Director of the consulting firm C9 HotelworksThe development of infrastructure in the metropolis will have a lasting effect on the city, which is undergoing major change.
" More than 450 km of track will be officially added over the next five years. This new accessibility throughout the city will transform Bangkok into the Asia's new 'Megacitya world-class megalopolis that will be rivalled only by Shanghai and Tokyo in the region. Bangkok is following in the footsteps of cities such as New York and London. "he said at the start of the forum.
His estimates of the number of km of track may be a little optimistic. But it is certain that by 2023Bangkok will be criss-crossed by seven to eight bus lines. metros and urban trains (compared with 5 at present), virtually doubling its network from 110 km of track to 270 km.
The government seems to be realising that an effective network of efficient transport will be key to Bangkok's economic success. This is why he recently decided to build a high-speed rail line linking the three airports in the capital. Three, because in addition to the two Don Mueang - reserved for low-cost carriers and home to AirAsia - and Suvarnabhumi where the international airlines, including Thai Airways, are concentrated, there is also the U-tapao/Pattaya hub. Admittedly, it is located 120 km from the capital, but the high-speed line will bring it to within forty minutes of the centre of Bangkok. This will de facto make it Bangkok's third air gateway.
the largest rail hub in South-East Asia
"Perfect access to Bangkok means more than just airport-city links. There's also the mega project to build a new central railway station at Bang Sueto the north of the capital. When completed, it will be the largest rail hub in South-East Asia."says Bill Barnett.
This infrastructure boom is attracting a lot of interest from property investors. The result is a boom in both private residences (flats) and hotels. After concentrating for several years on the capital's traditional business districts - essentially the areas along Sukhumvit, Silom/Sathorn and Siam Square - chain hotels are now establishing themselves in more and more of these areas. new districtshave become veritable business centres. This is the case around boulevard Rama 9 in the northern city centre, where, for example, the Unilever headquarters. Or around the Makassan station in the centre of Bangkok.
There are also a growing number of projects in the Rangsit district located in the north of the city, between the new Bang Sue central station and Don Mueang airport. " Many new hotels are appearing in the three-star + and four-star segments in the north of Bangkok. This is a major trend and is due to improved transport links. "explains Jesper PalmqvistAsia Pacific Director for STRa consultancy specialising in the hotel and retail sectors.
" Some districts are beginning to be rediscovered: Chinatown (Yaowarrat) is being taken over by boutique hotels, but one of the most spectacular developments is taking place along the Chao Praya river, because of its urban quality with incredible views over the city. "continues Jesper Palmqvist.
This part of Bangkok is attracting luxury hotels such as the recently opened Capella Hotel & Resort or future Four Seasons and Residences by Mandarin OrientalRecently, the beautiful neo-Palladian building that once housed the Royal Customs - a structure of over 130 years old - was finally closed to become a new luxury hotel.
The river is back at the heart of Bangkok's commercial life. " Le Chao Praya offers glamour, authenticity, services and above all excellent accessibility "added the director of the future ICONSIAM luxury shopping centre, Mr Supoj Chaiwatsirikul. The owners of this a new ultra-luxury mallAs hotel investors are wont to say, the hotel, wedged between the Peninsula and the Millennium Hilton, has generously decided to finance the underground line that will serve the centre. " A hotel's success can be summed up in three words: its location, its location and its location. ". Bangkok understands this!
